Theatre
Step outside of yourself in Emma Willard School's theatre program.
Scenes from our latest production...
![One of 360: Renata L. ’26]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758033606/emmawillardorg/gp3bamzggrugfayt4t2d/AwardsNight_2025_4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758033606/emmawillardorg/gp3bamzggrugfayt4t2d/AwardsNight_2025_4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758033606/emmawillardorg/gp3bamzggrugfayt4t2d/AwardsNight_2025_4.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758033606/emmawillardorg/gp3bamzggrugfayt4t2d/AwardsNight_2025_4.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758033606/emmawillardorg/gp3bamzggrugfayt4t2d/AwardsNight_2025_4.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1758033606/emmawillardorg/gp3bamzggrugfayt4t2d/AwardsNight_2025_4.png","width":2200}])
This school year our One of 360 series kicks off with Renata L. ’26, a senior boarding student from Chicago! Read on to hear from Renata about finding theatre, community at Emma, her favorite tradition(s) and more!
![Faculty Voice: Building Community in Theatre with Faith Lawson “Flawson”]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742409159/emmawillardorg/r6qptwm9mwyze8oatmq9/emmaween_2024_12.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742409159/emmawillardorg/r6qptwm9mwyze8oatmq9/emmaween_2024_12.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742409159/emmawillardorg/r6qptwm9mwyze8oatmq9/emmaween_2024_12.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742409159/emmawillardorg/r6qptwm9mwyze8oatmq9/emmaween_2024_12.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742409159/emmawillardorg/r6qptwm9mwyze8oatmq9/emmaween_2024_12.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742409159/emmawillardorg/r6qptwm9mwyze8oatmq9/emmaween_2024_12.png","width":2200}])
Flawson’s early love for the arts grew into a passion for directing and teaching. They aim to inspire students by fostering open conversation and producing plays that spark self-discovery and genuine connection.
![Winter Play: “The River Bride”]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740596468/emmawillardorg/qizeoykw9slpwfgyzc2y/RIVERBRID_CCEDIT.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740596468/emmawillardorg/qizeoykw9slpwfgyzc2y/RIVERBRID_CCEDIT.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740596468/emmawillardorg/qizeoykw9slpwfgyzc2y/RIVERBRID_CCEDIT.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740596468/emmawillardorg/qizeoykw9slpwfgyzc2y/RIVERBRID_CCEDIT.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740596468/emmawillardorg/qizeoykw9slpwfgyzc2y/RIVERBRID_CCEDIT.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740596468/emmawillardorg/qizeoykw9slpwfgyzc2y/RIVERBRID_CCEDIT.png","width":1620}])
The inaugural performance in the Bennack Studio Theater took the audience into the heart of the Amazon River to experience “The River Bride” by Mexican-American poet and playwright Marisela Treviño Orta. Inspired by a traditional Brazilian folk story, the tale tells of two sisters searching for love and happiness.
![Production of “Hansel and Gretel” Raises Awareness About Food Insecurity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732045741/emmawillardorg/zjsvcjwgyuhvtdxeride/FallPlay2024_22.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732045741/emmawillardorg/zjsvcjwgyuhvtdxeride/FallPlay2024_22.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732045741/emmawillardorg/zjsvcjwgyuhvtdxeride/FallPlay2024_22.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732045741/emmawillardorg/zjsvcjwgyuhvtdxeride/FallPlay2024_22.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1732045741/emmawillardorg/zjsvcjwgyuhvtdxeride/FallPlay2024_22.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732045741/emmawillardorg/zjsvcjwgyuhvtdxeride/FallPlay2024_22.png","width":1620}])
This fall’s theatre production was more than just a stage performance. Involving multiple venues, an audience on the move, and a community service project to help alleviate food insecurity, the adaptation of Gill Robertson’s “Hansel and Gretel” created a uniquely Emma experience.
![Winter Play: Almost, Maine]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709054654/emmawillardorg/xfnwtiem8pbn5djcgq0i/WinterPlay2024-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709054654/emmawillardorg/xfnwtiem8pbn5djcgq0i/WinterPlay2024-1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709054654/emmawillardorg/xfnwtiem8pbn5djcgq0i/WinterPlay2024-1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1709054654/emmawillardorg/xfnwtiem8pbn5djcgq0i/WinterPlay2024-1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1709054654/emmawillardorg/xfnwtiem8pbn5djcgq0i/WinterPlay2024-1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1709054654/emmawillardorg/xfnwtiem8pbn5djcgq0i/WinterPlay2024-1.png","width":2200}])
The Emma Willard School Theatre Department embraced the month of love in their winter production of Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani in a series of vignettes addressing themes of love and loss.
Bennack Studio Theater
Bennack Studio Theater was made possible through the inspiring generosity of Mary Lake Polan ’61, MD, PhD, MPH, in honor of Frank A. Bennack Jr. This black-box style studio space has a mobile stage and seating arrangement, making each show customizable. The River Bride was the first performance to use this transformative space; view photographs above.
Mainster Dressing Room
Mainster Dressing Room, given by Harris and Phoebe Mainster in honor of their daughter, Arlene Mainster Holtzman ’81, is a new space in the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts. Equipped with well-lit mirrors and ample counter space, the area allows students to prepare for performances with ease.
