Emily
Theatre Maker, Leader, Educator
As a female artist raised in the South, I have lived in the tension between tradition and progress, personal truth and societal expectation. This experience shapes my work as a theater artist and educator, where I am dedicated to creating spaces that honor every voice—especially those that challenge the dominant narrative.
Theater has always been my sanctuary, a place where difference can be celebrated and where connection transcends division. I am deeply committed to fostering environments where all stories feel seen, heard, and valued—even those from perspectives that diverge from my own. Through this work, I aim to bridge divides, spark dialogue, and remind us of our shared humanity.
Beyond artistry, I bring a focus on professionalism and sustainable business practices to everything I do. I understand that the arts thrive on strong foundations, and I prioritize ethical, equitable, and resource-conscious approaches to program development, production, and education. This commitment ensures that the spaces I create are not only inclusive but also built to endure.
Ultimately, I believe in the power of storytelling to heal, challenge, and unite. My goal is to nurture creative communities where individuals feel empowered to bring their whole selves to the stage, knowing they are part of something greater.
Helton
About Emily
I grew up on a farm, where my connection to the land shaped my values from an early age. Life there was grounded in nature, rhythm, and resourcefulness. I learned to love getting my hands dirty, whether it was stringing green beans, hunting for frogs, or piecing together something we needed from what we had on hand. There was a deep, quiet reward in that work—a satisfaction in creating something tangible, useful, and meaningful. Those lessons in self-reliance and creativity have stayed with me ever since.
Things started coming together for me when I entered middle school and met Mrs. Young, the teacher who introduced me to the world of books. Through her, I discovered the power of language and the joy of storytelling. For the first time, I understood what it meant to communicate in a way that could be heard by an audience. Reading helped me see the world—and my place in it—in a whole new way. By the time I left middle school, I knew I was a communicator, a leader, and a do-it-yourselfer at heart.
High school reinforced these values. I thrived in environments where I could take charge, express myself, and bring ideas to life. But it was in college, at the University of Tennessee, that I truly tested them. My undergraduate years were fast-paced and competitive, and somewhere along the way, I lost sight of my "why." I spent so much time chasing LORT credits and trying to climb the ladder of success that I forgot the satisfaction of making something for myself. Looking back, I wish I had taken more time to create my own work, to dig into the process rather than just aiming for the next big opportunity.
After graduation, I found my way back to that sense of purpose at Knoxville Children’s Theatre. Teaching and leading there reignited my passion for storytelling and unlocked a new strength I hadn’t fully realized: business and nonprofit leadership. I discovered how much I love the challenge of running programs, balancing budgets, and creating spaces where others can thrive. It was a chance to blend my creativity with the practical skills I had developed over the years—and it felt like coming home.
Today, I’m driven by those early lessons: the value of hard work, the joy of creating something meaningful, and the power of stories to connect us all. Whether I’m teaching, leading, or creating, I try to carry that sense of connection with me, building spaces where others feel empowered to find their voice and tell their story.
And speaking of the joy of creating something meaningful, there is no greater joy in my life than my partnership with Kelsi, a girl I once met in a bar who - four years later - still makes me blush.