What an absolute delight to be in the West Coast premiere of Emma adapted by Joe Hanreddy at Pacific Conservatory Theatre...... and excited to get another chance to play Emma |
"an effervescent Emily Trask who delightfully presents the matchmaking misadventures of Emma" SLO Review | "PCPA's actors inhabit the roles like they were written for them: worth noting is Emily Trask who finds the tenderness in Emma in spite of the harm she causes -" Broadway World |
"PCPA’s production of Emma is a delicious and disarming treat for Jane Austen fans, and it easily could serve as a fitting introduction to her work for others" SLO Review
AND
three more chances to catch PCPA's Outreach Touring show of Meet Jane Austen
Emma
by Jane Austen, adapted by Joseph Hanreddy.
The show already promises to be absolutely delightful
(especially once I can learn all those gorgeously circuitous Austen lines)
Catch us at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria, CA March 2nd - 19th
and this summer at the Solvang Festival Theatre, CA June 22nd - July 2nd
And to get a further "Austen fix"... Meet Jane Austen by Emily Trask Directed by Kitty Balay Performed by Kristina Melsheimer Have a cup of tea with famed authoress, Jane Austen. This One Act, One Person show, created from Jane's own personal letters, her beloved writing, and her real life, begins touring the Central Coast February 27th. For more information or to book a performance visit https://pcpa.org/engage-learn/ |
And a month ago... the InterPlay Reading Series took the stage for the fourth consecutive season at PCPA with three phenomenal plays, including a new work! GLORIA by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins SANCTUARY CITY by Martyna Majok LUMIN by Emma Gibson (new play in development) BRAVO! to the artists who brought these plays to life in the intimate reading format, and thank you for all who participated in the exciting and thought-provoking talkbacks that followed each reading! |
Mary Poppins at Quintessence Theatre Group in Philadelphia is a HIT!
and extending performances to January 8th by popular demand.
Read about the extension here and get your tickets here before Mary flies away!
“The staging of the show was wonderfully imaginative... [and] inspired. Director Emily Trask did a masterful job of infusing the show with humor, and heart and clever machinations to keep the show moving.” – The Philadelphia Gay News | “Without giving the magic away, I want to say that I was captivated by the staging.... The concept was unified, coherent, consistent, and dramaturgically grounded*. I was already pleasantly surprised and then, midway through the first act, something unexpected happened. I found myself tearing up." - "Experiencing Mary Poppins as a Grown Up" Dr. Christen Mandracchia *Shout out to our amazing production dramaturg, Daniel Ciba, PhD |
Mary Poppins is open and running through the New Year at Quintessence Theatre Group in Philadelphia.
Grateful to have gotten to play with this talented and creative group of actors, musicians, designers, and collaborators on this completely unique Poppins.
"This simple but irresistible production succeeds–no elaborate sets or dazzling special effects required–because director Emily Trask understands that something special happens when an ensemble genuinely connects with each other and their audience." - Talkin’ Broadway | "But the real magic in this production is the innovative staging and choreography, from director Emily Trask…" – Broadstreet Review | “Let me get right to the point. MARY POPPINS, which is currently on the stage at Quintessence Theatre is a spectacular tour de force and a must see…. Director Emily Trask has put on the Quintessence stage a show that will long be remembered.” – Philadelphia Theatre Reviews, Frank Burd |
"PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre announces the promotion of Emily Trask to the role of Associate Artistic Director"
I am honored to get to support the company that I believe in and love in this new capacity. As a member of the senior leadership team I will aid in the selection of scripts for season consideration and public readings, and participate in company strategic planning and organizational oversight... and other neat stuff! I continue to teach in the actor training program, will act in and direct select productions for the company. | to read the Press announcement click here! |
Having a wonderful time in "the hills" this summer as Maria in The Sound of Music
at The Pacific Conservatory Theatre - PCPA.
~
Incredible voices, beautiful design, swoon-worthy Captain, and the cutest, most talented
von Trapp children this side of the Alps!
Running through July 31st
Scenic Design Jason Bolen -Costume Design Sara Curran Ice - Lighting Design Cody Soper - Sound Design Elisabeth Wiedner -
Scenic Charge Abby Hogan - Properties Director Tim Hogan -
extra special shout-out to amazing dresser Adriana Gonzalez Hernandez
(12 costume changes per show! and those are just Maria's not counting all the other changes she has hands in)
"As I make curtsy, bid me farewell."
Cheers to a successful run of As You Like It at PCPA's Marion Theatre this February through March. Honored to have had the opportunity to direct this beautiful production and to join forces with some many lovely collaborators to bring Shakespeare's whimsical, shape-shifting, and most musical comedy to life.
New Play development and direction

Word 'o Mouth by Susanne Skubal
"A death row cook, a new mother, a caramel corn junkie, a court stenographer in an infamous murder trial – these are just a few of the fascinating females you’re about to hear from. A mosaic developed from first-person interviews, real events, cross-cultural texts, and imaginative explorations, Word o’ Mouth is a deeply human tour of the pervasive pleasures, dreads, desires, and dramas of the foods and rituals that unite us all in the most fundamental way. Open wide for this “baker’s dozen” of compelling characters that will make you laugh, ache, and question what goes in and comes out of your own mouth."
Stay tuned for where this delicious new work will be showing up next!
Best Direction of a Stream - Emily Trask InterPlay Festival - PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre
Best Supporting Performer in a Musical - Emily Trask Together - PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre
Best Streaming Play - The Thanksgiving Play, by Larissa Fasthorse, Directed by Emily Trask Starring: Andy Philpot, Erik Stein, Katie Fuchs-Wackowski, Victoria Sanders, and Kitty Balay - Pacific Conservatory Theatre
I think anyone who managed to produce theatre over this past year and half deserves an award.
And during a time when so many professionals in the performing arts lost their livelihoods, I have been incredibly lucky to just stay employed, let alone, get to do theatre. I'm so glad some of that theatre reached some people and that they liked it.
Kicking off The Pacific Conservatory Theatre season with two incredible plays! September 23rd - 25th

Tickets available now!
a few memories from TOGETHER: A Musical Journey
A welcome back concert and show for PCPA at the beautiful outdoor Solvang Theatre
July - August 2021
Production Stage Manager - Suzanne Tyler
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