Student Director Emerson Jacquay Captures Audiences’ Attention
“I found something that I truly love to do. I could be happy directing theater for the rest of my life,” junior Emerson Jacquay said. Jacquay directed MBHS’ fall play, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” that closed on Nov 16, 2024. The play ran from Nov 8 to 16 , 2024 and included long, diligent, and precise rehearsals, as well as two tech weeks. Driven, caring, and optimistic are just a few words to describe Jacquay as a director, truly putting in her all for this show to turn out beautifully. “The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe” was such an inspiring play to watch, and viewers could see how each and every cast member felt changed by Jacquay’s directing.
When asked if the show was as she expected it to be, Jacquay said, “If I could do it all over again, I would.” Jacquay’s directing experience has been quite a “work hard, play later” kind of experience, with staying at school till 5:30 p.m. every day, and going home to immediately work on the show even more. Wherever there was a job someone needed to fill, Jacqauy swooped right in, giving all her time and attention to the play she loved. “Through casting, early blocking days, multiple runs, and tech week, I worked endlessly, but I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way,” Jacquay said.
Jacquay’s love for theater and care for the casts’ growth represents so clearly in how the people working with her speak of her. “Emerson was probably the most fun director I've ever had,” said senior Angus McNellie, who played the role of Edmund in the play. “She made each rehearsal memorable and she was very kind to everyone throughout the whole process. She was clearly very passionate about the show.” Jacquay’s directing left cast members with immense amounts of growth. “Emerson pushed me hard, and I'm glad she did. She expected a lot out of everyone and she made those goals attainable,” McNellie said.
Even though all the work Jacquay put in felt hard at times, it paid off in the end with putting on an astonishing performance with everyone involved having a blast. The beauty of directing is that the show can be anything the director wants it to be, and Jacquay’s rendition of the play was everything imaginable a trip to Narnia would be and more.
Although Jacquay is only a junior at MBHS, she hopes to move onto bigger things outside of high school. With the conclusion of the show, that doesn’t mean Jacquay’s future in directing concludes as well. “I feel that in the future this is hopefully what I do non-stop. I can’t see myself going down another path other than directing whether that's theater or film.”
