EmersonTHEATER was founded by Bethany Nelson, Associate Professor of Performing Arts, and is currently directed by Dana Edell, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, with support from HIVE and Emerson students in the Performing Arts department.

Playmaking uses a variety of theater structures, such as improvisation, character exploration, scene work, movement, and monologue to develop students’ theater and performance skills. EmersonTHEATER encourages students to explore their roles as change agents by providing an enriched educational experience that develops critical thinking and life skills.

EmersonTHEATER is directed by Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, Dana Edell, with support from HIVE and Emerson students in the Performing Arts department.

Questions about EmersonTHEATER or want to know more? Explore the pages below and email EmersonTHEATER [at] emerson.edu (EmersonTHEATER[at]emerson[dot]edu) with any other questions.

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Sessions & Program Calendar

Two sessions will be offered during the 2024-2025 academic year: group performance during Fall 2024 and monologue development in Spring 2025. Check out our 2024-2025 session calendar for important dates and times.

Meet Our Team

Learn more about the staff, faculty, and graduate students who teach and support EmersonTHEATER.

Performance Showcases

EmersonTHEATER produces two student showcases each year in February and June. Learn more about our student performance productions and showcase events.

Application 

EmersonTHEATER applications for the Fall 2024 program have closed on Friday September 20, 2024. Decisions will be released by September 25. Information on our Spring, 2025 program is forthcoming.

Student Scholarships

Students who attend a Pathway Program who apply and are accepted to a full-time undergraduate degree program at Emerson College are eligible for automatic scholarship funding. Learn more about the Pathway Program Scholarships.