Emily J. Mattison

Emily J. Mattison is an Assistant Professor and Acting Head of Undergraduate Performance in the Theatre Department at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Born in central Maryland, she earned a BA in Theatre Performance from Susquehanna University with minors in Psychology and Dance, followed by an MFA in Theatre Performance Pedagogy from VCU. Her pedagogical foundation rests on the Stella Adler and Michael Chekhov techniques, which she integrates into her teaching and artistic practice.

• Teaches second-year Acting and Audition Technique at VCU
• Has taught Professional Preparedness, Special Topics courses on Adler Technique and Theatre Education
• Led The First Year Directing Project

As a consent-forward certified artist through Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, she emphasizes communication, structure, and equity in the classroom, fostering student autonomy in training. Her prior experience includes actor and teaching artist roles in Philadelphia with Walnut Street Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, and Wolf Performing Arts Center.