Emma Watts

High school: Rock Falls High School

Hometown: Rock Falls, Ill.

Majors: Theatre – performance, film

Minor: Scandinavian studies

Activities: Heywire Improv

Internship: Stahr Media, summer 2024

Post-grad plans: I am relocating to the Chicago suburbs and finding a production company to work for while continuing to develop my current documentary short film and small business in my free time.

Why Augustana?

When looking for schools, I had big dreams and knew I wanted to receive a well-rounded education that taught me everything there is to know about theatre and film. Unfortunately, many schools I looked into could not provide me with what I wanted ... except for Augie! 

All of my courses here were extremely hands-on. I never sat around reading from a textbook, but instead learned by getting up on my feet and actually making films, directing a show, writing a script, etc.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

God no! I think the goal of the faculty here is to foster a community of thinkers and dreamers who are comfortable with being uncomfortable. As a student, I was always tempted to learn more and do more, expanding my knowledge beyond just that of acting, what I originally came here to do ... and as I sit here typing this, I'm entering tech week for the show I'm directing. I never in a million years would have dreamed of directing a show ... yet here I am!

Who helped you get to where you are now?

All of my professors, every single one of them. No matter the subject of the class or whether it was a professor I had once or six times, all of my professors here ... from Mark Safstrom, Stacy Barton, Jennifer Popple, Brett Biebel to Mike Turczynski ... taught me valuable lessons when it comes to being an artist and a scholar, exploring the world with an open mind, not being afraid to try new things and seeking out new experiences. 

The professors here will know your name, laugh with excitement when you want to nerd out about new pieces of theatre or films or books, and will always keep their doors open should you ever choose to return after graduation just to chat or catch up. 

I wouldn't be where I am today without them, and I want them to know that.

Peak experience?  

Oh gosh ... the thing that stands out the most is studying abroad in Jönköping, Sweden. I never in a million years thought I'd not only learn a new language, but also actually get to spend a month in another country. 

The world languages, literatures, and cultures department here is stuffed to the brim with opportunities for all majors, opening the doors for study abroad experiences, transfer programs, and fun and memorable cultural activities!

What surprised you?

The friends I met here on campus! I know the school takes pride in how diverse the community here is, from professors to students, and words can't express how true that is. I've met some of my closest friends who got me through very stressful times.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to fund my trip to Sweden in January of 2024! I also applied for departmental scholarships and grants, in which the world languages, literatures, and cultures department has an abundance of ... which covered my entire trip!

What will you miss the most?

My professors. I can't count the number of times I was excited about something new I'd learned or was stressed over a project or another class and was able to walk into my professor's office and just let it out. 

Being away from home can be a stressful thing, but my professors really made me feel like I was at home. At the end of the day, sure they're professors and scholars, but trust me, they will never shy away from finding the time to talk with their students, no matter the topic.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Dream big, and if you feel like it's not big enough, dream even bigger. Trust me, at Augie, your dream is more obtainable than you think.