WTFaces | Emily Althaus, Apprentice

NAME: Emily Corinne Althaus.

DEPARTMENT: Workshop.

POSITION: Acting Apprentice.

YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: This is my first year with WTF.

HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY.

JOB OUTSIDE WTF: ahh yes, this is normally the section where I would proudly write “student,” but a few weeks ago my institution let me graduate, and since “graduate” isn’t really a job…. I suppose that leaves me with the illustrious title of “Barista” (that’s a fancy way of saying I work for Starbucks.)

SCHOOL/TRAINING: I have a BFA (with an emphasis in Acting) from Western Kentucky University (I minored in American Sign Language for a bit…)

FAVORTIE PLAYWRIGHTS: I’ve always loved Marsha Norman’s work, Neil LaBute always makes me laugh, and as far as new playwrights are concerned I’m really in to Sean Taylor.

FAVORITE PLAYS: Proof. VIOLET. As Bees In Honey Drown.

FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES:

1.Doodling. If I have a pen in my hand watch out, cause stuffs getting marked up J

2. I LOVE music: Listening, making, trading...if music is involved I am all about being a part of it.

3. Traveling is something else I really enjoy and would like to do more of.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT WTF?

Western has a pretty solid history of students coming through Williamstown. My freshman year in college I met Becky Ann Baker (a Western Alumn) at a Theatre and Dance reunion. She spoke so highly of the impact of Williamstown on her life that I had to check it out.

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST OR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WTF?

It’s hard for me to pin point just one. The friendships I’ve made here will by far be the best thing I leave with. I suppose some of those initial meetings have been pretty hilarious, memories I’ll probably never forget.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing what all of the various crews do here for the festival (a really beautiful part of being an apprentice). Daily I’m shuffled between shops and taught new skills, and I must say my table saw skills are coming along quite well.

I was recently cast in Torch Bearers, directed by Dylan Baker. I have an ensemble role in this HILLARIOUS play, but my absolute favorite part of this process is my role before the show opens.

WHAT ARE YOU MORE LOOKING FORWARD TO?

The rehearsal process. It’s such an amazing opportunity to watch people, who have been in the business professionally for some time now, work. I still can’t believe I’m aloud in the room some times. I can honestly say that I’m learning via observation every day.

TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?

I have a one-way ticket to the festival. My plan is to move to NY at the seasons end and find an apartment. So begins a life of auditioning I suppose…

I aspire to perform.

Edward Albee truly believes that theatre is a mirror of society and that it has the power to change people. He’s said of his plays before, “If you come to the theatre and don’t like what you see, then change.” I want to be a part of the ting that makes people really examine life, and their part in the grand scheme of things. I aspire to make a difference. (Insert corny music)