In the Dressing Room with The Devil Herself: Emma Vauxdevil on Creating Cobweb Cabaret
As gothic burlesque's most distinctive production captivates audiences, Emma Vauxdevil reflects on the conviction that transformed an improbable idea into a world of its own
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Photo Credit: @escaperealife
If you'd asked someone to predict where a Texas cheerleader would end up, gothic burlesque provocateur probably wouldn't have topped the list.
Then again, Emma Vauxdevil has always known how to make an entrance ;).
Like any accomplished burlesque performer, Emma understood the power of the slow reveal. Years of dedicated practice, careful refinement and unwavering devotion to her vision preceded the moment audiences met "The Devil Herself."
What began as dress-up in front of a childhood mirror eventually became Cobweb Cabaret, a gothic burlesque production built with uncompromising artistic direction. It stands as proof that some dreams aren't found; they're built so boldly that they create a place people didn't realize they'd been looking for all along.
Ahead, Emma reflects on the winding road from growing up in Texas to taking centre stage on the West Coast, reflecting on the perseverance that forged an improbable dream into the career she couldn't imagine living without.
1. Before we meet “The Devil Herself,” can you take us back to your childhood in Texas? Were you always the budding performer putting on living-room talent shows, or did that side of you emerge later?
I was ALWAYS playing dress up and spending hours in front of my parents's full length mirror, however when I heard anyone coming I would act like nothing was going on. I wanted so badly to be involved in school plays and dance but I lacked the confidence (and honestly not to be cruel to younger me, but lacked the talent too haha). I did cheerleading in middle school, 90% because I wanted the outfit. I do still have it. I am no cheerleader.
2. Your gothic aesthetic is truly iconic! Who inspired you as you began cultivating your own look? Do you remember the first time you saw someone fully embracing a gothic aesthetic and how it made you feel?
Thank you! If I were to accredit anyone to exposing me to the alternative fashion side of it, I'd have to say Kerli circa 2007. I'd probably also have to credit my Father. He is a very modest Texan man, buuuuuut deep down I know he's a ghoul.
He would only decorate for Halloween and he read me the more "eclectic" stories before bed. Coraline, Series of Unfortunate Events, and this children's book called Mona the Vampire that has very darling art, and more.
I didn't actually have a gothic style icon growing up that I used as inspiration, but I've listened to the music before I even had black hair so I think that deserves brownie points. :-P
3. Your incredible stage show now combines classic burlesque with some genuinely astonishing sideshow skills, including fire eating and sword swallowing. How did you first enter that world, and what does it take to become confident performing those feats in front of an audience?
I actually did fire loooong before any burlesque. For sword, I just like to keep pushing the envelope for myself so I had learned it 2-3 years into my burlesque career. It's now been over a decade of sword swallowing which is insane.
I'm kinda built to be a, "hey watch this," when I'm on stage so confidence doesn't seem to be a challenge... I say it that way because there have been times I absolutely should have rehearsed it MUCH more. I will say, the last time I was nervous doing one of my sword acts was the first time I swallowed a sword with a rose on the top and cut it with my whip.
I'm way more attuned to the skill now, but ya know when adrenaline kicks in it's hard to feel things. I was nervous I would somehow hurt myself on stage and not play it off or something. Or just totally embarrass myself, but thats really hard to do. Doing anything on stage the first time feels SO vulnerable.
Photo Credit: @rachel.z.photography
4. Your gothic-inspired costumes deepen the show’s darker undertones and offer alternative audience members a wonderful sense of recognition. How involved are you in developing each look, and do any of your earliest costumes make you giggle now? While we aren’t supposed to have favourites, are there a few front-runners that you particularly loved?
I am so motivated by the costuming aspect of my line of work, so I am always involved! I do my own rhinestoning and designing. I lack patience for sewing, so I'll usually hire someone to custom make my pieces. I have many sketches of costumes that have never come to fruition, but it's still fun to sketch out the ideas.
For early costumes: They were VERY burlesque starter pack (corset, gloves, bra, thong), but they weren't half bad! I was trying to think of any costume I cringed at and I can only think of ones that someone else put me in. I would feel that way.
Photo Credit: @rachel.z.photography
5. Cobweb Cabaret debuted in Houston in 2021. Where did the original idea come from, and how did you approach turning the show you envisioned into something audiences could step inside?
I wanted to produce my own show for years prior, but I did not have the experience to even comprehend going about this.
I worked with a theatre that unfortunately shut down in 2020, and after co-creating a smaller weekly show I decided to just take the leap. I had NO idea (I'm literally the queen of fake it till you make it) what I was getting into, but it was fun and exciting. That's all I need as motivation.
I still have the sticky note of name choices and Cobweb Cabaret was on there. I think staying true and consistent to the, "vibe, brand, aesthetic," (to speak modern internet) has been the foundation of creating its own world. There is no detail compromised!
6. If you could invite any guest performer into the Cobweb Cabaret program for the evening, who would receive the call?
Can I come out of left field and ask for Sabrina Carpenter or should I be more realistic and on brand and say Elvira? I joke but honestly both are my icons.
7. And, if one designer agreed to create a couture costume for you, whose name would be at the top of your list?
It’s a verrrrry difficult decision between Bob Mackie and the late great Thierry Mugler.
8. Our August issue is centred on devotion, and your work reflects the kind of polish built through years of dedicated practice. What keeps you returning to the stage, even when the work behind it becomes demanding?
It's honestly the most rewarding thing I could possibly be doing. Every show I throw feels like a birthday party, I am so thankful.
The admin side of things are NOT what I want to do, but someone has to and I haven't had the budget to hire anyone. If I want the showgirl fantasy, I gotta do the hours and hours on my laptop and iPad.Truly though I don't think I'm capable of considering another option. I want it so bad.
Photo Credit: @escaperealife
9. Cobweb Cabaret is the first and only of its kind, bringing alternative and gothic culture centre stage—literally. What advice would you give another alternative person dreaming of disrupting their industry and creating space for the weirdos like us? What has helped you remain devoted to your authentic self, even when doing so felt difficult?
I've always been a bit headstrong in being myself and doing things my way. I did have a short period of time when I first moved to LA where I tried to fit inside a specific box for jobs.
I will say, sometimes it just takes experimenting and exploration to understand where your truth lies. There were things from that time that I kept and grew with. This isn't something you can be perfect in, and the best way to learn is experience.
Listen to your heart, you know when you're being true to yourself vs doing what you think is popular. We need more than ever people to break molds and be creative!
How I see it, fitting in is a bad thing.
Finally, the obvious....you know when you're copying, just don't!
10. What are you dreaming up next for Emma Vauxdevil? And where would you love to see Cobweb Cabaret spin its web from here?
For myself, I am working on a few business ventures that I don't want to reveal just yet, but they would add a brand new avenue to what I have to offer. I also want to do more film photography of myself and my beautiful friends. Photography though is a hobby of mine, but it intersects seamlessly with my show life.
Im a full time believer in manifestation, and I'm going to use this as an opportunity to say I'd love to walk the runway again. Before creating Vauxdevil I did some modeling and I liiiiiivdd to be on a runway.
For Cobweb, I really want to bring it to even more gorgeous historic theatres! I would love to tour, like an actual legitimate tour. I have held the show in five cities so far, but I want to go everywhere. I do also want to add more theatric production to the show, I have sooooooo many ideas.
Photo Credit: @escaperealife
Every exceptional creation begins with a leap of faith.
There are easier careers than swallowing swords, breathing fire and building an entirely new corner of the alternative world from scratch. Emma chose this one anyway. If there's an idea you can't seem to leave behind, maybe it's because it isn't finished with you yet.
If you're in San Francisco on August 8, experience Cobweb Cabaret for yourself. Follow Emma Vauxdevil and Cobweb Cabaret on Instagram for upcoming performances, and subscribe below to receive our free monthly digital issue, where conversations like this continue to unfold.
