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Amelia Acosta Powell (she/her) is the Interim Artistic Director at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Previously she has been honored to serve as Associate Artistic Director at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Line Producer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Artistic Associate & Casting Director at Arena Stage. Most recent directing work includes La Egoista world premiere, Every Brilliant Thing, The Gradient world premiere and The Thanksgiving Play (nominated for Outstanding Director of a Comedy, St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards). She is a steering committee member of the Latinx Theatre Commons, a member of the Casting Society of America, an inaugural grantee of TCG’s Rising Leaders of Color, and a proud alumna of the Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship. Her teaching credits include serving as adjunct faculty at Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts. She is originally from Denver and holds her bachelor’s and her master’s degrees from Georgetown University. Read about her passion for Latine comedy on Howlround here.

Emily Tarquin is a seasoned leader with expertise at the intersection of business administration, creative producing, and organizational management. With a career spanning theatre, nonprofit, and business operations, Emily has built a reputation for balancing visionary storytelling with strategic, results-driven leadership.

Currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Bellarmine University (expected December 2027), Emily brings a strong foundation in finance, HR, and project management, coupled with years of experience guiding diverse teams and complex productions. As an Interim Managing Director in the theatre industry, Emily oversaw multi-department operations, stewarded financial resources, and developed systems to strengthen long-term sustainability.

In their work as an Executive Producer, Emily has shepherded productions, rentals, and special events from concept to execution — managing budgets, cultivating donor and partner relationships, and ensuring alignment with institutional missions. Their ability to bridge creative vision with operational discipline has made them a trusted collaborator for artists, boards, and community stakeholders alike.

Emily’s management history reflects a talent for leading organizations through growth and change. They have directed cross-functional teams, built collaborative workplace cultures, and implemented efficient administrative processes to enhance productivity and impact. Whether navigating strategic planning, financial oversight, or large-scale project delivery, Emily consistently ensures organizations are positioned for success.