Emily Werner is a theatre critic and administrator located in Chicago, IL. Originally from Ohio, she holds a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Connecticut and a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Music from the University of Toledo. Her professional experience includes internships with Lookingglass Theatre Company and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and positions at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Auditorium and Lyric Opera. Along with BroadwayWorld Chicago, you will also find her writings on Splash Magazines Worldwide and Third Coast Reviews.
In addition to her writing and administrative work, Emily serves as a Marketing and Audience Engagement Committee board member of Porchlight Young Professionals. Deeply passionate about the performing arts and the city of Chicago, she is committed to expanding access to the arts and helping audiences discover the transformative value of creativity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Emily Werner
First Show:
Beauty and the BeastFavorite Show:
SuffsFavorite Stories:
- Kokandy’s JEKYLL AND HYDE is a Masterpiece of Musical Theatre and Horror -
- A Mother’s Story Reclaimed: RSC’s HAMNET at Chicago Shakes -
- Review: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT at TUTA Theatre -
- Review: Teatro Vista Productions' BOTH at Steppenwolf Theatre -
- SUFFS Musical: A Triumph of Needed Progress and Equality -
MOST POPULAR ARTICLES
May 20, 2026
A Red Orchid Theatre concludes their 33rd Season with the world premiere of THE TARGETED at the Chopin Theatre. Playwright Hanna Kime first started writing the play in 2019, at a moment when political tension and distrust started to escalate.
May 17, 2026
What did our critic think of LE BAL at Trap Door Theatre?
May 12, 2026
What did our critic think of CRIME AND PUNISHMENT at TUTA Theatre?
April 25, 2026
The world premiere of Eelpout! concludes Shattered Globe Theatre’s 35th anniversary season at Chicago’s Theater Wit. Founded in 1991, the company has built a reputation for presenting both canonical works and original plays that center on bold, challenging perspectives. Even though the preview performance was a little slow at the beginning, this new comedy ultimately offers a distinct and surprising take on Midwestern masculinity and queer identity.
April 20, 2026
What did our critic think of TEATRO VISTA PRODUCTIONS' BOTH AT STEPPENWOLF THEATRE at Teatro Vista Productions?
April 14, 2026
What did our critic think of REVIEW: GOODNIGHT MOON AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE at Chicago Children's Theatre? The 65-minute performance is filled with music, dance, comedy, acrobatics and puppetry.
April 6, 2026
Lookingglass Theatre Company begins its 2025/26 season with the world premiere of WHITE ROOSTER in the Joan and Paul Theatre at the Water Tower Water Works.
April 1, 2026
Theater Wit opens the Midwest premiere of THE ALLY on March 30, 2026. Originally premiering in February 2024 at New York City’s Public Theater, Itamar Moses’ play was a finalist for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Blending dark comedy with urgent social questions, THE ALLY challenges its audience to confront both current events and their own beliefs.
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