Photo by Rylan Lott
Em Hausmann (they/them) is a Director and Theatre-Maker based in NYC with a focus on new works development for shows that are wonderfully weird and otherworldly, as well as queer and trans stories. Their work often explores and dissects gender, capitalism, trauma manifestations, internet culture, coming of age, and messy interpersonal relationships through the lens of larger-than-life characters in unusual and inexplicable circumstances. Em believes in the power of building community through theatre and in the importance of true collaboration to work towards a shared vision.
Directing highlights include the world premieres of Nancy by Sean Swenson (The Brick Aux), 500 Rats: A Love Story by BT Hayes (HERE Arts Center/Moxie Arts), crabby by Madi Fabber (Ars Nova ANT Fest), If You’re a Man at Night… You Gotta Be a Man in the Morning by Di Lobontiu (The Tank), Snow Bird by Melina Nakos (Brooklyn Art Haus), and Beethoven: Live in Concert by Jad Jacob (Fort Salem Theater).
Em is Resident Director for Fresh Binder Productions, a cohort for TGNC+ playwrights to develop new works, and Neurodivergent Plays, a play reading series dedicated to presenting the works of neurodivergent playwrights. From 2023-2024 Em was the Director of Development for Kitchen Sink Theatre Company, where they helped to grow the company by reshaping its mission to producing works by/for LGBTQIA+ artists. As a producer, Em has presented work at The WP Theater, Ars Nova, The Sheen Center, 54 Below, Producers Club Theaters, The Tank, and various found/DIY spaces.
Em is an alum of the Moxie Arts Incubator Directing Cohort and an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). BFA: Molloy University/CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory.
"As a playwright, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a selection of directors, and have had varying degrees of long-standing connection with them after our project is done.
With Em, it’s never a question of, “Will I work with them again?”, but rather, “So, what’s next?” Em puts significant care into creating a safe environment for actors of all gender identities and backgrounds to explore new text, which in turn allows the playwrights they work with (such as myself) to see their work at their full potential. Plus, they have a wonderful sense of visual aesthetic and playfulness that makes any project soar. I am lucky to not only call Em a wonderful collaborator, but also, a dear friend."