Emily Speer is an actress with the Richmond Hill Community Theatre. Here are a few of her thoughts:

Q: How long have you lived in Richmond Hill?
A:  I have lived here in Richmond Hill for almost four years now. I moved here from St. Louis, Missouri.
Q: What grade are you in at Richmond Hill High School? Do you know what you’d like to do after graduating?
A: I’m in 12th grade. I want to be a Christian singer, but I know that’s a difficult thing to achieve. So in the meantime, I want to get my certification in cosmetology at Savannah Tech.
Q: When did you first start acting with the Richmond Hill Community Theatre and how did you find out about the group?
A: I found out about the group not too long ago, actually. My director’s mom is my co-worker and she told me about all of it. I was so excited when I heard there was some kind of organization for theater arts in Richmond Hill.
Q: What do you enjoy about acting?
A:  I love that for a few seconds, I can forget who I am and put myself in someone else’s shoes. I get to pretend I’m someone I’m not. It gets me away from the day-to-day to troubles of life.
Q: In the upcoming production of “Steel Magnolias,” what character do you play, and how do you feel like you relate to this character?
A: I will play Shelby Eatenton. This character relates to me in so many ways, from her favorite color — pink — to her sassy determination. I feel like I understand my character more and more every time I read the script.
Q: Tell us about your acting background. How many plays have you participated in? Are you any drama classes or clubs at school?
A: I actually love all of the creative arts. I was a fairy in “Sleeping Beauty” at the little theater in Arkansas; Mazie the bird at Richmond Hill High School in their production of “Seussical;” and I’ve always had a part in the productions we put on at our churches. Speaking of other creative arts, I got through a couple rounds of American Idol last season. I want to try for The Voice this year!
Q: What has been your favorite play to be in and why?
A: So far, I loved being that little fairy in “Sleeping Beauty.” Everything felt so magical to me, and pretending I was a real fairy made me feel like a real princess.
Q: What’s your favorite place to visit nearby? Why?
A: Well, I love to travel. Nearby, I’d say any old coffee shop or a tree swing. Oh, and my church. I love my church. Far away, the mountains are what I’d pick every time. I love wintry hikes or staying in a warm cabin somewhere.
Q: If money weren’t an option, how would you spend your time?
A: Oh, man! I know this sounds crazy, but I think I’d spend it helping others somewhere — like starting an orphanage in another country or something. I mean, of course, I’d made sure I was going to have enough to keep me going, but I don’t need too much.
Q: What’s one talent you wish you had?
A: I wish I was athletic. Being athletic in general would be great. I run to my mailbox, and I’m searching for a brown paper bag to breathe in and out of!