On March 26, Emporia State announced that adjunct professor of theatre Aubrey Wilson was named the new director of theatre. The position had been open since the departure of Peter Rydberg in July 2023. Assistant professor of theatre, Dennis Turney Jr., filled the position temporarily as a replacement was sought after. 

Wilson graduated from ESU in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. During her time as a student, she was involved with the ESU Theatre Technicians, the Play Selection Committee, and the Theatre Recruitment Team. She also worked as a stage technician and administrative assistant for the theatre department.

Outside of the theatre world, she was also a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Psi Omega. In 2019, she completed her Master’s of Fine Arts in Stage Management from the University of Iowa where she worked as a graduate stage manager. 

Prior to her return to ESU, Wilson worked as a production manager for the Lawrence Art Center and then later as operations manager for Enlightened Theatrics in Salem, Ore. She also has experience as a freelance stage manager. 

Last summer, Wilson was the production stage manager for ESU Theatre’s production of Ride the Cyclone. Wilson joined the ESU faculty in the fall of 2023 as an adjunct professor and lecturer. She taught Theatre Appreciation and directed Late, A Cowboy Song in February. 

Students and faculty have already felt the impact Wilson has had on the School of Visual and Performing Arts. Both Turney and James Ehlers, interim dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, agree that they are “blessed” to have Wilson in this position and that her “vision of collaboration” will prove to lead the program to success.

“It is my hope to be able to connect our work at the university with the community in a meaningful way,” said Wilson in an interview with ESU administration. “I can’t wait for the adventure that awaits our team.”