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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Rehearsal & Program Calendar
EmersonTHEATER's Fall 2025 program will run from Tuesday, September 30, 2025, through Tuesday, December 9, 2025. This year's showcase will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, and there will be a final class to debrief the year after the showcase on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Check out our 2025-2026 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 a student showcase at the end of the program. Learn more about our student performance productions and showcase events.
Application
Whether you have attended EmersonTHEATER before, or are new to our program, welcome! Complete your Application.
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.