The spotlight dims and the curtains close. Proud eyes and sad smiles cover the students’ faces. “Into the Woods”, Emily Hohenadel’s final GHS performance, is over. The school year is ending and decisions are being made. After high school there are many different possibilities for the future. Different directions to take for different destinations, but Hohenadel is sure of one thing. Her future will consist of musical theater. 

“She [Emily] could sing before she could talk,” claims her mother, Shannon Hohenadel. Emily Hohenadel has always loved performing. Starting at a very young age, she had her first official musical when she was only five years old. Although, she has had many earlier unofficial performances as well. Her mother explains how, as a little girl, Hohenadel loved singing for others. She even stood on a restaurant chair and sang “Tomorrow” from Annie. Originally she was only singing for her family, but at the end, the whole restaurant applauded as she sat down to continue her meal. Performing has always been a part of Hohenadel’s life.  

Graduating from GHS in 2021, Hohenadel moved to NYC to pursue musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). AMDA is a 2 year conservatory that solely focuses on music theatrics. Hohenadel explains, “The biggest difference [between a college and the conservatory] is that I didn’t have to take Gen Eds. So I’m not taking math or science, I’m strictly taking musical theater classes.” Hohenadel’s decision may be not heard of often, but was undeniably fitting for her. Her experience from AMDA has allowed her to be versed in many different musical departments, which she is very grateful for. It has allowed her to share her knowledge through coaching lessons and help her direct 7 different musicals.

After graduating from AMDA in 2023, Hohenadel moved back to NH with her family. “Right now I’m substitute teaching so I can make enough money to move back to New York City, and do a bunch of auditions,” Hohendel says. She explains her big goal for the future is to make it on Broadway. Also adding how she would love to do regional theater, cruise performances, and voice acting. 

There are many different pros and cons to taking up musical theater as a profession. Hohenadel acknowledges the difficulty of landing a role in the theater industry after graduating. “You have to do so much work and are always putting in auditions.” Later adding how 80 auditions could lead to only one call back. But to her, the hard work and dedication is worth it. “I get to perform for people and just have fun bringing shows and stories to life,” Hohenadel states. Jokingly adding the benefit of not having to sit behind a desk doing office work. Musical theater may be a tough career to pursue, but the joy Hohenadel finds in it is more important than anything. 

Hohenadel spoke about how everything she learned in high school helped later on at her conservatory. She was able to apply what she learned to her own performances in advanced musical theater programs. Her mom is very proud of Emily and her talent. She enjoys watching her performances and, “loves getting to see everyone else enjoy what I already know.” 

Ending the interview Hohenadel recalls a moment when an AMDA alumni came and spoke to her class. One thing really stuck with her. The alumni spoke about how if you could think of anything else to do besides musical theater then do that first. But Hohenadel said, “I sat there and I couldn’t think of anything and that’s how I knew this was for me.”