Dance Alum Takes the Stage as part of Nationally Touring Production
After graduating from Seton Hill this May as a double major in Early Childhood & Special Education and Dance Pedagogy, Emma Roby found an opportunity to keep performing. She is now touring with The Thorn, which comes to the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh on October 13, 2026.
We caught up with Emma to talk about her journey from Seton Hill to the stage and life on tour!
How did you find your role in The Thorn?
Toward the end of my senior year at Seton Hill, I was auditioning for dance companies and also interviewing for teaching positions. I wasn’t feeling drawn to any of the jobs that I came across. I actually found out about The Thorn through social media!
What was the audition process like?
The first step in the audition process for The Thorn was sending in my dance reel. I used a dance reel that I created during my time as a student at Seton Hill; 99% of the clips that I used were from Seton Hill dance productions! Then, I received a callback where I was given a piece of choreography to learn. I recorded myself executing the choreography and sent the recording back to the casting team. From there, I had an interview with the founder/producer and was offered the job as a member of the dance ensemble.
Tour life has definitely been an adjustment. I’m eating, resting, living, and doing all of the things with my coworkers; we all grew to be close friends very quickly. There’s about 35 performers and about 30 more crew members. We’re like one big family. Our rehearsal process was quick; we had about 3 weeks to rehearse and then we hit the road. It’s been both challenging and extremely rewarding.
The Thorn has been described as “Cirque du Soleil meets the Passion of Christ.” Being a Christian myself, it has been a huge blessing to tell such an important story alongside the most talented and professional individuals. I’ve learned so much from the other artists in the show.
What was your experience like at Seton Hill and how did you grow throughout your time here?
I graduated with a double major in Early Childhood & Special Education and Dance Pedagogy. I’m so thankful that I was able to get my teaching degree while also continuing to pursue my dance dreams. Both programs were wonderful; I had the most supportive professors. The dance program at Seton Hill played a crucial part in what got me the job. I saw so much growth in myself as a dancer and a professional. Between performances, audition prep, master classes, residency opportunities, and many other valuable experiences in the Seton Hill dance program, I felt more than ready to step into the professional dance world.
Looking ahead, what are your career goals?
I would love to continue to perform as long as my body allows. I also have a huge passion for teaching. I can see myself transitioning into more of a teaching/leadership role, in either dance or traditional education, once I’m ready to retire from the stage.
What advice do you think would be helpful for others who want to enter the performing arts as a career?
My journey to get where I am now was not linear; there were many twists and turns to get here. Each pathway to the professional world is different. You can learn and grow no matter what season you’re in!