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
EmersonTHEATER weekly rehearsals will take place on Thursdays on the Emerson College Boston campus after school from 4:00- p.m. to 7:00 p.m. beginning the last week of September through December 10, 2026, with support from graduate students in Performing Arts. There will also be flexible opportunities for extra rehearsals on Saturdays starting October 3. Check out our 2026-2027 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 2026 program will be live on Tuesday, August 17, and our priority deadline will be Monday, September 21, by 11:59 p.m. EST. Decisions will be released no later than Wednesday, September 23.
Students who are not able to be offered immediate placement into this year’s program may be placed on a temporary waitlist or encouraged to apply next year.
Student Scholarships
Students who attend EmersonTHEATER for two years who then apply and are accepted to a full-time undergraduate degree program at Emerson College will automatically receive scholarship funding. Learn more about our Pathway Program Merit Scholarships.