Picnic Basket Theatre

Picnic Basket Theatre is a Minneapolis based theatre company that prioritizes developing new work, supporting early-career artists, and making theatre more accessible to marginalized communities. We produce both audio dramas and live productions of new work with an emphasis on accessibility. Our audio dramas can be streamed from anywhere at any time and our stage productions are offered at an affordable price and accessible location. We also support early career playwrights by offering workshops and taking open submissions

  • Emma Y. Lai

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

    Emma (she/her) is the Artistic Director of Picnic Basket Theatre. She is a Director, Producer, Casting Director, and Playwright. Her passions in theatre include musical theatre, satire, plays about race and family, and new work. Outside of theatre she loves to bake and make coffee! Latest projects include Assistant Directing Radio Golf, directed by Brandon J. Dirden at Two River Theatre and Assistant Directing the world premiere of The Hombres by Tony Meneses at Two River Theatre (emmaylai.com)

  • Rachel Brees

    ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / SOUND SUPERVISOR

    Rachel (she/her) is a Twin Cities-based sound designer and audio engineer. Her recent credits include Minnesota Opera, The Playwrights' Center, Pillsbury House and Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Wonderlust Productions, Open Eye Theatre, and Minnesota Public Radio. She also is a Post Production Associate Producer for Brains On! She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and Music from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

  • John Patterson

    MARKTING DIRECTOR

    John (he/they) is the Marketing Director with Picnic Basket Theatre. His work in theatre has primarily consisted of choreography and arts management where he focuses on sharing the stories of underrepresented bodies both physically and virtually. John holds a strong commitment to advocacy which lies in the uplifting and empowerment of underserved voices, and the dismantlement of the systems that prevent growth within these communities.

  • Julianne Escanan

    PRODUCTION MANAGER

    Julianne (she/her) is the production manager with Picnic Basket Theatre. She has worked in theatre primarily as a pit violinist and music director for musicals and operas. She is especially interested in stories about BIPOC experiences and mental health. Outside of PBT, she is a board-certified music therapist passionate about pediatrics and mental health.

  • Minwoo Kim

    DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

    Minwoo (he/him) is the Development Director of Picnic Basket Theatre. He is interested in theatre that derives from a variety of perspectives and strives to grow and facilitate growth through these productions. He is also an avid tree climber in constant search of the pinnacle climbing tree.