80 performances later, Dell says the theater has become a big family
Niwot High School junior Emma Dell started with Jesters Dinner Theater when she was 10 years old. Now, 80 performances later, the 16-year-old is taking on the classic Disney character roles of Jafar and Mulan in the theaters upcoming productions. Not only has Jesters become a place her family has become a part of, it has also given her friends for life.
Q: What do you like most about Jesters?
A: I love Jesters; it is like a family. It is not a really serious environment and you get to experiment with acting. You get to really get into and know your part.
Q: What has been one of your favorite productions?
A: Scrooge, which is a play off of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol.” It is a tradition that we do every year and it is fun because everybody knows the show. Even though we have just a little part, we are with friends and having a good time. I think we are on our 21st time of putting on the show.
Q: What does it feel like to be on stage in front of a big audience?
A: So much fun. I would not give it up for
anything. It is the best feeling to go out afterward and have a huge crowd applauding for you.
Q: How do you balance school and rehearsals?
A: You definitely learn good time-management skills. A lot of times I will bring homework with me and work on it in between. I got on top of it this past year – rehearsing and getting homework done – but other performers have a harder time managing.
Q: Does your family play a big role in your acting?
A: My whole family is a part of it. My mom comes to every show and my brother is a part of Jesters with me. My dad actually played the guitar off stage for one of our performances, too.
Q: What are your future plans? Do you plan to pursue
a career in acting?
A: I think acting is a good thing to have as a hobby and it could be fun to give a shot at Hollywood, but I would rather go to college and get a degree. Possibly pursue becoming a feature writer.
Q: Any advice for other teens your age who would like to act?
A: Nobody judges you at Jesters, just go for it!