Emily Wirkus

Emily Wirkus serves as an Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of North Dakota. She transitioned to a full-time faculty position after previously teaching part-time for two years at UND.

Her educational background includes:

• Dual MFA in Acting and Directing from Western Illinois University
• BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of North Dakota

Professor Wirkus specializes in Theatrical Performance, with core expertise in Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre Production, and Voice & Movement. Her artistic practice bridges academic instruction with professional direction and choreography for musical theatre, emphasizing embodied storytelling techniques.

Her recent directorial and choreographic credits include 'Carrie: The Musical' at UND Theatre Arts, 'Shrek The Musical' at Firehall Theatre, and 'Elf: The Musical' with Minot Summer Theatre.

Personal interests include coffee preparation and time with her two pets, Peek and Persephone.