LITERARY
I am a new play dramaturg prioritizing
artist-first collaboration and accessible audience entry points.
I desire clarity of story and enriched context for any literary project I take on. I am an artist-first dramaturg, always questioning what is needed for the work to be deep, true, and resonant in line with the playwright's vision. I prioritize actionable feedback when working in collaboration.
I have a deep love for research that manifests itself in my passion for audience engagement tools. Research dramaturgy allows me to delve fully into the world of the play, creating a wealth of contextual knowledge for the team and the audience to take: program notes, rehearsal guides, research packets, lobby displays, participatory talks, and more.
NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
I have worked on long-term script development processes with writers in residencies and workshops, as well as short-term consultations with writers. I have a love of script reading, and enjoy being part of team curatorial processes!
SELECT COLLABORATIONS
Dining on the Truckside or, The Untold Story of the Turnpike Greats by Ravin Patterson
the pigeon. by Jonathan V. Edmondson
Allies by Michael John McGoldrick
The Incels by Ruth Zamoyta
We Victorians by Matthew Cole Kelly
Deep Space by Matthew Sievers
Dramaturgical mentor to The Storyteller Studio participants.
READER POSITIONS
Premiere Stages
Austin Film Festival
The Playwright's Foundation / Bay Area Playwrights Festival
SheNYC Arts
Campfire Theater Festival
OTHER COLLABORATIONS
LMDA 2021 Conference Programming Committee Member
Art House Productions
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Whether creating lobby displays, study guides, or production websites, I believe in providing rich entry points for any audience member. I craft my materials leading with values of accessibility of use and clarity of language.
COLLABORATIONS
Pipeline, Mile Square Theatre
The Immigrant, George Street Playhouse
Midwives, George Street Playhouse
High School Musical and Love (Awkwardly) + (Virtually), Union Catholic High School
The Odyssey, George Street Playhouse Summer Theater Academy
4320p: IMMERSION, Drew University
PRODUCTION RESEARCH
I love going into research rabbit holes for a play! I have collaborated with production teams, both professional and educational, to develop contextual resources to use in the rehearsal process. This research adapts very well into lobby displays and program notes.
COLLABORATIONS
the pigeon., The Strides Collective
Much Ado About Nothing, Izabella Louk + Bokkie Robertson (Sydney, AUS)
The Immigrant, George Street Playhouse
Edge of the World, George Street Playhouse Summer Theater Academy
4320p: IMMERSION, Drew University
Matterhorn and Sure Thing, Drew University
Twelfth Night, Drew University
RESEARCH
Devising Form and Content: The Dramaturg as Performance Curator
In 2018, I published my undergraduate thesis in Theatre Arts. My research explores the role of the dramaturg in devised theatre, defined as an essential curator. By examining the theatre-making process of the devising theatre company Tectonic Theater Project, Moment Work, this thesis seeks to comment on where an individual dramaturg should best work in the devising room.
I was honored to share my research and experiences from my thesis and dramaturging the devised play 4320p: IMMERSION on the 2019 ATHE Conference's Dramaturgy Debut Panel. The Association for Theatre in Higher Education's Dramaturgy Focus Group put out a call for papers, and my project was chosen. I will always have the deepest gratitude to Dr. Shelley Orr and the entire panel of judges for their belief in my work.
TESTIMONIALS
Bruce
I commend Emily's direction, inspiration and patience with me. She encouraged me so much and I am so excited to write more and keep learning. I woke up this morning rereading our notes from the meeting yesterday! I truly appreciate the two hours she spent with me and all the time she took to read and analyze my character's journey.
Consultation Client
Deborah
I'm in a writers group with a fairly wide age and life experience range. The older writers see the dynamic of my play differently from the younger writers. By casting age-appropriate actors in a reading, Emily made it possible for me to hear feedback that confirmed this difference. Eureka! During our conversation about the script in-depth, I described the climactic scene from an earlier draft, wondering if perhaps I should have stuck with that scene. Emily listened, thought about it, and offered her opinion - just what I needed to hear.
PlayGym writer
Izabella
Despite being based in New Jersey while we rehearse in Sydney, Australia, Emily has been communicative, collaborative, and so on top of things! She was integral to the process of cutting and adapting the script, and has been a fount of knowledge as we move through the rehearsal process.
Producer
Jonathan
Emily consistently demonstrates her talents for new play development by approaching texts with a sharp eye, meticulous focus, and an inspired curiosity. Forever keeping the playwright at the center of her work, she challenges artists to think critically about their stories, characters, and themes, all while creating a safe, positive environment for dramaturgical exploration.
