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People Profiles
Emily Harvey
- Hometown: Issaquah, WA
- Major: Theatre Arts, concentrations in directing and acting
Why Western?
I initially chose Western because it was close, and relatively inexpensive, and the community was very welcoming. When I got here I realized that we had one of the most well-respected theatre departments in the region, that the town was welcoming, the campus was beautiful, and that professors genuinely cared about me! I now participate in Western Preview (the biggest recruitment program of the year) every year and give tours to prospective students because I love this school, and want everyone to know!
Learning from Practicing Artists
All of the professors in the Theatre Department have influenced me in some way. Mark Kuntz, my directing advisor, taught me that nothing is out of my reach if I try! He loves it when students take responsibility. Dr. Deb Currier and Dr. Rich Brown, who specialize in unconventional theatre, gave me the tools and experience to be able to create any theatre anywhere. All of the theatre faculty are continually doing theatre with the students both on campus and off, so I have had the chance to work directly with all the faculty and learn from each of them.
A Committed Actor
I was given the chance to perform as Dick Cheney in the main stage production of Stuff Happens. I had a couple months to perfect the walk, talk, gestures and look of Dick Cheney! And, one of the greatest parts, I had to shave my head! It took a lot of courage, but I finally mustered it up. And now I have a really cute short haircut. I also won an Irene Ryan Nomination for my role, and I got to compete in the American College Theatre Festival this winter.
Community Theatre in Bellingham
We have an abundant theatre scene in town. Besides the shows on campus, there is the Upfront, an improv theatre, the Idiom, which produces mostly local playwrights, the Bellingham Theatre Guild, the local community theatre, the Firehouse, which hosts a number of community shows, and the Mt Baker Theatre, which hosts touring musicals, Shakespearian plays as well as musical guests, and produces a fair amount as well. These options in town allow students to get many different perspectives on how to produce theatre, and the opportunity to work with veterans.
Outside the Classroom
I act, direct, and see theatre at the many theatres of Bellingham. I was a DJ and a newsreader for KUGS 89.3, our campus radio station, for awhile. I am the Artistic Director of Student Theatre Productions, and I help produce about 4 shows a quarter. I love to go dancing and to eat out!
After Graduation
I am moving to Philadelphia with my cat. I want to get settled in the theatre scene there and in New York City. Soon I hope to seek funding to create a traveling multicultural theatrical troupe that teaches poor communities about health awareness, war and women's rights.