SPOTLIGHT: Emily Doran

By Kira Wood-Cramer

This month’s spotlight shines on Emily Doran, The Merc Playhouse House Manager for the last five years, with a COVID interruption. She has also been a volunteer, a board member, prop master, costume designer, window dresser, cake cutter, box office, and concessionaire extraordinaire for 15 lovely years. 

Why is live theater important in a small community like the Methow Valley?
When Emily moved here with her family 15 years ago she called The Merc and said, “I'm new in town, what can I do?” Julie Wenzel was working on the children's show Robin Hood at the time and she asked if I could sew? Emily said “kind of, but my sister-in-law Lisa can and off they went making little elastic waisted britches and pirate shirts on Grandma Doran's sewing machine. From that point on, whether it was on stage or backstage, Emily has been involved in almost every show at The Merc. “Since being in the Methow Valley for the last 15 years I’ve seen a lot of people have the same beautiful experience as I have had at The Merc. I have especially loved watching the children's productions come together. All the rehearsals, dances danced, songs sung, diva moments and hard work comes together, and it's been a joy and a privilege to witness how proud these kids are of themselves and each other. Their confidence grows with every show and that's what it's all about. These kind of creative experiences are vital in a small town, not just for children but for people of all ages. Especially during the long winter months, we are compelled to come together and create something beautiful entertain each other. Performing arts are unique because it can be framed, sculpted, or captured. Even if it only lasts for a moment on stage, it will live in on your heart and mind forever.”

Past experience with theater: 
Emily’s moms is a theater nerd and her dad is a band geek, so she grew up in a musical and theatrical household. Her mom was a bit of a stage mom, and had Emily enrolled in piano lessons, ballet, tap, and jazz dancing. She encouraged Emily to sing Christmas carols while she played piano, slowly but joyfully, when she was growing up in Clatskanie, Oregon. There was a music shop and VHS rental place in town called Victor’s Music. Mrs. Victor taught lessons on every instrument and would put on plays in town to showcase the local talent. “My dad would be in the band in the orchestra pit, and my sister and I would be up on stage. I think the first show that I did for Mrs. Victor was called ‘Not Just Another Anne’. For one musical number I played Anne Boleyn and my sister was little princess Elizabeth. I was probably in about third grade, dressed up in a gorgeous gown and dripping in fake jewels. A friend of mine played Henry the Eighth and sang ‘I’m Henry the 8th, I am’ and when he was done, the executioner came on the stage and escorted my sister and I offstage to our doom. 
I didn’t have one line, but a star was born.”

What excites you about live theater?
I love the absolute crazy, controlled chaos of theater. Anything can happen, and that fact is very exhilarating and absolutely terrifying. You have to trust others and trust yourself and the collaborative process. It’s quite a powerful moment when you're all working as a team and people are laughing, or very quiet, you know that you're reaching them. Feeling that energy exchange from performer to audience member is pure elation. I highly recommend it, 

Can you share a unique experience you have had in a theater setting?
Golly, I don't even know where to start because there are so many, but probably the time The Merc backstage flooded during ‘The Book of Liz’ could be considered a unique experience. I mean, in hindsight the show probably shouldn't have gone on, but it's how we do at The Merc — The show MUST go on! 

Favorite show? (Of all time, and at The Merc)
Evita - Emily’s mom took her to a performance of Evita when she was a self-proclaimed bratty teenager. The performance brought tears to her eyes, even when recalling the show to me over lunch. There was a moment in the show that inspired her greatly, and we are so grateful for the fire that was lit in her theatrical heart.

It's a Wonderful Life was Emily’s first onstage production at The Merc, and she played the role of the mean bank examiner Ms. Carter. Not only did I have the time of my life, but I met some of my dearest friends in the valley, my tribe. Lady Jane Pappitas as Clarence the angel? Still one of my favorite performances ever on our stage. Looking out during the curtain call and seeing our beautiful town on its feet cheering, it was magical to be a part of.”

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Having Emily on our Merc team has been an absolute delight. My first encounter with Emily was at The Merc, when she costumed me for our children’s theater production of The Hobbit. I will never forget fighting with her in the dressing room over the large green nose that she gave me for my character (The Goblin King) in The Hobbit. At 14, it was not the best look. Emily gave me the confidence to commit to my character and step onto the stage with that monstrosity, and I will forever be grateful for that alongside all of the other lessons that I’ve learned from our brilliant House Manager. I would say we will miss you, but I know that you will always be here. Though Emily has decided to step away from her role as House Manager, she will always have a home at The Merc. Thank you for all that you have done to keep the show going.     -Kira

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