Broadway’s ‘Six,’ coming to Bass Hall, has unique connection to Texas State
Emma Elizabeth Smith came to Texas State University in San Marcos from Atlanta a few years ago to study theater. Now, as part of the national tour of the musical “Six,” she is a part of the school’s unique connection to the hit show.
Smith is the fifth lady from the school’s program to star in the production since it opened on Broadway in October 2021. In fact, in that production, Texas State’s own Anna Uzele was one of the stars.
Smith and “Six” are coming to Bass Hall Feb. 10-15 as part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series Presented by PNC Bank. It is a pop concert-style musical where the six wives of Henry VIII form a girl group to tell their stories.
“Texas State has an amazing theater program. It has grown into one of the most successful in the country,” said Smith, who graduated in 2024.
While the school has long had a theater program, in 2009 Kaitlin Hopkins began a specialized musical program. In the short time it has been in existence, it has catapulted the university to being recognized as one of the top drama schools in the world.
“I’m still in shock this is my first job. ‘Six’ has been a dream of mine,” Smith said. “I’d be walking on a treadmill working out at the gym watching bootlegs of it.”
Of course, being a Texas State student with a goal of doing professional theater, she had to give auditioning for the show a try — which she did her junior year of college. While she wasn’t cast that time, she got a hint of what might be ahead.
“My roommate and I flew to Boston and auditioned. They asked us when do we graduate, so I figured after graduation I’d give it another try,” Smith said.
And here she is about to grace the stage in Fort Worth. It is, in fact, her first visit to the city, though she has family in Dallas — which is where the show also had a run ending Feb. 1.
“I cannot wait. Bass Hall looks so beautiful, and to know the theater scene in Fort Worth is so alive is exciting,” she said.
Smith got interested in theater after watching her older sister perform in high school.
“I’d go to her shows and I’d do ‘shows’ in my room. I just knew it was what I wanted to do when I grew up,” she said. “My sister didn’t go on to theater, she is a teacher and has her masters from Samford (in Birmingham), but I’m grateful for her influence on me.”
Smith believes the message of “Six” — one of female empowerment, is important for all genders.
“Make sure your story is heard and create safe places to tell your story,” she said. “There’s some vulnerable moments to powerful moments, our stories can be a variety of things uplifting every woman.
“The overall message is at the end of the day it’s empowering to share our experiences and not be silenced.”
And she’s proud to join her fellow sisters from Texas State in delivering that message.
“It’s been special to enter the queendom and to join this special group of alumni in this show,” she said.