Ms. Hearn bids farewell to GA.
Ms. Emma Hearn, a GA alum who has previously graced Broadway in productions like “Cats,” brought her immense experience and talent to Germantown Academy following COVID-19. Now, as she prepares to depart from her role as Assistant Belfry Director, she has significantly influenced students.
In an interview, Ms. Hearn shared her reflections on her time both at GA and on Broadway.
“Cats was probably the first musical I saw, and I was three years old,” Ms. Hearn said. “Getting to play my dream role 20 years later was pretty surreal.”
Ms. Hearn graduated from GA in 2014, where she actively participated in Belfry. She developed her love for performance through her involvement in this theatre program.
“Belfry was like my safe haven,” Ms. Hearn said. “I had a lot of personal growth moments in the classroom with K.”
Ms. Hearn’s journey came full circle as she transitioned from being a student to a mentor.
“I found a way to stay and continue working with the students in Belfry, and I’ve loved my time here,” Ms. Hearn said. “I’m just ready for the next adventure and definitely miss performing.”
During her tenure, Ms. Hearn contributed to productions like “Ride the Cyclone” and played a pivotal role in supporting students in their artistic endeavors.
“Getting to see them shine in all of their uniqueness was just amazing,” Ms. Hearn said.
Ms. Hearn has been an important mentor and guide to students like Lauren Sass ’26, a Belfry officer.
“It was so amazing being able to prepare with her,” Sass said. “She’s genuinely nice and wants everybody around her to be equally as good and talented.”
Another Belfry actor, McKenna Miller ’25, also speaks to lessons Ms. Hearn has taught her.
“She taught me that it’s okay to slow down and take your time,” Miller said. “That it’s okay to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.”
Under Ms. Hearn, students learned lessons about dedication, collaboration and perseverance. She prioritized each student’s talents and fostered a supportive environment.
“Ms. Hearn’s kindness and approachability created a sense of belonging within the Belfry community,” Sass said. “She encourages students to explore their creativity and express themselves authentically.”
In addition to her artistic contributions, Ms. Hearn also played a crucial role behind the scenes of shows, handling administrative tasks and offering guidance on the logistical aspects of theater production.
“She’s taken on a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that normally gets discredited,” Sass said.
Ms. Hearn’s partner in much of the performance work has been K. Richardson, who speaks to Ms. Hearn’s contributions and character.
“Emma has embodied the Belfry ethic both as a student and as a teacher in any work,” Ms. Richardson said. “It’s in her work ethic, her incredible care about the craft and her empathy for her fellow performers.”
As the GA community says farewell to Ms. Hearn, we acknowledge her efforts behind the scenes, which have created a place of comfort and encouragement to be their best selves.
Although Ms. Hearn is still determining what she will do in the future, she remains open to new opportunities and experiences.
In the words of Ms. Richardson, “Emma will always be a part of GA.”