Emily Olcott

I specialize in directing original comedy and solo shows, using my decades of training as a comedian, actor, and dancer, and fascination with embodiment and spirituality practices, to inform my approach to process. I believe in creating a safe space in which artists can take risks, play, and deepen their relationship to themselves and their work. I love working on the axis of physical comedy and absurdity, as well as on the axis of text precision and deep connection to presence and truth. Above all else, I strive to “follow the fun” in any rehearsal container, in order to unlock the most free and embodied version of an artist's performance.

BADA SWING! // Written and performed by Josh Nasser & Michelle Chan Bennett. Directed and choreographed by Emily Olcott. Music direction by Andy Bell.  Performances include: Joe’s Pub (2025), Dynasty Typewriter LA (2025), 54 Below (2024)

MY DEAD WEDDING // Written and performed by Chet Siegel. Directed by Emily Olcott. Performances include: UCB Residency (2024-25), UCB LA (2025), Littlefield (2024), Union Hall (2023), Ars Nova (2023).

BETH // Written and performed by Marty Miller. Directed by Emily Olcott. Performances include Joe’s Pub (2025), UCB NY (2025), and Dynasty Typewriter LA (2025).

STORY PIRATES NATIONAL TOUR // Ongoing. Artistic direction by Lee Overtree. MD Jack Mitchell. Directed and choreographed by Emily Olcott. Performances include: Town Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Solid Sound Music Festival, Just For Laughs, and venues nationwide.

Hadid // Written and performed by Michelle Cohn. Directed by Emily Olcott. Performances include Frigid Theater (2025) and in 2026, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.