Daily Inspiration: Meet Andrea Emmes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Emmes.

Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a performer for over 25 years, getting my start in musical theatre. It’s been a fun ride working as a Magician’s Assistant, performing at theme parks – notably singing as Ariel at Walt Disney World’s The Voyage of the Little Mermaid show, headlining in a girl group in Las Vegas, acting in film/tv, releasing an album, and working as an associate game designer for Disney Interactive.

Now I’m an award-winning audiobook narrator/voice-over actor and animation film producer.

At the height of my career in 2006, I was injured in a stunt show and was diagnosed with a neurological pain disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which was crippling and forced me to retire from everything really. It was devastating and I went through hell and back both emotionally and physically. After years of working with amazing doctors, surgeries, therapy and gaining some functionality back, I realized I needed to figure out what my next step was going to be. I went back to college and received a degree in Game Art and Design (studied animation and video game design) and worked as an associate game designer for a couple of years.

In 2010, I connected with director Cinzia Angelini who brought me on as Producer for her animated short film, “Mila” and that was the start of an incredible new journey for me that has been both challenging and rewarding. Especially since the project was volunteer based working with 350 artists from 35 different countries. Cinzia and I were also working on “Mila” in our free time, and we had to ‘rewrite and rediscover’ how to produce an animated film because we were working with one of the largest remote international teams ever. The film is inspired by her mother’s experience as a child in Italy during the bombing in 1943 during World War II when she and her family had to flee their home. “Mila” focuses on the collateral damage that war brings – those left behind, seen through the lens of a child.

Also, during this time, after I was laid off from my game design position and struggled to find more design work, my husband encouraged me to pull out my voice-over equipment and try my hand at audiobook narration. I’m so grateful for him pushing me because it’s been the best move of my acting career that I’ve made so far.

In 2014, I produced my first audiobook, studied the art/technique of narration and decided that I was going to dive headfirst and work to make this my full-time job. It took me about 3 years of learning the craft and working with amazing indie authors before I began working with publishers. Voice-over/Audiobook Narration has been ideal for me when working with my disability because I have a professional studio at home, so if a pain flare hits me, I can take a break and come back to it after I’ve rested. Being able to perform again behind the mic has been liberating and so fulfilling as I really missed performing. I continue to work hard to be better than I was the day before and have been honored with some awards and recognition amongst my peers.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I mentioned, living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome – Stage 1 has been a major challenge as I’ve had to re-learn to do so many “simple” things like walk, stand, etc. and learn to manage the pain throughout the day. I had to give up a lot of my life and dreams in dealing with with this disorder but have been very grateful to all of the doctors, therapists, trainers, friends and family who have seen me through this.

Within the ups and downs of life and learning to live with my own ‘beautiful brokenness’, I’ve learned that I don’t have to allow my disability or being differently abled limit or define me. My dreams are still attainable and I’ve never been happier.

No matter what challenges we are facing in our lives – mental, emotional, physical, etc. – we are capable of anything. We can still live our best life and fulfill our dreams. It’s going to be hard, but if we can surround ourselves with a solid support system, there isn’t anything we can’t achieve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an avid reader my entire life, it’s such a thrill to be able to bring books to life as my career. I love narrating audiobooks! I have a professional booth at home, though I do still go into the studio when asked, which is always nice – especially post-COVID as it’s great to see people face to face again. The best part is working with an engineer and director where I only have to focus on the performance. Usually in my booth at home, I’m wearing many creative hats – acting, editing, and self-directing.

Interpreting the author’s story and breathing life into their characters is a beautiful challenge and one of my favorite things. I work on a variety of genres from children’s books, young adult, mystery, LitRPG, romance, nonfiction, sci-fi and fantasy, and each brings its own journey and approach that makes it a great day in the recording booth. It’s fun to play all of the characters, do a lot of accents and take the listener on an emotional journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreaemmes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aemmesnarrator/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.emmes.7
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaemmesnarrator/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aemmes
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreaemmes