Published October 27, 2017
In Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Highbury, England’s own matchmaker, Emma Woodhouse, brings matrimony and misunderstanding to town in the early 19th century. Clarks Summit University’s Theatre Department will bring the story to life on October 26-28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $8.
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Emma Woodhouse: Bethany Magee
Bethany Magee, a senior pursuing Communications-Theatre, is the matchmaker of Highbury as she takes on the role of “Emma.” When she was little, Magee enjoyed writing small plays and performing them for her family. She continued performing, and sometimes working backstage, in numerous plays throughout high school and college. Her dream role would be “Elphaba” in “Wicked.” Through the theatre, Magee hopes to have the “audience leave a production entertained but also with a fuller knowledge of how life may be through someone else’s eyes.” Her love for theatre and communication through stories has provided her with a wonderful avenue in which she can connect with people and express truths about life in a creative way. She enjoys “every aspect of theatre—writing scripts, working backstage and acting.” She hopes to one day compose and produce a full-length play and possibly even direct it. Magee states, “I am very thankful to have this opportunity; I have loved this process of playing Emma, and I am excited about the upcoming show!”
Emma is spirited, clever, independent, adventurous and fun-loving. She can be very stubborn at times, pursuing what she believes should be despite the cautions of others. While the actor loves the development of her character throughout the play, she dislikes how her character is quick to assume people’s intentions (which usually leads to trouble!). Emma’s fun-loving characteristics have come naturally to the actor. The challenge of playing Emma is portraying a character who is vocal about her thoughts and feelings and displaying the journey of growth the character embarks on. Like her character, Magee enjoys life and spending time with people. Magee suggests, “Anyone who has found themselves in the middle of any miscommunication about friendships, relationships or social situations will be able to relate to the humor, struggles and growth in Emma’s journey.”
-Colleen Noll is a Communications-Writing major who is studying theatre practicum and plans to graduate in 2020.
