Emily is an award-winning director whose work explores theatre as a form of community building and social activism. She works in settings ranging from grassroots community centres to major theatres and international festivals.

From 2017-2025 she was an Associate Artist of the National Theatre where she led the critically acclaimed programme Public Acts, directing productions featuring hundreds of community members and professional performers from across the country, including Public Record (The Fire Station, Sunderland), The Odyssey: The Underworld and Pericles (both in The Olivier Theatre, National Theatre).

Other directing credits include: Brighter Still (closing ceremony for UK City of Culture 2025); The Enormous Crocodile (Roald Dahl Story Company, Regents Park Open Air Theatre, upcoming USA / UK tours); the internationally acclaimed Brainstorm (as Co-Director, Company Three); Yoko Ono’s Bells For Peace (Manchester International Festival) and Jeremy Deller’s We’re Here Because We’re Here (1418 Now).

She is regularly invited to share her practice with organisations in the UK and abroad as a mentor, educator, speaker and consultant, exploring the transformative impact of theatre and cultural activism within communities.