Emily Halfmann

“I chose Carthage because I am able to pair the strong Musical Theatre Program with other degrees to create a diverse major and minor set. I am passionate about a wide variety of subjects, and being able to pursue multiple of them in higher education was very important to me. Carthage’s J-Term study abroad program also caught my attention as someone who really wanted to travel going into college.”

“The faculty are one of the main reasons I chose to come to Carthage. The small class sizes allow for a personal connection and relationship with intructors. I have formed strong professional relationships with my professors, which has led to many opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Knowing someone is looking out for you and has your back is also so helpful.”

“I really loved taking Ballet I. I went into it hesitant and sure that I would have a hard time or wouldn’t enjoy the rigid structure of the dance style. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Jenny Reed, the instructor, taught at a level and speed that met the diverse needs of the class. I greatly enjoyed how I was able to take what I needed from the class as someone with limited dance experience.”

“Music Theory has been my most challenging class at Carthage so far because it incorporates music and math, an area of growth for me. Fortunately, I got help from the tutor assigned to the course to further my understanding of the material.”

“My first year at Carthage, I ran on the women’s cross country and track and field teams. It was a great way to get involved right away. The team and coaches were so supportive, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to run and race with people who love running like me! I also sang with the Carthage Chorale for two years, which allowed me to be involved with the Christmas Festival! I also serve as the musical theatre faculty fellow for the department, which allows me to spend time talking to prospective students and their families!”

“I had the great fortune to travel to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Flint, Michigan as well as Killarney and Dublin, Ireland with the cast of  “Memento Mori.” As part of the Theatre Department’s New Play Initiative, the play was written, developed, and performed by the cast and crew in partnership with the West End House School of Arts in Killarney, Ireland. In Ireland, we also had the opportunity to take courses in Irish Theatre, sightsee, and learn about Ireland on our own time.”

“I work for the Office of Visual and Performing Arts as one of the co-student recital coordinators. My job, along with the Student Recitals Team, is to coordinate all logistical and planning aspects of all student recitals on campus. It is a great opportunity to develop skills in arts management, making me more marketable as an employee, with a diverse variety of both front- and back-of-house experience.”

“It is my hope to work in applied theatre after graduation in some form of drama therapy or theatre education.”

“Behind The Caf by the lake! It is nice and quiet back there, and I can take a quick breather before heading off to class!”

“Be ready to work! You are given many opportunities to involve yourself in the department, perform, and receive and give feedback. Take them! Say yes again and again, and you will grow as a performer and professional because you will have a rich bank of experience to draw from.”