Fine Arts Student of the Week: Freshman embraces difficult role in 1-act

Emily-Rose Severson

Grade: Freshman.

Age: 15.

Art focus: Brainerd High School One-Act Play.

Adviser nomination: "Emily Severson, a ninth-grade student at BHS, acted in the competitive One Act play titled "I Don't Want to Talk About It." Emily did a remarkable job portraying one of her characters, Brenna, which was an extremely difficult role to act out in the play. Emily continually has a positive attitude during rehearsals, and has extraordinary work ethic."

Artist Most Admired: "My sister Chloe-Rose, who graduated from Brainerd High School in 2016. She has inspired me so much. I also look up to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote 'Hamilton.'"

Memorable fine arts achievement: "I've been admitted into the Franklin Arts Show multiple times and I've advanced to the sectionals in speech in seventh and eighth grades."

Other fine arts activities: Band, choir and speech.

Tell me about your character: "Brenna was quite the dramatic role, she is a rape victim. I had to portray her emotions, after the fact. It required a lot of emotions, as during the one act, boys would close in on me. The boy told me (Brenna) it wouldn't hurt, that I was special. It was very intense, nothing like when I played the rabbit in 'Alice in Wonderland.' I tried out for a few monologues for the one act and I got two roles. I also played the role of a person who feels alienated.

"The play is 35 minutes long and 16 kids had acting roles. There could only be 20 total people in the play, including props and that is why I played two roles because they couldn't have more students."

Your strongest skill as an actress: "Some people would say I can cry, but that is not it. It's getting on stage and portraying the emotion. Everything else goes on the back burner, but the show must go on. My work ethic would also be my strongest skills as I am good at sticking with stuff and learning my lines."

Why do you enjoy drama: "I enjoy portraying different people. You kind of forget what is in your life when you are portraying other characters, it's very interesting to me."

Do you plan to stay in theater: "I'm trying out for 'Hello Dolly' to be either Minnie Fay or Ermengarde for the spring musical. The auditions are going on in the next two weeks."

Dream job: "Being on Broadway, that would be a dream come true. Maybe I should go to school for a more reasonable career, but I love acting and singing, but not much of a dancer. But I can learn."

Favorite TV show: "Criminal Minds."

Worst book ever: "There has never been a book I didn't like. However, I don't like to be forced to read in class. I don't really like fantasy books."

Favorite subject: Advanced Placement human geography.

Favorite movie: "Moulin Rouge."

Favorite bands: Queen and Marina and the Diamonds.

Favorite beverage: A caramel cappuccino.

Clubs: Knowledge Bowl, Encore (a chamber choir ensemble) and Theatre Club.

Biggest craving: "I really like apple juice."

Best Valentine's Day gift: "One tradition before my mom moved is we would make Valentine Day cards with lace for my classmates and family members. Last year, she made all of us really big ones with nice messages."

Biggest pet peeve: "I hate when people chew with their mouth open or bite their nails."

Parents: Patrick Severson of Brainerd and Jennifer Dempsey-Rozinka, who lives in Texas.

Honorable Mention: Zoey Heitkotter, senior, mock trial: "Zoey joined mock trial this year and has become our go-to person. She is a witness and does a very believable defendant, Dr. Powers. When a teammate had to miss a trial, Zoey immediately said, 'Yes, I will play the part.' She did an excellent job. Now, she has stepped up to play one of the six lawyer parts. She really prepares and acts out each role. Zoey is vital to mock trial's success this year."