Emilia White is an interdisciplinary performance artist whose work explores themes of feminism and inclusivity through humour and active audience participation. Her performances often blend playful elements with uncomfortable commentary, inviting audiences to confront complex issues in unexpected ways. She crafts objects and costumes from everyday materials, adopting a DIY approach that celebrates imperfection. Dedicated to breaking down barriers in traditional theatre and art environments, she frequently reclaims unconventional art spaces that facilitate direct interaction.
Emilia has performed at numerous locations in North America and abroad, including the following: Sweet Action Theatre, OCAD, and the Tranzac Club in Toronto; Espace Transmission in Montréal; Planet Ant Theatre, Jam Handy, Sidewalk Festival, Light Box, MOCAD, CMAP, and the Contemporary Art Institute in Detroit; Dixon Place and the Dumbo Arts Festival in New York City; the Chicago Women's Funny Festival; the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.; and Lembaga Indonesia Perancis, Kinoki Film Forum, Gallery Salihara, Taman Budaya, and Galeri Nasional in Indonesia. Her visual art and video work were recently presented in a touring exhibition curated by Tracy Stonestreet and Sarah Irvin, Self Adjacent, showcased at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, Virginia, Massey Klein Gallery in New York City, and the Kennedy Museum of Art in Athens, Ohio. From 2011 to 2015, Emilia co-curated The Performance Laboratory with Carrie Morris in Detroit, Michigan, facilitating the development of original performance work by over 50 local artists. Emilia has a BFA in Theatre & Original Works from Cornish College of the Arts, and an MFA in Studio Arts from the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design.
In June 2023, Emilia relocated to Toronto to join York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of the Integrative Arts program. The program’s focus on interdisciplinarity, social justice, and community engagement aligns with Emilia’s artistic vision. Her extensive experience engaging with artists and audiences worldwide informs her commitment to dismantling elitism in art and fostering genuine, shared experiences between audiences and performers.