Emily Piro’s passion is taking her places. Piro, who graduated from Saint Louis University in December 2007, was chosen to receive an Outstanding Young Artist Visionary Award from the Grand Center.

A native of Seattle, Piro has a double major in sociology and international studies from SLU. While at SLU, she developed her theatrical skills under the guidance of Tom Martin, an associate professor in the theatre department.

Calling herself a late-bloomer in the theater business, Piro didn’t give theater much thought until high school.

“It was an instinctual thing,” she said. “I was always drawn to theater and art.”

When she did give acting a shot, her natural talent took over. She auditioned for an introductory course in acting and was immediately placed in an advanced course at the Seattle Children’s Theatre. Two intensive periods of study in Seattle and London followed, all before Piro made her way to SLU.

Ryan Kohl, who is Piro’s boyfriend and nominated her for the Visionary Award, said that he admires her dedication to theater.

“Emily doesn’t like the politics of the theater world. She’s interested in it because she really loves it. She’s not interested in it for the money, the fame or the status, and I think that is rare.”

Indeed, Piro’s ultimate goal isn’t to be a lead on Broadway or become a movie star.

“I’d really like to get involved in drama therapy and theater outreach in marginalized and at-risk communities,” she said.

Piro’s last performance, Kindertransport, at the New Jewish Theatre, is up for a Kevin Kline Outstanding Ensemble in a Play award, as well. Currently, Piro works with Spotlight TEEN (Theatre Educating and Entertaining Now), which teaches drama classes and performs plays with juvenile offenders and residents of the Missouri Hills Division Youth Services.

“I was always really passionate about theater, but always felt a really strong calling to do social justice and human rights work,” she said. “I met [Martin], and he’s really interested in theater the way I am-using theater to send a social message and make statements.”

The Visionary Awards, which celebrate the achievements and community contributions of eight women to the arts in St. Louis, will recognize Piro’s skills and passion for theater and social justice. Piro and her accomplishments will be celebrated on May 21 at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

“I’m in some impressive company,” Piro said. “I think it’s really important in theater and the arts to not only know the technique, but also to know about human nature, because that is what you are reflecting on the stage.”