ABOUT US
At Emerson Stage, in Emerson College’s Department of Performing Arts, the next generation of theatre actors, designers, stage managers, technicians, administrators, and educators work alongside distinguished faculty, professional staff, and visiting artists to bring skills learned in the classroom to vibrant life on stage.
Emerson Stage functions as a professionally-staffed, student-led production company, allowing upcoming theatre artists to gain real-life experience. Each academic year, productions are produced in a variety of theatre spaces across campus including the Cutler Majestic Theatre, the Greene Theater, the Semel Theater, Jackie Liebergott Black Box, and the Robert J. Orchard Stage in the Paramount Center.
Learn more about these performance venues.
Feel free to contact emersonstage@emerson.edu with any questions! Or find us online @emersonstage on Instagram!
EMERSON STAGE REVISED STRUCTURE
In anticipation of our 2026-2027 Season, Emerson Stage underwent a structural revision to better support the educational needs of our Performing Arts students. Emerson Stage will now produce 10+ productions each year. This larger volume of shows creates more technical and production positions, more design opportunities, and more roles for performers.
Emerson Stage will produce shows in distinct tiers, defined with clear parameters, but with limitless creative boundaries. The parameters in each tier are distinguished by budget levels, mentorship support and cast size, but in no way will any tier be restrained by their level of quality and educational experience.
These changes allow us all to take more risks with shows that we select and the manner in how shows are produced and directed. It also brings new artistic possibilities, utilizing existing performance venues, and exploring other unique spaces. Emerson Stage will develop new works in collaboration with professional theatre organizations, commercial theatre producers, Emerson College faculty, and other industry professionals working in the field.
THE PIPELINE SERIES
…provides the space to present readings and workshops, whether that be developmental or an existing work. It also serves programming that doesn’t fit into the prototypical show mold and/or in the prototypical show venue (e.g., creating a haunted house troll along the Freedom Trail). The pipeline will have minimal budget and technical requirements.
THE LAB SERIES
…offers designers and directors the ability to create their vision utilizing a designer’s tool box coupled with in-depth mentorship for designers and stage managers. The Lab provides a full rehearsal and design process. You may find a Lab production in the Greene Theater, Semel Theater, or the JLBB. EmStage expects to produce five Lab productions each year, which will include the Rod Parker Playwriting Fellowship.
THE MARQUEE SERIES
…furnishes designers and directors with an enhanced budget and shop builds to carry out their vision. It will allow designers and stage managers the ability to work more independently, while still receiving appropriate mentorship support. EmStage is planning to produce at least three productions annually in The Marquee Series, which will garner a full rehearsal and design process. While The Marquee Series will likely be produced in the Greene, Semel, and JLBB theaters, any Emerson College venue could be selected.
THE TENTPOLE PRODUCTION
…is the largest production each year in size, scope and budget. Designers and stage management teams will receive lighter mentorship to provide students the space to expand their skills and explore their roles with a higher level of autonomy. The tentpole production will be supplied with a full rehearsal and design process and the largest production budget of the year. The singular Tentpole Production will be produced in one of Emerson’s proscenium-style venues.