Emma Gaddy is likely best known for her beautiful performance as Ariel in Enloe Theater’s production of “The Little Mermaid” this past spring. The red wig, heelys, and impressive vocal range may have cemented Emma’s mark in Enloe history, but her spotlight shines brighter than just her onstage presence.
One way to describe a person is by their accomplishments, which Emma certainly does not lack. President of Drama Club, member of both NHS and Key Club, an Ambassador for the Durham Performing Arts Center, and involved with numerous local theaters, Emma sets her sights high and puts in the effort to achieve success.
Another approach is to look at a person’s life story. Emma started doing shows with Raleigh Area Children’s Theater at age six, and her participation in productions has rarely faltered. In fact, Emma was the understudy for one of the female leads in Enloe’s “Pippin” in 2022, but was chaotically given the chance to perform when the lead fell ill. Emma recalls, “the morning of opening night, 12 hours beforehand, I got a text from our stage manager and director that the lead was sick. So I got to go on for opening night and the second night of shows.” But theater isn’t Emma’s only artistic venture. She also took orchestra during her freshman and sophomore year at Enloe, making it all the way to Symphonic -Enloe’s highest orchestra- before having to drop the class in favor of theater. “I’ve played violin for as long as I’ve done theater, so like 12 years,” says Emma.
While she grew up in the arts, Emma’s life outside of school and how she chooses to spend her free time says a lot about her as well. Her family travels a lot, and “I love to travel and go see a new place instead of a material gift,” she says. The Gaddys are also big Carolina Hurricanes fans, and Emma enjoys watching the games. Her life would not be complete without her family, including her sister Caroline, who’s a current Enloe freshman, and her two pets, a cat and a dog. Emma confesses that her cat, named Vivian, is her “best friend in the non-weirdest way possible.” Speaking of weirdness, Emma admits, “I am an avid mac and cheese hater (…) I don’t like yellow cheese.”
The most important way, however, to spotlight a person is by looking at their character. Emma is huge on hanging out with friends and family, and says, “any chance I get that I’m not doing homework or musical theater related things, I spend time with other people and see my friends and family.” Additionally, Emma describes herself as the stereotypical “mom” friend. “I’m very much there for other people. I’ve always said this, I do so much talking in what I do, but I love to listen,” she expresses. Her friend, Xavier Sparks, agrees with this statement, stating, “she’s someone who I can talk to about anything.”
“Emma is one of the most genuine, intelligent, and overall talented people I know. She’s also very loyal, and very, very kind,” friend Regan Lloyd remarks. Sparks also mentions that Emma is “everything you would want in a friend.” He describes her as “dedicated” and asserts that “she’s very committed to improving upon herself.” Lloyd makes it clear that despite her impressive skill, Emma is incredibly humble. “She’s so enormously talented (…) I really love how down-to-earth she is,” Lloyd says.
Emma’s immense enthusiasm, passion, and kindness will serve her well in her plans to participate in Enloe’s “Les Miserables” this spring and major in musical theater in college next year. Emma, we wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors, both on and off the stage!
