Texas State Grad Emma Elizabeth Smith Takes Center Stage in the Broadway Touring Production of ‘SIX’
Ahead of the show’s stop in Austin this January, we spoke with Smith about her journey from college training to starring in a national tour
After graduating from Texas State University in 2024, Emma Elizabeth Smith has now stepped into a national spotlight. Smith landed a coveted role in the Broadway touring production of the global hit musical “SIX,” as Catherine of Aragon. Her college dream quickly turned into a career-defining moment, placing Smith in this show that reimagines history through pop anthems, powerhouse vocals and unapologetic female energy.
Before the show comes to Bass Concert Hall as part of the Broadway In Austin season January 21 – 25, we chatted with Smith about her time at Texas State and how her career has taken off since.
TRIBEZA: Can you tell us about the transition from being a Texas State student to now starring in the show?
SMITH: To be honest, I’m still in shock that I have made it to this point. Looking back, I’m still like, ‘how exactly did I get here?’ But I could not be more grateful to be in this position.
I graduated in 2024, and then I moved to New York that fall and spent those months really developing relationships with different casting directors. I was fortunate enough to be signed with a team who really, really believes in me and was putting me in rooms I felt like I wasn’t necessarily ready for, but they threw me in the deep end and, fortunately, it paid off.
The best thing you can do is lead with your personality and just be very friendly and open. I’ve never felt more rooted for and just more celebrated for being simply who I am.
In an audition, if I was asked to do something hard, I found myself saying, ‘Okay, that’s hard, but let’s try it.’ Casting directors want to see that you work well under pressure and can keep your cool, and just go in and have fun and play. We create theater; it’s all make-believe and fun.
TRIBEZA: Is there anything that has surprised you about working in professional theatre?
SMITH: I don’t think I realized how trusted I would be. Of course, in rehearsals, everything is so detailed. But once you get on stage, it really is just up to you on how that performance is going to go.
After six weeks of rehearsal, to finally be put in the arena was really a cool moment. It was my first professional moment ever, so it was something I felt ready for, but it was truly amazing to have my POV now on stage.
TRIBEZA: Is there any aspect of Catherine’s personality that you really enjoy bringing out?
SMITH: The part I love about her is how she really does celebrate herself when telling her story. Being able to map that journey from anger to joy to vulnerability to celebration is really cool. It shows that when women are being firm and direct, it doesn’t just show anger. You see her regain her strength and the joy that brings her.
TRIBEZA: Is there a professor or experience at Texas State that had a lasting impact on you?
SMITH: Kaitlin Hopkins (Head of Musical Theatre, Department of Theatre and Dance, College of Fine Arts and Communication). She built this program and is the definition of a strong woman in a leadership position.
When you’re 18 to 22, those are very formative years. She definitely kept her standards high for me, but I think it paid off in the best way. I just felt that as a young woman, she really helped me find the strength in my self-worth, when it comes to performance and also just when it comes to who I am when I walk in a room.
TRIBEZA: What’s your favorite song in the show besides your own?
SMITH: I absolutely love “I Don’t Need Your Love” remix. It’s the complete reclaiming of our story with all 6 of us, and the music itself is awesome. The song is beautiful, and the choreography is super fun, but it’s the first time the audience is putting together what we’ve been doing the whole time and they’re celebrating with us. It ties the bow to the end of the show.
TRIBEZA: The fan base for the show is amazing. What do you appreciate about the audience?
SMITH: It is always a party at the palace! These fans do not mess around.
They love seeing different powerful women put their takes on it. They’ll say, I love what you did with that, that’s your version. The fans identify with different queens stepping into the same role.
I love getting to interact with fans and hearing their thoughts and insights. It’s just so fun to go out every night knowing that the people watching are so invested.
TRIBEZA: When you come to Austin, what spots are you recommending to the cast and crew?
SMITH: They have to go shopping on South Congress. Breakfast tacos have to be had. Jo’s Coffee on South Congress is iconic. My friends and I love Uchi and Uchiko for sushi. I hope everyone gets some good Tex-Mex.
Catch Smith in “Six”
You can watch Emma Elizabeth Smith performing in “SIX” in Austin, January 21-25. Tickets are available at texasperformingarts.org.
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