In February 1996, Farmiga starred as Miranda in the American Conservatory Theater's production of "The Tempest". That same year, she portrayed Anne Hartman in a production of "Good" at The Barrow Group. Farmiga made her Broadway debut alongside Ed Harris and Daniel Massey in October 1996, understudying the role of Emmi Straube in Ronald Harwood's play "Taking Sides". Following these stage roles, she co-starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame western television film "Rose Hill" in April 1997, portraying Emily Elliot.