Emily Carter was a high school senior when she decided to pursue a degree in theatre. Now a junior theatre major at the University of Rhode Island, with a double concentration in acting and directing, Carter has done a lot of soul-searching to get where she is today.
While in high school, Carter always had a passion for theatre arts . But like many other questioning young people, she was unsure of whether or not she should pursue her passion after high school. During her her last year of high school she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a degree in theater.
Theater was nothing new to her. Carter had extensive experience in theatre prior to attending to URI.
“I acted in my first show when I was 6 years old and I’ve been in love with theatre ever since,” said Carter.
Part of what made her decision to study theater so difficult was learning how many other majors and concentrations there were to choose from at the University. Eventually, her passion overpowered her and Carter was finally able to decide that theater was the path for her.
For Carter, it is not about the quantity of the theatre program, but the quality. Carter said URI’s theater department is packed with some of the most passionate and supportive people other there who are deeply rewarded by what they do. She believes the faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and caring for the students within the Fine Arts Center.
Being a theatre major is no easy task. Between the rehearsals, plays, and course load, it can be difficult to manage time, but Carter has it down.
What many people do not know is that the nature and storylines of plays can really take a toll on an actor and/or actress. This was especially the case while working on “Columbinus.”
“The biggest challenge I’ve had working on a show here at URI has been working on ‘Columbinus,’” Carter said. “I was a freshman when we did this show.”
She said the play had an extremely dark nature to it, being a docum-drama style play about the Columbine shooting.
Carter admits that it was difficult to have a positive, good mindset throughout production, but at the end of the day, it had an important message to tell, and was very rewarding for her to be a part of.
Her secret to success is loving what she does. It’s easy to see the incredible passion she has for acting. Some shows she has acted in at URI include “Columbinus” and “Spring Awakening,” which are her personal favorites among the shows she has acted in.
In addition to acting for URI, she has been a part of Marley Bridges Theatre Company and Seaside Stage Society, where she has taught theatre to elementary-aged kids and spreading her wisdom and knowledge of the art.
Be on the lookout for her in the URI’s Fine Arts Center’s upcoming show, “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” which will run Nov. 30 – Dec. 10.