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Student Spotlight

Jessica Cabe
jcabe@postindependent.com
Glenwood Springs High School senior Emily Lohman is playing Elle Woods in the school's production of "Legally Blonde."
Kathy Reece |

Emily Lohman has been on stage since elementary school, and she’s always dreamed of playing the lead in her last high school musical.

Her dream came true: She’ll be playing Elle Woods in Glenwood Springs High School’s production of “Legally Blonde,” which runs Feb. 20-21 and 27-28.

Lohman spoke with the Post Independent about how she got started in the performing arts, what’s so magical about being on stage and where she sees theater in her future.



Post Independent: When did you start performing?

Emily Lohman: When I was in 6th grade, I began performing when I transferred to The Garden School in New Castle. My first production was “The Wizard of Oz,” and I played a Winkie and a Munchkin. However, I had a much earlier start with other things. I remember being about 5 and wanting to perform dances I made up for my parents, and I had a little karaoke set that I would sing songs into. When I was in 8th grade, I got my first lead as the Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella.” I think playing that part was the moment I realized that I really enjoy acting. I got to throw glitter all over the stage and in people’s hair, and I got to wear a really crazy costume with makeup, which was just so much fun. Being up in the lights for the first time where I could shine and be anything was the greatest thrill I’ve ever known. I remember thinking to myself when it was all over, “This is what I want to do. I never want to stop shining.”



PI: Tell me about some of the shows you’ve been in.

EL: I’ve been in about nine shows — mostly major productions such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Narnia,” “Cinderella,” “Oliver!,” “Guys and Dolls” (all done at The Garden School), “Young Frankenstein” and, this year, “Legally Blonde.” I’ve also done smaller productions with a drama class and a drama club at GSHS, in addition to an improv show.

PI: What sort of theater extracurriculars are you involved with?

EL: I try to keep myself involved in many theater-related extracurriculars, like drama club and involving myself in additional drama classes so I can learn and improve my knowledge and skill.

PI: What’s your favorite part of being on stage?

EL: My absolute favorite thing about being on stage is that I can do or be anything. I can let myself go and jump into someone else’s life. I like that the lights are almost blinding, and I can disappear into a whole new world.

PI: What made you want to audition for the role of Elle Woods? What do you like about playing her?

EL: When I first heard that “Legally Blonde” was the show the school was doing this year, I immediately knew that I wanted to play Elle. I’ve always dreamed that I would get a big lead for my senior year in high school, and “Legally Blonde” has always been one of my favorite shows. When I saw my name on the cast list as Elle, I fell to the floor and started laughing and crying at the same time. My favorite thing about playing Elle is that she’s a character who isn’t hard for me to embody; she and I are practically one.

PI: Do you think you’ll keep singing and acting in the future? Do you see it as a career or more of a hobby?

EL: Theater has impacted my life in ways I cannot express. The performing arts is definitely something I would like to continue with in the future. However, instead of me being the star, I want to share my passion for it with others. I don’t think the competitive performing lifestyle is for me, but I want to teach others to be great at it and enjoy it as much as I do. Theater is my escape from life. It’s really the only thing I’ve ever been good at. I hope someday I can impact someone the way theater has impacted me.


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