Emeline Scales
Around campus, senior Emeline Scales can be found acting and directing in the Goel Center for Theater and Dance and singing in the Forrestal-Bowld Music Center. No matter the week, she always finds the opportunity to pursue her passion for the theatrical and musical arts. Co-head of the student-led theater club DRAMAT, the a capella group In Essence and former co-head of ESSO Children’s Choir, Scales is undeniably dedicated to pursuing the arts at Exeter.
Hailing from Florida, Scales’ family moved to Asheville, North Carolina when she was two. Surrounded with a family of past and present Exonians—her mother’s siblings, her grandfather and her older brother—Scales was encouraged to apply to PEA. Though reluctant at first, Scales fell in love with the school when she came to visit her older brother during Family Weekend. “[When] I came for a parents' weekend, I never wanted to leave so I decided to apply,” she said.
With help from her older brother, Aeron Scales, Emeline Scales was able to easily adapt to Exeter. “[My experience] was better than a lot people's because I already had my brother here and he was a year above me,” she commented.
Although Scales had a smooth transition from her home to Dunbar Hall, it took her time before she was able to completely adapt to the Exonian lifestyle. However, with help from her friends and family, she was able to conquer her worries. “I had to really adjust the way that I looked at myself in comparison to other people. I did that a lot at first, and that just kind of led to me feeling awful about myself just because everyone here is so talented and so successful,” she said. “I had to take a step back and realize that success means different things for different people.”
Scales also reflected on the close relationship she had with her friends. “They’ve made my experience,” she said. “I love them so much, and they’ve made this place so special for me. They’ve really helped propel me through Exeter.” She further elaborated on the bond she shared with her prep-year roommate, senior Gillian Allou. “From the first day, I was really close with her,” she said. “She’s been my best friend for all four years.”
Echoing her sentiments, Scales’ friends described her fondly. “She is a great friend to talk to,” said upper Paula Perez-Glassner. “She cares so deeply for all the important people in her life, and will do what she can to help.”
Senior Anna Clark elaborated on the value of Scales’ friendship. “She has been there for me through some of the most challenging and celebratory times in my Exeter experience,” she said. “I really value the time I have gotten to spend by her side.”
Over the years, Scales has made many memories with her friends. Accompanied by Allou during the fall of her senior year, Scales took a term abroad to Stratford, England. “We were studying Shakespeare and we lived [in] a little cottage close to Stratford and we've got to see a bunch of incredible shows,” she described.
During winter term, Scales completed her senior project, an EP titled “Kind of a Stretch.” She was grateful for the chance to use the recording studio, describing it as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” Along with help from family back home and Mr. Stockbridge, she recorded six songs: “Wishy Washy Man,” “I Need You (Okay),” “Lingering Tension,” “Optimistic Pessimist,” “Picture Perfect” and “Copycat.” These songs can be found by searching her name on Spotify.
Perez-Glassner expressed her support. “She is so passionate about the things she does and puts so much work and effort into the things she cares about,” she said. “Her album is amazing and I know how much time and work she put into it. I’m so proud of her.”
Senior Emmy Goyette echoed the sentiment, commending Scales for the combination of her perseverance and musical talent. “She works so hard to get her albums out. It’s incredible, really, when it comes to her music,” she said. “I’m one of the biggest fans of her music out there.”
For most of her life, Scales has been involved in music. “I've been doing [music] since I was little. My dad is a musician part-time: he's mostly a lawyer, but he also does music,” she said. “It’s just something I always grew up surrounded with and surrounded by.”
In contrast, Scales began her acting career at Exeter. “I didn't do any theater until I got to Exeter, then I just kind of thought I would apply. I tried out for DRAMAT, just for fun. Then I just kind of fell in love with it. I did a few of the main stage productions, and I directed a lot,” she said.
She has directed almost three full-length productions, with her third one, Be More Chill, premiering on April 19th. “Through directing, I've gotten to take these creative ideas that I have and just work to improve them with other people,” she said. “I feel so lucky to be able to take other people's ideas and kind of work them in with my own.”
Scales’ talent for the arts has inspired many in the community. “As an actress, Emeline is bold and confident … she does the same in her directing, putting together emotionally nuanced and realistic scenes,” Clark said. “She has a soulful voice and a deep commitment to conveying emotion through her music. I really appreciate her music as a gift to her friends and listeners, and I am glad she is able to find confidence in it to share.”