Ilana Ransom Toeplitz

Ilana Ransom Toeplitz serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Performing Arts at Emerson College, Boston, since 2022. A director, choreographer, and educator, she specializes in new musical development, musical comedy, and theatrical storytelling that amplifies female voices and historical perspectives.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.A., UMass-Amherst

Professor Toeplitz's artistic research focuses on the creation and development of new musicals, with an emphasis on inclusivity, structure, and humor. She investigates how musical theatre can address contemporary issues while celebrating diversity and historical narratives through practical rehearsal techniques and collaborative development processes.

Her distinguished fellowships include:

• SDCF Mike Ockrent Directing Fellow (2018)
• Drama League Inaugural Leo Shull New Musicals Fellow

At Emerson, she directs major productions for EmersonStage and is founding a new musical development program. She co-founded the New Musicals Lab at the Ferguson Center, fostering emerging musical theatre works. As Artistic Director of Musical Mentors Collaborative, she connects under-served youth with industry professionals for mentorship through structured artistic coaching programs.