Haverford High School Student Selected In Theater Program

A senior has been selected to participate in a theater program sponsored by the Walnut Street Theatre and The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

The program entitled "Seeing the Stage Through Our Eyes! – Students’ Perspectives" allow area high school students to attend and review final dress rehearsals for all five of the Walnut Street Theatre's 2011-2012 main stage productions.

Emily Moylan, 17, has been reviewing local high school plays since her freshman year. This year, Moylan has the chance to not only get a sneak peek into the season at the Walnut Street Theatre, but a select few will also to get their reviews published in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Being a part of this program is so special to Moylan, in part because she has been seeing shows at the Walnut Street Theatre since she was a little girl.

“I am looking forward to being able to give my opinion from a student perspective," explained Moylan, who lists classics such as ‘Hello Dolly,’ ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’ as her personal favorite shows.

Rob Weinstein, the program director, says Moylan and 34 other high school students from seven counties were selected into the program this year.

"One of the great components of the program is the students meet peers with the same interests," says Weinstein.

Only in its second year, this program, remarked Weinstein, is so important because it allows high school students to bond on a cultural level with an adult of their choosing, who accompanies them to the shows.

Moylan is well prepared, having been active in the Haverford High School's Drama program since her sophomore year. In addition to attending performances such as musicals and plays, she serves as secretary on the Drama Board. Moylan has also been a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cappies program.

“I love it so much. The theater program at Haverford is like one big family. We all work together throughout the school year to put on amazing shows for the school and the rest of the community. Being a part of something like this for so long has been extremely rewarding. I’ve learned so much from the directors, teachers and fellow thespians over the course of my high school career and I’m going to miss it next year," she exclaims.

Like most high school seniors, Moylan has college on her mind.

"I’m in the process of applying to colleges. It’s pretty stressful right now and waiting to hear if I’ve been accepted is going to be even worse, but I’m so excited to move on to bigger and better things. I can’t wait to see what my future holds," Moylan says.

While she is undecided about exactly what she'd like to study in college, Moylan knows that theater and writing will be a part of it. 

"I love theater. It’s my passion. I want it to be a part of my life and my career," Moylan gushes. "I also love English and writing in general. So this program allows me to channel all of the things I love into one activity, which is absolutely incredible."