Eufaula native studies abroad, will direct play at city auditorium

By Anastasia Harbuck

Published: June 12, 2008

Emma Yarbrough has an appreciation for the fine arts in her blood.
Her dad, Neil, is a musician and her mom, Mitzi, teaches art at Eufaula High School. During her sophomore year at Emory University in Atlanta, Yarbrough decided to combine her love for music, drama and the visual arts by majoring in theater.
Her decision would take her around the world to countries like Italy, France and the Netherlands to study the subject she loves. During her junior year at Emory, Yarbrough traveled to Italy to study at the Accademia dell’ Arte. At the Tuscany school, she studied under Italian professors and with students from across the United States who had also come to the Accademia dell’ Arte to perfect such theater skills as singing and acrobatics.
During their four-month stay at the school, the students also familiarized themselves with “Commedia dell’ Arte” - one of the oldest forms of theater developed during the Renaissance which involves the wearing of masks.
“It’s not an opportunity many students have,” said Yarbrough.
Yarbrough delighted in the Italian people who she says are friendly, “once they warm up to you.” She also experienced “Carnevale” a big Italian celebration similar to Mardi Gras. She visited Rome and Venice and especially enjoyed Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
While in Europe, Yarbrough also visited Nice and Paris, Barcelona and Amsterdam.
Upon returning home to the United States, instead of interning this summer, Yarbrough has decided to direct and produce a play at the Eufaula City Auditorium.
“I figured I’d come back here to Eufaula and give back,” she said.
The play Yarbrough hopes to put on is “Harvey” a 1945 play by Mary Chase which was later adapted into a film where Jimmy Stewart plays the lead role. The play follows the story of Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend, a six-foot tall white rabbit.
“It’s just a fun play,” said Yarbrough.
Yarbrough hopes to present the play in mid-August. She is now searching for actors and actresses as well as people with experience in lighting and sound to help out with the play. She says no prior experience in drama is necessary. “Just as long as you can memorize lines,” she laughs.
To volunteer, contact Yarbrough at 687-4709.
Yarbrough says what she loves most about theater is that one person can do a variety of things on and off stage. She has performed in several productions at Emory including “Train Story” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”
Yarbrough hopes to pursue her love of the theater after she graduates. She plans to go to graduate school upon completing classes at Emory.