<PAGE>
Exhibit (q)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and Trustees of Eaton Vance Variable Trust, a
Massachusetts business trust, do hereby severally constitute and appoint Alan R.
Dynner, James B. Hawkes and Eric G. Woodbury, or any of them, to be true,
sufficient and lawful attorneys, or attorney for each of us, to sign for each of
us, in the name of each of us in the capacities indicated below, the
Registration Statement and any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed by Eaton Vance
Variable Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of shares
of beneficial interest and other documents and papers relating thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands on the dates set opposite
our respective signatures.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ James B. Hawkes President, Principal August 14, 2000
-------------------------- Executive Officer and
James B. Hawkes Trustee
/s/ James L. O'Connor Treasurer and Principal August 14, 2000
-------------------------- Financial and Accounting
James L. O'Connor Officer
/s/ Jessica M. Bibliowicz Trustee August 14, 2000
--------------------------
Jessica M. Bibliowicz
/s/ Donald R. Dwight Trustee August 14, 2000
--------------------------
Donald R. Dwight
/s/ Samuel L. Hayes, III Trustee August 14, 2000
--------------------------
Samuel L. Hayes, III
/s/ Norton H. Reamer Trustee August 14, 2000
--------------------------
Norton H. Reamer
/s/ Lynn A. Stout Trustee August 14, 2000
--------------------------
Lynn A. Stout
/s/ Jack L. Treynor Trustee August 14, 2000
--------------------------
Jack L. Treynor