Introducing Emma Vaughn
What is YOUR theater origin story? What drew you to acting?
I was a shy kid (surprisingly) and decided to push myself to audition for Honk! Jr. in elementary school. I sang twinkle twinkle and got a one-line role, and I loved the attention that one line gave me. But, I also just found a real love for sharing stories and being able to explore something in a way that hasn’t been done before.
Where else have you performed and what are some of your favorite roles?
I am fresh out of college so I’ve mostly performed at my school, Northern Illinois University. My favorite there was Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it was really a comedic workshop for me and I had a wonderful time! I also studied/performed at the Gaiety School of Acting in Ireland during my college time.
Do you work primarily as a performer or do you have a ‘day job’?
Currently I have a day job as a pizza delivery driver for Domino’s. (in my little blue mini cooper)
What do you list at the bottom of your resume as your ‘additional skills’?
Mostly vocal things, I also got a music minor in college so I can sing in many languages/styles. And, I love dialects so I’ve got a couple of those on there too!
Amadeus + Emma
What drew you to auditioning for this production?
I had no idea about the play prior to auditioning, but I thought it sounded right up my alley. Classical music mixed with fun movement and a new way of approaching it is what I really love in theatre. I could tell the directors were passionate about putting a powerful twist on a well-known story.
Tell us about who you play in Amadeus.
I play Katherina Cavalieri, who is the pupil of Salieri and colleague of Mozart. At this time in history (and in the play) she is a very successful opera star working in Vienna.
I also play one of the “punk kids” whom I’ve named Squash, which is just kind of an ensemble music junkie of sorts that floats around throughout the play.
Biggest challenge in playing this role?
With Katherina, the biggest challenge is that in the original play she has no lines. The directors have split up some of the other lines to include her, but it is very little actual text to go off of. So, I’ve had to create my vision of her with a lot of imagination, historical research and creativity. Which is actually a lot of fun, I’ve been able to really explore a new way of character building.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
Anyone that loves punk music, is anti-establishment, loves night-life or just good old fashioned drama in the 1700s is going to love this show.
Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
My former movement professor Laura Sturm, she would absolutely love how we’ve incorporated movement and music throughout this show. This is right up her alley!
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
I imagine they will be a little overstimulated with all the fun things we’re doing with the show, but I also hope they make some connections between the past and present. Mozart really did exhibit many of the qualities within 70s punk music, and I hope they can continue that thought on to see how it’s influenced our art and life today.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
Syphilis, surely.
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
I remind myself to let go and have fun. Sometimes I can get caught up in the running around and trying to be “ready,” so it helps to remember I am and just need to enjoy the ride.
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