Emily Toma chose to adapt the persona of a founding father of the United States: Alexander Hamilton. After learning about him in Advanced Placement United States History, Toma agreed with many of Hamilton’s ideas and philosophies and decided she would perform parts of his fascinating life in her One Person Show.

Toma found it challenging to write about the life of someone who lived so long ago and had such a great impact on the world. She often found herself fretting over the script. If she could do it over again, Toma would have focused on other parts of her show.

“It’s okay if what you have isn’t perfect, or even if it’s terrible, but you have to start from something,” Toma said.

Hamilton’s life was certainly difficult to write about and Toma found herself doubting herself occasionally, but in the end she realized it is not about having the perfect character, it is about putting on a show you can be proud of, which she certainly did.

Toma enjoyed portraying someone as influential as Hamilton, however she does not think she would be able to accomplish as much as he did if she were to live in his shoes. Although Toma is incredibly talented and wants to continue with theater as a hobby, she cannot imagine a career in show business.