Emily James holds her BFA in Theatre Stage Management from Shenandoah University (2015) and her MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University (2025). Her thesis “Behind the Backstage Bias: Paging the Gender Curtain in Stage Management” focuses on gender disparity in stage management, focusing on Broadway, regional theatre, and national tours. Through historical analysis, industry data, and personal experience, it explores the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women and non-binary stage managers in leadership roles. Emily has worked as Resident Stage Manager at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Stage Manager for multiple Virginia Repertory Theatre productions at Hanover Tavern, Assistant Stage Manager with Richmond Ballet, Olney Theatre Center, The Provincetown Theatre, and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. Emily also is the stage manager/lighting designer with VCU’s Dance and Choreography Department, while also freelancing with several different theatres in the Richmond area. When Emily isn’t stage managing she can be found running the James River Park System, reading, or playing piano and guitar. Favorite SM credits include: Hadestown: Teen Edition. Other memorable performances are: Firebringer, Crazy for You, Holmes for the Holidays, Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood, Heavier Than…, Pulp, Guys and Dolls, and Monty Python’s: Spamalot
Skip to main content
