Who is Emeka Agada

Emeka Agada is a classically trained actor from Mississauga who has appeared in several films, television and theatre productions.  Emeka is a member of Crane Creation Theatre Company’s 2020 Summer Ensemble.

Training

Emeka is studying in the U.K at the Guildford School of Acting. The Guildford School of Acting in the UK has been turning out theatre performers for more than 85 years, and is a highly recognized school for their training. Check out this article from the Observer about this exciting new journey and his thoughts on what it is like to be a Canadian Actor.

Experience

Emeka is an accomplished Nigerian-Canadian actor. Emeka is a star of stage and screen, Emeka has appeared in some of your favourite television series such as The Reacher, The Nurses, and The Ransom, and Ruby and the Well. You may also recognize his voice as the form Blues Clues & You on TVOKids, or on the Odd Squad. He was in the action film Suicide Squad in 2016, directed by David Ayer and starring Will Smith. Emeka’s ability to transform into his roles seamlessly has been recognized by the once held SEARS Drama Festival (now named NTS:DRAMAFEST) with a regional award in acting. He accredits much of his training to the Kingsborough Theatre Program in New York City. View Emaka’s IMBD page to see his full body of work.

Emeka is an Director, Writer and Producer

Emeka is also a director, writer and producer. He wrote and directed, produced as well as starred in the upcoming television series The Northern Wake.

Emeka’s recent theatre experience

• Emekas most recent theatre credits include being part of We Could Be from Green Light Arts in Kitchener Ontario Canada. We Could Be is a brand-new theatrical production from Green Light Arts commissioned from 5 exciting Waterloo Region Playwrights. Tied together by themes of hope and resilience, this cluster of playlets was created specifically for this moment; a recognition of where we are — and where we could be. 

Content Creation

Emeka is also a content creator and has written content for Arts Guide Missisauga.

Summer Ensemble 2020

Emeka Agada is a 2020 Crane Creations Summer Ensemble Member.

What is the Summer Ensemble

The Summer Ensemble is an 8 week training program for theatre artists. In this paid working opportunity artists learn skills required to be a professional artist in Canada, and gain valuable insights into the theatre industry in Canada and abroad. To apply artists must be between 18 and 30 years of age.

Emeka  is one of the first summer ensemble members to join the team in October 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to lock down restrictions a large portion of the program was conducted over zoom. Emeka as well as the rest of Crane Creations 2020 Summer Ensemble handled the transition beautifully, and Emeka was quickly able to adapt his talents to a Zoom’s online platform.

Emeka is an Actor in the 2020 Summer Ensemble

What is an Actor?

An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs in the theatre, film, radio, television, or digital media. The analogous Greek term is ὑποκριτής. The meaning translates to “one who answers”.

What does an actor do?

An actor’s doesn’t just memorize lines and look pretty. An actor has a fun but important role in creating a story. They are responsible for interpreting and embodying the character in a play, television series, or film. To do this well many actors rehearse and train their bodies and voices regularly. They study their script and consult with the director and scene partners about their interpretation of the character.

The main concern of an actor should always be understanding what a character wants or needs and then what they are is doing to achieve this action. A want or a need is also called an objective, or motivation. What an actor is doing is referred to an action or a tactic. An Actor Acts. A good actor makes many different and thoughtful choices about what the character is doing. A very good actor can make many creative choices, and is always ready to change their actions on the fly.

Actors sometimes require additional special skills. For example, an actor in a Broadway musical may also need to know how to sing and dance. An actor is a puppet show must know how to operate a puppet. Professional Improvisers need to know how to create a character and make up a story on the spot without any preparation. An actor in an action blockbuster film may also be trained in stage combat and martial arts.

Who is Emeka Agada? An Interview with Emaka

Why did you decide to become an actor. What does being an actor mean to you?

It was a career field that really spoke to me at the time. Nothing else gave me such fire to pursue. Being an actor to me, is being able to bring the community together through storytelling. 

How do you prepare for a role?

Making sure I am well rested and happy. Once those two things are down, then I just jump into the deep end and see where the story takes me.

What was your favourite part of Summer Ensemble?

Meeting other artists who bring unique skills to the table and being able to collaborate during a time of uncertainty. 

How did you fall in love with acting?

I loved watching movies, and after every film, I would always try to emulate my favourite characters on the car ride home from the movie theatre. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?

Ask yourself why you want to do this. Once you know the answer, always remind yourself when things get tough. It will take you further than you think. 

What are you up to right now? What are you planning to do next?

I’m currently completing my MFA in Acting. Right now, I’m eager to write some stories and get behind the camera. 

What are your hobbies? What is something that you are passionate about?

For me, I love all sports. Tennis is on my list of skills I would like to get better at. 

What is your favourite food to eat?

Anything spicy! 

What is your favourite food to make?

Spaghetti and meatballs 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you travel?

I would probably travel to one of those off the coast islands and get lost. WILSON! 

What is your favourite play and why?

A Raisin In The Sun, it’s just one of those plays that is real and has the ability to bring a community together.

We wish all the best for Emeka as he travels across the U.K. to continue his acting journey. You can be sure to see Emeka on your screens, we look forward to seeing more of him on our television and movie screens in the future. When Emeka is not transforming into roles, you can be sure to catch him dipping his hands into some artistic paintings. He is a great model and has an amazing smile that even camera will want to catch.