Emma Gregory

Ironically, throughout most of my childhood, I wanted to be an attorney. It had been my dream job since I could talk. As I grew, I fell in love with all forms of visual art. I dreamed of being a performer like the dancers at Disneyland, the actors in movies, and the famous singers that I idolized. While I still planned on become an attorney, I was fascinated with stage work and acting; I wanted to pursue them as a hobby. Unfortunately, I never really invested myself in performing arts, despite my love for them, opting to pursue things that would help me as an attorney. That is, until I entered high school.

I had made a few attempts to participate in theatrical productions throughout my life, but my investment in theatrical performance really started in high school. My freshman year, I auditioned for my high school's production of 'A Christmas Carol.' I didn't get in- I'm not an impressive vocalist... and walking into a musical audition audition saying “I don’t sing” usually doesn’t bode well. I decided I still wanted to be a part of it, and applied to be apart of the technical crew. I fell in love with backstage and set work, and continued to do it for the next four years. I grew more knowledgeable, capable, and reliable the more I worked. From there I became a lead carpenter, set designer, and eventual stage manager. This string of coincidences brought me to something that I am unendingly passionate about. Because of this newfound love and skill, I decided to change my career path and pursue theatre. 

I never quite understood the 'pursue what you love, no matter what' sentiment until I fell in love with theatre. I left behind a six-figure (pretty much) guaranteed career path to pursue a job that is objectively not very viable. But, no matter the money, I love  theatre, every facet of it. I have a love that I have never experienced before. Even when it's hard- when I'm stressed and overwhelmed- I love every second of it. A passion like this is something that can't be recreated and is more valuable than all of the money in the world. I chose theatre because I would spend every waking moment stage managing and building if I could, because it makes me happy beyond what I can possibly explain. 

Now, I'm in college. I'm pursuing what I love and starting to become a professional. As I learn more and more about the different sides of theatre, I become more in tune with myself and what my life will be. I've found a passion for acting and sound design, developed refined skills in carpentry, and been able to become a better stage manager than I could have ever hoped to be. I am so grateful for the life I have found, the profession I'm beginning to establish myself in, and the spectacular people I have met along the way. I couldn't be prouder of my growth and progress, and am excited to see what else I can do!