Collegiate Theatrics: Lipscomb's EMILY MEINERDING

Like so many other college students before her, Emily Meinerding is back from an adventuresome spring break, all set to plunge headlong into the rest of her semester at Nashville's David Lipscomb University. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Lipscomb sophomore has already made a name of herself onstage with her critically acclaimed role in The Crucible, a joint production of Blackbird Theater Company and LU Department of Theatre, and as Sleeping Beauty in last fall's campus musical, Into the Woods.

Prior to that, Meinerding performed in the ensembles of both Seussical and Medea - two productions which exemplify the range of theater offerings at Lipscomb - and she is a member of the school's comic improv troupe aka SelfIMPROVment.

Emily Meinerding is a young actress on the move and despite the sense that she is constantly in motion (as are, admittedly, most college students) to answer our standard questions which are styled to garner some really interesting and heartfelt responses. Ladies and gentlemen, our latest Collegiate Theatrics star...

So, how's your college theater career going? Has Lipscomb University lived up to its advance hype? College theatre has been a wild ride, and it's only sophomore year! I have learned so much about my craft and from the community of people around me at Lipscomb University and in the greater Nashville theatre community. I'm doing things now I never thought I was capable of doing before starting college!

What's your favorite part of studying at your school? I love studying what I love with other people who are passionate about storytelling. I am grateful for a community who supports and pushes me to try new things and become a better performer and person.

Have your future plans changed since your college experiences? Yes, and no. Coming to school, I knew I wanted to study theatre, but I was only at the beginning stage of understanding why. I have grown so much in my understanding of what it means to be an artist in the theatre industry, and I have an even deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling! I still would love to "go pro" as a performer going out of school, but I also see myself teaching at some point in life.

What collegiate theatrical moment looms largest in your mind? Playing Abigail Williams in The Crucible was an experience I will never forget. That role stretched me like no other. I suppose one of the best theatrical moments was after opening night when I walked into the house, and complete strangers went out of their way to come tell me how much they hated my character. Good, I thought. I've done my job. I've helped create a story of real people with real problems and real need for redemption.

What advice would you offer to high school students considering making the plunge? Be all there. If you truly love your art and want to grow as a performer and a person, be fully present in auditions, in classes, in rehearsals, in being an audience member, etc. Also, be all there with your family, friends, and faith. Hold on to what matters and what will always matter to you.

The Crucible photos by John Gentry Photography