My Story

1. What initially hooked you about this role, and how has your understanding of the character deepened (or shifted) since rehearsals began?

I have been a huge fan of The Music Man since I first was shown the movie in my middle school chorus class. “Marian Paroo might just be my favorite role yet.” Marian is an intelligent, stubborn, and passionate character who loves two things, her family and music. Emmaline loves getting to dive into characters but it’s even more fun when that character has so many similarities to you as a performer. For Emmaline, the rehearsal process started when she got the offer to play Marian back in March, since then she’s been singing “My White Knight” daily just to get that right sound but now that it’s actually coming together she couldn’t be happier with the final results.

2. Can you walk us through the journey that led you to the Wolfahrt Haus stage-any turning points or mentors who nudged you in our direction?

Emmaline started acting classes back in the first grade and started singing in middle school so she has pretty much always known what she wanted to do. Emmaline was lucky enough to meet George Bailey and Ali Bales at The Unified Professional Theatre Auditions in Memphis back in 2024. At the time she was auditioning everywhere she could and was paying bills by working as a bartender and server at The Cheesecake Factory. Working in the food industry has always been Emmaline’s survival job, so when given the opportunity to serve AND do what she really loves she just couldn’t turn it down.

3. Performing several shows a week can be a marathon-what personal routines or backstage rituals keep each performance feeling fresh for you?

Emmaline has a secret weapon to keep up with a busy show week, sour gummy worms! When it’s a show day Emmaline gets up and warms up her voice and body with a good stretch and some vocal exercises. She keeps up her health by going to the Wytheville Rec center to work out and stay strong or just to relax in the hot tub after a long show week.

4. Is there a recent audience reaction or behind-the-scenes moment that really stuck with you? What made it memorable?

My favorite part about working at the WHDT is getting to be out in the house before, during, and after the shows. She has met so many wonderful people from all over and still finds it amazing how far people will travel for a quality show and fine dining experience. “I think some of my favorite interactions would have to be with those who have traveled all the way from Georgia just like me, I like feeling like I have family out in audience watching.”

5. Outside of acting, what creative passions fuel you, and how do they spill over into the work we see onstage?

When not onstage performing, Emmaline has a passion for costumes and loves helping to fix some zippers or hem a pretty dress. She likes to be able to watch the show and see one of her ideas or projects be brought to life. Emmaline also thoroughly enjoys working with children’s theatre! Here at the WHDT, she has recently performed in the Children’s show “Aesop Fables Greatest Hits” and her favorite part was getting to answer all of the students questions about performing.