Stage Manager

Based in Belfast

Lighting, Sound & Set Design

Meet Emma Dawson

Emma Dawson is a versatile theatre professional specialising in stage management, lighting, and set design, combining creative vision with technical precision. With a Mathematics background, she brings a highly organised, analytical approach to production, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Resourceful, collaborative, and calm under pressure, she is a reliable and creative presence who helps bring productions to life.

A woman with red hair and light skin, wearing a black top, standing in front of a white door, with tattoos on her left arm.
Learn more here

Current Projects

Bizet’s Carmen comes to the Grand Opera House, Belfast from 12–19 September 2026, in a new production by Northern Ireland Opera of one of the grandest operas of them all.

I’m excited to be operating Jake Wiltshire’s lighting design for this show!

Ticket Link

Once again, Yellow Jumper Productions return to Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey, bringing you a fun-filled, festive, family-friendly pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk!
Get ready to crack up with our outrageous Dame, dance with Dazey Cow, and climb sky-high on a beanstalk adventure with Jack himself!

This will be my Christmas show as Stage Manager, managing rehearsals, props and calling the show.

Ticket Link

Coming to @themacbelfast on 14-15th October as part of @belfast_int_arts_fest , award-winning Northern Irish theatre company @c21theatre presents a rehearsed reading of God Has Left the Building by playwright/performer @richclem_ , writer of the 2025 break-out @belfast_int_arts_fest hit Ottilie and How to Bury a Dead Mule (UK Theatre Best New Play Nominee).

I will be stage managing this show and helping to create the soundscape with Richard Clements.

Ticket Link

Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the record-breaking West End production and the beloved film, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is one blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious."

As East Broadways’ Company Stage Manager, I will be designing the set and lighting for this show. Performing February 2027

Ticket Link

Previous Shows - Portfolio
Full cast of Ulster American on set at Bright Umbrella
Cast & crew photo from 1 Saturday before the war photoshoot

Follow me on Instagram & TikTok

And The Blind Fiddler is over! What a fun experience getting to work on the Lyric main stage and with an SM team, incredible actors and musicians 💚 alot of firsts for me! Made friends in the costume department as well and spent my time between show
And that's a wrap on another show with @eastbroadway_ Love this team we have and the kids are just so talented and sweet! Had a blast designing this set and lighting for Sussical 💜 #setdesign #lightingdesigner #theatre #sussicalthemusical #stagema
Opening night last night was incredible! Obsessed with how the set and lighting came together for this show 😍 I had help with the set dressing by Gillian who did a fantastic job bringing my vision to life 💖 And the kids! What an amazing show, coul
And that's a wrap on 5 lesbians eating a quiche! A brilliant 2 night's in the @accidentaltheatre with these beautiful ladies and even got to squeeze in the pride awards in city hall after the 1st show 💖 #theatre #acting #pride #5lesbianseatingaquic
And that's the dress rehearsal finished! The 5 Lesbians eating a quiche play opens tomorrow in @accidentaltheatre for Pride 🙌 There are still tickets available if you want to see this very funny play! And also a rare occasion on me in from of the l
From Day 1 to after party working on Bold Girls was a pleasure! Such talented and lovely people, everyone 💖 I had an amazing time with my 1st official sound designer credit on a show & first show in the Lyric Naughton studio. Rehearsal photos