BWW Blog: Meet Emma Buchanan - Bobby G Award Winner for Outstanding Actress

Let's start from the very beginning with Durango High School's LES MISERABLES. Our Director, Kristin Winchester, knew that a lot of kids would be auditioning for the musical, so for auditions she had us choose two contrasting songs from the musical. I often play the ingénue in shows, so it was a big change playing Éponine. I worked almost solely with Curtis Salinger, a freshman at the time, who played Marius. His curiosity and enthusiasm for this art really reminded why I love theatre. Our opening night was incredible. There was this buzz in the theatre unmatched by any other performance. I am so humbled be my experience with LES MISERABLES. It was an unforgettable journey.

I was getting ready for our Girls Senior Tea when the nominations for Bobby G Awards were posted. My heart was beating so fast as we scrolled down the page. When I saw my name I felt a swell in my chest, I was so excited. A couple of weeks later we traveled to Denver for our first medley rehearsal. It was amazing to meet the other nominees and be around people who share the same passion.

During the medley performance for the Award Ceremony I sang "On My Own." When it sunk in that I was performing on the Buell Stage (where the Broadway tours usually perform) I started to tear up. I realized I was doing what I always dreamed of doing, I was living the life I had wanted since I first found this love for theatre.

Soon, the category for Best Actress came and I did not expect them to call my name. I had gotten so close with the other nominees it really didn't matter to me if I won or not, I was just so thankful for the experience.

When John Ekeberg (Executive Director for Denver Center for the Performing Arts Broadway) said my name, it sounded so foreign to me. I was so frazzled, I jumped out of my seat and it felt like I lost my breath. Accepting that award was the best thing that has happened to me.

Then, Evatt Salinger was called for Leading Actor. I've known Evatt since preschool and I couldn't believe two kids from the same school could win such a high honor. I was so happy for him; he worked so hard and truly deserved that award. Finally, Outstanding Musical was announced and it went to our school. It felt so surreal. I couldn't have asked for any other outcome.

Fast forward one month from our first medley rehearsal and Evatt and I are singing the National Anthem at the Colorado Rockies Game. Performing the National Anthem at the Rockies game was such a crazy experience. Evatt and I were at the Durango Performing Arts Camp that week and so we had to fly in and fly out in about 24 hours. It was like we were rock stars. I was surprised that I didn't feel nervous singing in front of so many people, I was just so overjoyed to be there.

Now, in preparation for the Jimmy awards I have been trying to get as much rest as possible. From what I have seen and heard it looks like you have to be on your game at all times. So I want to be mentally and physically prepared.

-Emma