Emory & Henry senior Hannah Rivette launches acting career
Shortly after she graduates next month with a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre, Hannah Rose Rivette will launch her acting career, performing in productions of “Hello Dolly” and “The Little Mermaid” for Myers Dinner Theatre in Hillsboro, Ind.
Landing acting roles immediately out of college is nothing new for graduates of E&H theatre programs. Outstanding faculty members and a relationship with the professionals at nearby Barter Theatre have imbued their E&H education with a reputation for quality preparation.
What has impressed Hannah beyond that superb education has been her E&H-inspired sense that theatre is more than mere entertainment; it supports the lives of individuals and communities. “Prior to college, I had never thought about the idea of theatre as a form of service,” Hannah said. However, Emory & Henry challenged me to really think about why we do theatre and the vitality of theatre among our communities.”
“Through Emory & Henry, I have been able to develop my passion for theatre as an art form that reflects the human condition and brings people, regardless of theirbackground, together,” said Hannah, who has made it her goal to employ theatre as a means for fostering human connections. “Theatre has the ability to challenge individuals’ ideas and also to allow them to escape from their everyday lives. Emory & Henry has helped me to serve each audience through every performance I give.”
Her inspiration toward this goal came primarily from her E&H professors, who have been “a constant source of support,” Hannah said. “I am truly grateful for their dedication and commitment to making me a better performer and human being.”
Last summer, Hannah performed in a production of “Mamma Mia” at Myers Dinner Theatre. The majority of the audience members were older adults who grew up hearing many of the ABBA songs featured in the musical. “It was my goal through this production to bring true joy to these people by allowing them the chance to escape,” she said. “You never know who in an audience truly needs to escape, even for a minute, and to feel that valuable human connection that theatre provides.”
- Hannah Rivette
Through Emory & Henry, I have been able to develop my passion for theatre as an art form that reflects the human condition and brings people, regardless of their background, together.
- Hannah Rivette