Whiz Kid: A Young Thespian

Patch’s Whiz Kid of the Week: Emily Whitworth

Emily is a sophomore at Mount Vernon High School.

She started out as Tessie in the Aldersgate Community Theatre production of Annie nearly a decade ago. Since then, Emily has played roles in many productions at theatre companies across the D.C. metro area. 

“I knew I wanted to get into an art form,” said Emily. “Acting was the way it manifested itself. Acting was a way to express what was going on when I was younger.”

Emily recently played Helena in the Synetic Theatre's teen production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream." 

Although her acting resume is extensive, she still enjoys performing in high school theatre productions.

"We're kind of a big family," said Emily. "Our drama teacher (Beth DiMarco) is amazing. She kind of holds us all together. She's our support." 

A lot of hard work is involved for Emily to hone her skills as an actress. She takes acting classes, dance rehearsals, voice lessons, and has taken workshops at the Folger Theatre and the Kennedy Center. The self-proclaimed “piano nerd” has been playing piano for a decade and enjoys it. She is looking at colleges and Julliard, Rochester, and Lynchburg are her top choices. 

“I want to double major in business and acting, and open my own theater place,” said Emily.  

When she’s not at rehearsals or studying, Emily enjoys hanging out with her friends and watching Glee.

What’s next for Emily? She will playing the role of Jo in the Mount Vernon High School drama production of Little Women in May.