Emily Newmark

Director, Choreographer, & Filmmaker

Hello!

I am a theater and film director based in Chicago. I graduated from Oberlin College with degrees in Theater and Psychology and further honed my craft with a year of study at Prague Film School. I recently held a residency as an Emerging Director at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater where I assistant directed several productions throughout their season and supported the artistic staff in various capacities.

My passion lies in directing a diverse array of works, from musical theater to new plays and classical productions, as well as film. By exploring these varied mediums, I continually challenge myself and cultivate a dynamic skill set that enriches my creative vision. I also bring extensive experience as a choreographer, intimacy director, and producer, and I am always eager to contribute to storytelling in any capacity I can.

Artistic Statement

Catharsis and belonging are at the heart of every story. In my work, I strive to uncover the universal human need to belong and evoke the love that accompanies it. I lead each room with empathy, believing that great art emerges from trust and care among artists. Collaboration is essential to artistic rigor, and I create a rehearsal space that invites everyone to the table equally.

As a leader in this collaborative art form, I encourage all voices while providing constructive feedback and a clear path to achieving our shared vision. I prioritize the text, believing that thorough text analysis reveals the visual and physical elements essential to the narrative. I value table work, where we break down the text into events, objectives, and beats before memorization. This process allows actors to grasp their characters' subtextual desires and the story's essence before stepping onto the stage.

Once on their feet, this foundational understanding of character empowers actors to make bold choices and work intuitively. Informed by the text they are able to discover physical choices rooted in their own bodies and grounded in the environment of the scene. As a trained dancer and choreographer, I instinctively offer movement adjustments in order to highlight key moments, ensuring that flow, pacing, and positioning are used to propel the narrative forward.

In my productions, I prioritize hiring visual and auditory artists who share a deep passion for the story. My goal as a director is to inspire and empower my designers, fostering a cohesive blend of visual and auditory elements. This unity enhances the audience’s emotional journey and amplifies these vital moments of catharsis. 

Contact

Want to get in touch about a project? Please send me an email at emilycnewmark@gmail.com