Friday, March 4, 2011

Welcome: Emily Ota

Today we're introducing Emily, the new Dragon Rentals Coordinator.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I'm from Menlo Park, CA born and raised.

Q: What's your theatrical background?

A: I started theatre when I was a freshman in high school. I attended Menlo-Atherton High School, and joined the Drama I class my first semester. I began as a techie, then for the winter show was cast in my first role ever as Diana in "Lend Me A Tenor". From there, I received several supporting and lead roles, such as Helga, in "Night Watch" (which went up at the Dragon Theatre!), and Titania in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Menlo-Atherton). My junior year, I joined up with Peninsula Youth Theatre and was Ms. Darbus in their 2008 production of "High School Musical". In 2009, I worked for Palo Alto Players, and was an ensemble member in "The King and I" with Kerie Derner (Anna) and Don Masuda (the King). Also that year, I performed as Madame Thenardier in PYT's Les Miserables. Currently, I am a 2nd year student at the Foothill Theatre Conservatory, graduating from the program this June.

Q: Are you working on anything now?

A: I am currently in the show "Working, The Musical" with Foothill Music Theatre, which closes on March 6th. And I am also in Foothill Theatre Conservatory's "One-Acts: American Hypnopompic" which goes up March 17th-20th.

Q: Why Dragon?

A: I think that Dragon is a wonderful asset to the theatre community. I know when I was in high school, Meredith welcomed my theatre troupe (The Vagabond Players, which put on a couple of shows here) with open arms, and encouraged us to explore what it was like to put on your own show. Plus, I love small theatre companies and what they stand for: supporting the arts, and bringing entertainment to an intimate setting.

Q: What's the most exciting/fulfilling part of being the rentals coordinator?

A: I think the best thing about my job is being an active part of bringing more theatre to the community. With my job, I am ensuring that the theatre is being used whether its for the Dragon's seasonal shows, or for classes, etc. Just knowing that people are still so passionate about sharing their talents by putting on a show, or teaching people in an acting class is wonderful.

Welcome to the Dragon Family Emily!

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