BWW Blog: Emma VanDevelde - The Theatre That Raised Me

Last night at 501 Queens Road in Charlotte NC, the sound of laughter shattered the confines of the 13-row theater by transporting the audience into the world of "The Drowsy Chaperone." This musical, put on by Theatre Charlotte's Student Theatre Guild is the 5th STG musical and the 8th TC production I've had the privilege of being a part of. In August of 2009 my feet entered Theatre Charlotte's doors for the first time. I smelled its smell. I stood in its wings. I accepted its welcoming invitation to audition for those 13 empty rows-all for the very first time. Little did I know that this audition for "Annie" would mark the beginning of a beautiful relationship between a little girl with a dream and a little white theater awaiting a dream to foster. Little did I know that this smell would become my haven, these wings would become my comfort and this tiny theater would become my own little corner of the world.

As a young girl, Theatre Charlotte provided consistency in the midst of change. It offered an environment of security and sureness despite variations in my self-confidence, my friendships, and my overall faith in this ever-altering world. I knew that no matter what, everything was all good between the time I entered those doors and the time I exited. I knew that every time he saw me, the artistic director, Ron, would wave to me and say, "Hey Emma, how's your mom?" I knew that he cared-that everyone in the building possessed a desire to invest in me and play a role in my journey.

As a young woman, Theatre Charlotte allows me to experience a wave of nostalgia and thankfulness every time it crosses my mind. In this rehearsal process for 'The Drowsy Chaperone," I look around every day and attempt to breathe it all in before it's just another memory. I take mental note of what it feels like to perform on the stage that taught me so many lessons about life and people and making every day a good one.

Within these walls I've had opportunities to become a servant in the Warbuck's mansion, a Kit Kat dancer, a single mother, a budding starlet, a dumb blonde, a preacher's kid, and a mind reader. I received invaluable direction on this stage about character development and breaking acting barriers that prevented me from performing my best. More importantly than that, however, I learned how to treat those around me with respect despite our differences. I developed my own character. I found out who I am and broke the barriers that existed outside of the stories I was telling on stage. I figured out my own story. And because of that-this place-this beautiful theater that raised me will always be my little corner of the world.