Members of the Young Alumni Council are excited to highlight young alumni who embody the Darlington mission and motto through a series of Darlington Connects blogs. We hope you enjoy getting to know these young alums who have chosen to "learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect."
Today's blog features young alumna Emily Orr ('17), who graduated from Harvard University in 2021 with high honors and a degree in history and literature. She is currently a staff writer on the highly anticipated "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" series, which premiered Oct. 29, and is credited with episodes 11 and 14.
Were you day or boarding student?
Day
Where are you located?
Los Angeles, Calif.
Where do you work and what is your title?
I'm a staff writer on "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place."
Tell us how you got to this point.
I started writing television scripts on spec (a film or television script written independently of a production entity) years ago and gained representation at 3Arts. My managers make a point to represent my voice and share my work far and wide.
Describe a typical day in your life.
I'm usually editing upcoming scripts, popping down onto set to pitch on the floor, attending rehearsals, and more.
Why did you choose this path?
I've always wanted to write comedy for TV.
What's your favorite thing about what you do?
Riffing with extremely funny and hardworking people.
What makes you passionate about this?
The opportunity to reach millions of people with comforting, entertaining, and potentially enlightening content.
What are some difficulties that you face but still make everything worth it?
The long hours make it tough to see family and friends but I'm figuring out how to balance my time. This is a lifelong pursuit.
Recent accomplishment, achievement, service project, promotion, or recognition?
I'm the youngest writer in my room at age 25 and I'm credited with two episodes this season.
How do you feel you exemplify Darlington's mission or motto?
I support my budding community of artists by being an honorable and intentional collaborator. I operate with the wisdom that there's enough room for everyone around me to succeed. I am committed to creating new and crucial expressions of our world. That's not something I can do alone (or want to do alone), so being fair and kind to the people around me is non-negotiable.
What advice, now, would you give to your younger self when you were at Darlington?
You are more than capable of achieving your dreams.
How can current students or other alumni connect with you?
Instagram: @emilynicoleorr
LinkedIn: Emily Orr
Email: orr.emilynicole@gmail.com
Website: "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place"
Emily is happy to connect with anyone in the Darlington Community who would like to know more about her career. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please contact us at connect@darlingtonschool.org.
