Spotlight on Performer Benjamin Emley

Ben is gearing up to star as Horton in Spotlight's upcoming production of 'Seussical'
How long have you been performing on stage?
Well, my very first show was in 5th grade, but I didn't really get interested in theater until Sophomore year (10th grade) in High School. So... You could say I've been performing for 11 years, but I would say 6. :)

What was your first show with Spotlight?
My first show with Spotlight was actually my first musical! (Not counting the one in 5th grade... That was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"... I don't usually count that one in my list of shows because that was before I became a proud drama geek) Anyway: My first Spotlight show/first musical was "Beauty and the Beast". What a great way to start, huh? I played Belle's father, Maurice and I had a duet with Belle and even my own solo!

Ben as Belle's father in Beauty and the Beast

Why do you like performing with us?
Well, Spotlight is where I met some of my best friends! I was actually introduced to Spotlight by my best friend from High School, Brian Perry, and that's where I met Nick Palmer, Ty Beeuwsaert, Michelle Jackson, Lindsay Kallman, Zach and Melissa Costa ... GOODNESS! There are too many to count! I can't possibly list all the amazing people I've met since I've been here...

What is your dream role?
I've got a few... Edna Turnblad (Tracey's mother -- traditionally played by a man) in Hairspray, Ursula in "The Little Mermaid" (I'm not weird that way, I swear... I just think I would make an intriguingly ugly woman)... And the Genie in "Aladdin", Which I'll be auditioning for in the next few months... At Spotlight!  Wish me luck!

Ben as Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

Of the roles that you've played, what has been your favorite?
I can't decide! I've been in so many great shows! I really enjoyed being Reverend Shaw Moore in "Footloose". I miss that show so much! And I'm currently playing Horton in "Seussical the Musical". This one has been such a great experience.


Has Spotlight helped you grow as a performer? If so, how?
The first time I've ever sung on stage was with Spotlight. The first time I've ever danced... anywhere... was with Spotlight. My first musical, my first solo, my first antagonist/villain roles, my first lead role... All with spotlight.

What do you like to do when you're not performing?
I don't like not performing! Haha... I read a lot. Not just novels, but comic books and graphic novels (Basically longer, grittier, more realistic comic books) too... I love video games, particularly the Legend of Zelda series, Arkham City, and of course, MARIO! I work at Cinema City theaters and I LOVE MY JOB! And I'm currently attending Fullerton (Community) College, where I also perform in some productions. So far, I've done a collection of one acts, and possibly the best musical of all time: Les Miserables)

Backstage during Into the Woods

If you could choose a show for Spotlight to produce, what would it be and why?
I would love to do "Hairspray" with Spotlight. I think that's the kind of show we could work wonders with. It's a great show , it's set in a fun era, it's got comedy and some drama, romance, and a good message. And, as I mentioned before, it's one of my dream shows.


What are your strongest and weakest traits as a performer?
My strongest is acting because I had the world's best Thearer Arts teacher, Susan Semegran. I'm a pretty good singer too. My worst trait is definitely dancing. I can't dance at all... Oh, that reminds me -- One more reason I loved "Footloose" was because my character was opposed to dancing so I didn't have to dance at all. 

Ben playing Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

Of Spotlight's past shows, which has been your favorite and why?
Goodness... I have to choose again?

I loved "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" (I played Linus) because I got to act like a little kid and sing cute, fun songs, and the cast was pretty small and really close and personal. "Footloose" is another favorite because it was the first one in which I got to be one of the main characters. (I suppose Linus could count as a main character, seeing as there are usually only 6 characters in the show, but Linus is more like a supporting character. Rev. Moore is the main antagonist) And finally, "Seussical". I love this show not just because I'm the main character (Thank you, thank you) but also because it's fun and colorful, and it's got a sort of naive "Anything Can Happen" feel to it (In fact, one of the songs is called "Anything's Possible") and the story and music is fantastic!