advocate, theatre maker, Arts Administrator
About Emmett Shaffer
Who is Emmett Shaffer?
Emmett Shaffer is a Theatre Maker based in Sunbury, PA, who frequently engages in playwriting, directing, dramaturgy, and acting. They hold a BA in Theatre Arts from Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg and are currently pursuing an MFA in Screenwriting & Playwriting at Point Park University. As a member of the Dramatists Guild and LMDA, Shaffer actively shares their playwriting work on the New Play Exchange.
In their role as Vice President of Administration, Marketing Director, and Historian for Reclaimed Performing Arts Company, Shaffer also contributes as a member of the Prismatic Players. Additionally, they perform in the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble's Improv Troupe.
Emmett is deeply passionate about New Play Development, having participated in over ten processes as a dramaturg, director, playwright, and performer. They center the playwright and their play in all new play development work, ensuring to nurture the play in a manner that suits the playwright's vision. The supportive environment cultivated during these processes allows playwrights to explore without fear, which is a key aspect of New Play Development that Shaffer cherishes.
Through their playwriting, Shaffer emphasizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, crafting characters that can be portrayed by anyone. In their theatrical worlds, the gender binary is often rendered irrelevant. Emmett is committed to fostering an inviting and accepting community in theatre through their storytelling, particularly in their writing.
Shaffer often explores paranormal themes in their works, with their latest creation being Zarp, an alien from the planet Vline who crashes their ship on Earth. Influenced by a childhood love for Dr. Who and a fascination with every Marvel movie, they have developed a keen interest in all things science fiction.