A Friendly Face for Your Baby’s First Theatre Experience

If you have seen any of Orlando Family’s Stage’s Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) productions over the last few years, you may have noticed a familiar face over and over. Actress Emily Lupfer has appeared in every TVY play we have done! You have seen her as Mother Bear in Teddy Bear’s Picnic, a puppeteer in Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go!, and DJ in Dinosaur Dance Party. Emily has become an important part of Orlando Family Stage’s mission to inspire and engage families of our youngest audiences!

A Passion for Storytelling

Emily’s journey into the world of theater began with a simple love of storytelling. “I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and that love of storytelling and creativity naturally evolved into a passion for theater,” she shares. This foundation has driven her to explore the unique nuances of performing for babies and preschool-aged children, an experience she describes as both rewarding and significant. Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go! and Dinosaur Dance Party were both world premieres right here at Orlando Family Stage (OFS). As the first actress to take on these roles, she helped shape a lot of the characterization, which will live on in the script forever!

“What’s most rewarding about performing for this demographic is the reality that we’re likely one of the first live theater performances they’re experiencing. It’s such a special thing to be a part of, and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.” Emily recognizes the profound impact her performances can have, planting the seeds for a lifelong love of the arts.

Creating Magical Moments

One of the highlights of Emily’s work is the genuine interaction she has with young audience members. “These ages aren’t filtering their reactions, and it’s so fun to witness their genuine responses–delight, wonder, focus, surprise, determination, joy,” she reflects. These spontaneous moments, often unscripted, not only bring joy to the children but also create lasting memories for Emily. She shares, “Hearing their giggles and watching their excitement as they meet their favorite characters never fails to bring a smile to my own face.”

Adjusting her performance style to suit different developmental stages is a skill she has honed over the years. “Older audiences might enjoy a more energetic, full-speed-ahead approach, while a younger audience often appreciates a more gentle energy with the opportunity to acclimate to the environment. I’m quickly evaluating our audience and allowing those observations to dictate my volume, movements, energy, and interactions throughout the performance.” This adaptability ensures that each child feels seen and included in the magical experience of live theater.

A Journey Through the TVY Productions

Emily’s performances in OFS’s TVY productions have allowed her to grow as an artist. “TVY is such a unique experience as a performer. The shows have all been very different, but they share some similarities that are specific to the genre: the lack of a fourth wall, improv, audience interaction, and the need to always expect the unexpected.” Her creativity shines through in her work with puppetry, which she embraced with enthusiasm. “I’m so grateful that the roles I’ve been trusted with in these three shows have allowed me to practice these skill sets, and learn new ones too! Puppetry was new to me when I was cast in my first TVY show, but over the years I’ve had the opportunity to practice and hone this skill. Developing a vibrant personality for a [mostly] non-verbal puppet friend is a creative journey that I will always welcome.”

In her current role as Crabbers the crab in Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go!, Emily captures the playful spirit of her character, describing him as “playful, curious, and, like many sidekicks, just a touch mischievous.” Through Crabbers, she not only entertains but also teaches children about exploration and friendship in a world of imagination.

The Importance of Community and Teamwork

Touring Central Florida with the TVY productions has been another highlight for Emily. “My favorite part about touring is that no two days are the same. We walk into a new venue and see if for the first time right before performing, so we have to quickly work together to evaluate the best way to utilize the space and talk through any necessary contingencies. Sometimes moments are even adjusted on the fly during a performance, without the luxury of talking it through first,” she explains. Each new venue presents a fresh set of challenges, but it also fosters a strong sense of teamwork among the cast. “Teamwork is a necessity, and ‘go with the flow’ should be the motto of our TVY tours,” Emily emphasizes.

Values in Action

Emily sees Orlando Family Stage’s values of Inclusion, Inspiration, Creativity, and Connection reflected vividly in her work on the TVY plays. “Inclusion is represented when we invite our audience to join us and play on stage at key moments in the show,” she explains. “But it goes further than that—we engage with children of varying abilities and comfort levels, adapting to create an environment where everyone feels included.” Inspiration thrives throughout the pirate adventure of Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go! as characters embrace the unexpected, allowing the island environment and found objects to guide their journey. “In our show, creativity is fueled by the power of play and discovery,” Emily adds. “We use our imaginations to transform ordinary objects into something extraordinary, whether it’s a barrel becoming a pirate ship or sailing across imaginary waves.” Connection is another cornerstone of their performances. “We focus on creating meaningful moments with each audience member,” she says, highlighting interactions like a puppet greeting someone personally or a pirate complimenting a child’s seashell placement. “These moments not only foster individual connections but also encourage families to bond and perhaps make new friends.” Through her work, Emily embodies the essence of OFS’s core values, creating an enriching experience for everyone involved.

Join the Adventure!

Emily believes that attending a TVY production is a valuable experience for families. “In addition to the developmental benefits and promoting early exposure to the arts, it’s a unique opportunity to participate in something together as a family. And I promise, it’s not just fun for kids–grown-ups are allowed to play pirate for a day, too!”

For families looking to create memorable experiences, attending a kid-friendly production at Orlando Family Stage is a fantastic choice. With Emily Lupfer as a key part of the team, every show promises to entertain and inspire. As she beautifully puts it, “With creativity, anything can happen!”