Staff and Board Members

Emily Lynn Cornelius

Executive Artistic Director

Emily graduated from El Molino High School and got her start in community theater at Santa Rosa Players performing in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and then choreographing and stage managing “Brigadoon” and “Carousel.”

Emily’s 20+ successful years in the professional performing arts industry is founded on her strong, accessible communication and ability to synergize different perspectives and ideas. Her skills as a leader include creating space to explore and unite these different perspectives towards a common artistic goal. Theater, and each individual production can only triumph when all participants, onstage and off, know they are safe, respected, and essential to the team. Her long-term vision is to be a prominent voice in Sonoma County Theater by engaging audiences, forming public and private partnerships, and supporting all artists through compassion, respect, and coherent leadership of a vibrant institution.

Emily spent over 14 years with The Metropolitan Opera in New York City as manager of Artist Relations and Rehearsal Department manager. She served as first point of contact for up to 600 principal artists, directors and creative staff in a repertory season averaging 26 opera productions and over 300 performances annually. She left her mark in New York, directing and producing numerous productions with acclaimed groups such as The Village Light Opera Group and Victor Herbert Renaissance Project, LIVE! Her expertise extends to managing touring productions and Off-Broadway performances for The Flying Karamazov Brothers. As a producer, Emily is well-versed in budget management, collaboration facilitation, and cultivating a harmonious working environment.

During her tenure as artistic administrator at the San Diego Repertory Theater, Emily’s exceptional grant-writing skills ensured the success of bilingual outreach and educational initiatives. She played an instrumental role in strategic real estate transactions and community engagement efforts at The Village Light Opera Group. Emily’s artistic vision focuses on building meaningful social service partnerships, enhancing theatre accessibility, and delivering impactful performances.

Emily is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing and her passion lies in uniting artists, audiences, and communities through compassionate leadership. Her commitment aligns perfectly with 6th Street Playhouse’s dedication to providing a transformative, live performing arts experience.