Sophomore Emma Weightman isn’t afraid to stand out. In fact, she’s devoted her extracurricular energy to doing just that.

Weightman performed in and directed a one-act play for the spring production, “All In The Timing.” For an underclassman, this task might seem daunting, but to Weightman, her years of drama experience help to anchor her. “It definitely helps that I’ve been doing drama for so many years,” she said. “After a while, the nerves go away to some degree.”

Weightman  has been participating in dramatic and musical productions since sixth
grade. She most recently had one of the lead roles of “The Skin of Our Teeth,” put on by the
drama program in March.

One caveat to this distinguishment is the time commitment it entails. “Rehearsals are so
time­ consuming, and then of course after school I have homework and sometimes soccer
practice; ­­it can get overwhelming really quickly,” Weightman said.

School and homework are often a concern for those who are heavily involved with activities outside of school, and teachers share this unease. “Of course we encourage students to participate in extracurriculars and things that interest them, but when it starts interfering with schoolwork and grades, we become less supportive of those things,” math teacher Joe Sneed said.

While Weightman may not immediately seem like the first choice for the role of director,
the people responsible for the selection are confident in her abilities. “I had no regrets in choosing
Emma to help lead this production,” said visual and performing arts teacher Jim Peerenboom. “I
knew she’d do a great job.”

Weightman and her partner, sophomore Maya Lomanto, are among the youngest students to be chosen to direct a Lincoln play. Despite the time commitment and academic stress, Weightman is as devoted to her love of drama as ever. “I wouldn’t trade drama and the people who do it for anything,” she said.