This was previously published in the 2026 senior issue.
Charles Kenney takes one last dramatic bow as he prepares to end his high school journey and start a new one in New York. Kenney has been actively dedicated to the arts, cast in eight shows at Emmaus, and has participated in several student-run film productions. Kenney is the president of the Emmaus High School Theatre Department and is actively involved in the Choir Department, specifically Fermata Nowhere.
He plans to attend Long Island University, where he intends to receive a BFA in Musical Theatre.
Stinger: What initially inspired you to pursue theatre?
Kenney: When I was in elementary, I participated in a show called “Humor Tales,” and from there on I participated in the shows at Eyer Middle School as well as [EHS]… characters and art in general are a reflection of people in real life, and I get to dedicate myself to studying what makes this person the way they are. Why they act the way they do, and in hopes that, not only will I get a better understanding of the character, but also gain a better understanding of myself.
Stinger: What has been your favorite role you have played?
Kenney: I’d have to say playing both [Henry] Jekyll [and] [Edward] Hyde. Being able to play both, which, when the show was written, was how it was intended to be, gave me a chance [to take on a more demanding role]. The nature of the role was more difficult, with how much singing and how much difficult acting there was, and if you saw the show, it kind of speaks for itself.
Stinger: Was there something you wish you knew going into high school or as an underclassman?
Kenney: It’s impossible to ever know someone else’s true intentions. The only person’s intentions that you will ever be 100 percent sure about is your own. The best you can do is trust yourself and give others the benefit of the doubt — have faith in yourself and in others, which leads to a happier life.
Stinger: What advice would you give to any underclassman interested in joining theatre?
Kenney: There’s something very terrifying about putting yourself out there in front of hundreds of people and being able to show them a different part of yourself. Whether you are doing a huge show or just improv, you’re leaving your heart out for people to see. Especially in a day and age where we care a lot about what other people think of us, social validation makes such a huge impact, for both the better and the worse.
