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.
"Em Hausmann doesn’t just bring scripts to life, they make the piece alive. I am honored and proud to call Em one of my most consistent collaborators.
They’ve directed 4 pieces I’ve written, and each one they take the time to explore the world, themes, characters, and, most importantly, the playwright. Unlike many directors I’ve worked with, Em goes the extra mile to understand not only what the play is, but the “why” it was created in the first place and stems from there. They are an absolute dream for new play development. Em keeps the rehearsal room curious, exploratory, and playful, while pushing the play to go farther and farther.
I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Em as an actor multiple times – both in my own work and in others’. Em lets actors explore and play to their heart’s content and knows exactly how and when to reign you in and funnel that work to serve the character and piece. They are quick to learn actor’s communication styles and adheres to them like second nature.
If you have the opportunity to work with Em Hausmann – take it."
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- Bailey Jordan Garcia, Playwright (Thanks For the Mammaries!, Clownfishing, Drama Triangle, Is This Beauty)