Erin Ortman is a theatre director, educator, and collaborator who believes that great theatre has the power to transform the way audiences see themselves, one another, and the world around them.

She is drawn to stories that invite reflection, spark conversation, and linger long after an audience leaves the theatre. Whether developing a new play, shaping a new musical, or directing an established work, she is compelled by stories with a clear sense of purpose and a meaningful connection to the audiences they serve. She is particularly inspired by beautifully crafted writing that illuminates the complexity of human experience and invites audiences into deeper conversation with themselves and one another. Her artistic practice is grounded in the belief that rigor and generosity are not opposing forces, and that meaningful theatre emerges from a shared commitment to excellence, curiosity, and service to the story.

Raised in the mountains of Montana, Erin learned early that meaningful work is rarely accomplished alone. Growing up in a close-knit community fostered an appreciation for hard work, mutual responsibility, and collective effort—values that continue to shape her approach to leadership, collaboration, and storytelling.

Selected directing credits include productions with Prospect Theater Company, Rip Torn at The Tank, Theater in Quarantine, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture, as well as productions at New York University, The Juilliard School, and Northwestern University. Development collaborations include work with Lookingglass Theatre Company, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, the Eugene O’Neill National Music Theater Conference, LABrynth Theater Company, Ars Nova, The Lark, New Georges, Roundabout Theatre Company, Pipeline Theatre Company, and New York Stage and Film, where she was a member of the Epstein Fellowship. She is also an alumna of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab.

In addition to her directing work, Erin has taught at New York University and currently serves on the acting faculty at Northwestern University. She is equally committed to mentoring emerging directors, creating opportunities for early-career artists to develop their own artistic voices and approaches to leadership.

Her unique directorial approach was featured in a HowlRound article by Martha Steketee.

MFA, Sarah Lawrence