Memorial Tommy Tune Winner reflects on theater journey

“I have dealt with so much, things that I hope future students never have to face, but I have grown to trust my own voice both on and off the stage, and that is the biggest lesson that I believe you need to learn,” senior Emma Vogelsang said. “To be yourself and trust yourself.” 

Senior Emma Vogelsang has been part of the Memorial Theatre program throughout her four years of high school. During her time, she was considered for and won the prestigious Tommy Tune award in 2024 for her outstanding vocal performance.

“The experience of being a Tommy Tune finalist and winning Outstanding Singer was a dream come true,” Vogelsang said. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

She has held lead roles in the past two years of Memorial’s musicals - The Witch in Into the Woods and Roxie Hart in Chicago. Vogelsang’s favorite role to play has been The Witch.

“It was the first time I ever had a solo on the MHS stage so it was very rewarding to prove that I could do well in such a challenging role,” Vogelsang said. “It is soul food to be recognized by professionals, outside theatre teachers and your peers for your hard work in a role.”

Characters Roxie Hart (sitting, played by Emma Vogelsang) and Velma Kelly (standing, played by Nini Jongebloed) perform. (Photo: Zania Ateyea)

Memorial’s spring musical, Chicago, was a roaring performance of 1920s jazz with Bob Fosse’s choreographic influence. Mature themes and content are performed in the musical but handled in a sensitive manner. 

“I am proud of my partnership with fellow senior Nini Joengblod, who played Velma,” Vogelsang said. “We achieved so much together personally, but also served as good examples of what professionalism in theatre looks like for the younger students.”

This year, Emma was once again nominated for Outstanding Singer for her performance in Chicago, while Nini was nominated for Outstanding Dancer. 

As her high school journey comes to a close, Vogelsang is not only leaving behind the last four years of her life but also her little sister. 

“[My sister Amelia] has a bright future in music and theatre,” Vogelsang said. “She was always my buddy as we performed in solo musical theatre at Nationals twice.”

In her future plans, Vogelsang also hopes to continue her pursuit of theater.

“I plan on majoring in vocal performance and theatre/acting,” Vogelsang said. “I am currently rehearsing for my professional singing debut at Houston Grand Opera.”

As Vogelsang trains in college, she will continue to be a fierce talent during her journey to professionalism.