Meet Emma Parks! Hot off the heels of her supporting lead role in the recently released film The Short Game, Emma is taking the industry by storm with her unwavering spirit, as well as an inspiring perspective on a career built by hand through hard work and intense training.
Parks sums up her most recent project by telling us: “The Short Game is a heartwarming story of reconciliation between two brothers. It follows high school golf prodigy, Jeremy Avery, and his younger autistic brother, Ethan. Faced with one final shot at a state title—and the scholarship that comes with it—Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision: pursue his dream or stand by his brother.”
Emma Parks with her trailer on the set of The Short Game
At the beginning of her blossoming career, Parks met career landmarks on the set of The Short Game. Parks expresses, “Being part of this film was a major milestone for me. It was my first official SAG project, and from the moment I arrived on set, I knew it would be something truly special. There was a shared understanding among the cast and crew of the story’s significance, and that respect and dedication infused every moment of the production.” About her on-set experience as a young member of the team, Parks mentions, “The energy on set was truly electric from day one. I’ll never forget arriving at 4 a.m., seeing the crew in full swing, meeting the team for the first time, and stepping into my first trailer. Every day brought new lessons, experiences, and joys, and I will cherish the memories we made forever.”
The Short Game is more than inspiring, it is a piece of art that truly represents life. Parks notes that many parts of the production process were influential to her, but one factor stands out among the rest. Emma tells us, “One of the most inspiring aspects of the film is that Owen Himfar, the extraordinary actor portraying Ethan, is also neurodivergent. This was not a film that merely talked about inclusion—they embodied it. To be part of a project made with such love and intentionality that speaks so powerfully to the importance of looking beyond labels is an honor I will always carry with me.”
Emma Parks on the set ofThe Short Game
Parks shares a behind-the-scenes tidbit about the film, noting “I was actually originally set to play a smaller role within the film, but two days in, the actress playing Carly had to drop out. To my surprise, the director pulled me aside and asked if I would step in. He told me he believed in me—that he knew I could bring Carly to life with truth and honesty. Of course, I was terrified. I’m the kind of actor who thrives on preparation, and suddenly I had almost none. Every night became a race to memorize the next day’s scenes, and every spare moment was spent breaking down the script. It pushed me harder than anything I’d done before; it tested my skills as an actor, forcing me to stay fully present and trust my training. Yet, in many ways, this became a gift. I discovered not only that I could rely on my training, but also that sometimes the most important skill is learning to release the preparation once the cameras roll—and simply live in the moment.”
Emma Parks on the set of The Short Game
Now with her first SAG project under her belt, Emma Parks has been in the performance industry long enough to feel at home on any set, but her dreams of becoming an actor goes back to her childhood. Parks says, “From the very first moment I saw Julie Andrews twirling atop the green hills in The Sound of Music, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life, and that calling has never wavered. Acting has always been the dream, and I feel so fortunate that that dream has become a reality. To wake up every day and get to do what I love is a gift I will never take for granted.”
Emma first visited Actors Training Center when she was in middle school, and carries close relationships with fellow ATC alumni and instructors as the years have passed by. Reflecting on her journey with ATC, Parks tells us, “I first became involved with ATC after moving to Chicago in 7th grade. Acting and performing had always been one of my favorite things in the world, but it wasn’t until I discovered ATC that I was given the chance to take classes and begin truly honing my craft. My very first teacher there was Adam Goldstein, and he would go on to change my life in ways I could never have anticipated. His belief in me and unwavering support shaped not only my growth as an actor but also as a person. Without his encouragement, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. To this day, Adam has remained both my longtime acting coach and a trusted mentor who has deeply influenced my journey. I will always be grateful that I walked into his class at ATC.”
Emma Parks in 9 to 5 at Actors Training Center, 2018
The community built within Actors Training Center extends beyond the studio walls, and Parks’ experience speaks to the values instilled with industry-grade training. Parks attributes much of her success to those that have mentored her, mentioning, “ATC helped me believe in myself enough to pursue my dream. The positive feedback and words of encouragement I received from ATC teachers like Adam Goldstein and Alex Thompson gave me the courage to give a career in the performance industry my all. They inspired me to continue my training and eventually apply to NYU and the rest is history.”
Now an alum of the NYU Tisch School of Drama, Parks reflects, “The training I received at ATC was profoundly influential in shaping my journey. The wide range of classes I was able to take gave me the confidence to step into different areas of performance with ease, whether that be film, television, or live theater. ATC provided me with a strong foundation, helping me understand the subtle distinctions between mediums and preparing me to navigate them with comfort and skill. That training not only allowed me to thrive in my high school theater program but also gave me the confidence to walk into college auditions fully prepared.”
Emma Parks celebrating her graduation from the NYU Tisch School of Drama
Delving into the following steps through her career, Parks mentions, “Since graduating, I’ve had the privilege of working on several films and the opportunity to perform in two Off-Broadway productions. In 2024, I co-wrote, starred in, and produced my first short film, Dirty Towel, alongside my incredible cousin, Callie Carpinteri. The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in New York City and has since screened at more than 25 festivals, earned multiple awards, and reached nearly a million views on YouTube within just one month.”
Emma Parks in Dirty Towel
Drawing on her training to keep her steady in a fast-paced career, Emma notes that being a part of the performance industry can still feel like a dream. About seeing her work on the big screen, Emma Parks expresses, “It was nothing short of surreal. I’ve spent so long training in hopes of one day getting the chance to work on a project like The Short Game. Watching it come to life on the big screen was a powerful reminder of what perseverance and hard work can lead to. Truthfully, though, the most impactful part of this experience has been hearing people’s reactions to the film. Seeing that it has made people feel seen, that it has reminded them of the strength in our differences, and the simple but profound power of kindness —that is the most rewarding part of having this film out in the world.”
Emma parks in Dirty Towel
Emma Parks demonstrates a commitment to her craft that is reflective of the Actors Training Center spirit, centering her artistic community, maintaining her training, and acknowledging the real-world effects of a piece of art. Actors Training Center is proud to highlight Emma Parks as a Featured Alum.
