EMMA ASHFORD (she/her) is a multidisciplinary writer, composer, and performer from California. A graduate of University of Michigan’s B.F.A Musical Theatre program (Minor– MT Composition), Emma loves to tell uniquely American stories with her pen, piano, and voice, raising a mirror to our culture with humor, heart, and (often) a dark wit. In addition to performing Off-Broadway and in various new plays and musicals, Emma was recently named a 2024-25 Dramatists Guild Musical Theatre Writing Fellow. Emma’s show HEARTBEATS (‘23, ‘24 O’Neill NMTC Semi-Finalist) had its first industry reading in May featuring Alli Mauzey & more. Additionally, Emma’s songs from the movie-musical 1660 VINE (directed by NYTW’s Patricia McGregor, now on Amazon Prime) have been recognized at IndieFEST, The Vegas Movie Awards, & The Indie Filmmaker Awards (1660 VINE is now licensable via MTI).  Emma’s works have been performed all over NYC, including The Musical Theatre Factory & The Brooklyn Comedy Collective. She is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, AEA and SAG-AFTRA.

LATEST

  • Writers Grove @ Goodspeed Musicals

    Writers Grove @ Goodspeed Musicals

    2.10.25 - Emma’s musical HEARTBEATS was selected for development at the 2025 JMF Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals.

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  • Heart & Music: Songs From Rising Queer Composers

    1.16.25 - Emma’s music will be performed at Heart & Music: Songs From Rising Queer Composers at 54 Below.

    TICKETS

  • 2024-25 Dramatists Guild Fellow

    10.30.24 - Emma was just named a Dramatists Guild Musical Theatre Fellow.

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  • Stream "Delphyne" now

    10.25.24 Stream Emma’s latest single.

    LISTEN

  • Emma @ Breaking Sound Unpublished

    10.10.24 Catch Emma's set (featuring some special guests) for Breaking Sound's first ever Musical Theatre Composer's Night at pinkFROG Cafe in Williamsburg.

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  • Emma Ashford Joins IAG

    8.24 - Emma is delighted to join Independent Artist Group’s theatre literary roster, represented by Beth Blickers, Katy Zapanta, and Noah Ezell.

    MORE INFO

  • HEARTBEATS Receives Industry Reading

    5.24 Emma’s musical HEARTBEATS will have a private industry reading in May. Read more in BroadwayWorld at the link below.

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  • Emma @ Breaking Sound // Brooklyn Music Kitchen

    6.25.24, 7:30p - Catch’s Emma’s set with Breaking Sound at Brooklyn Music Kitchen,

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  • New Single - if i didn't know better

    5.24.24 - Stream Emma’s new single below.

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  • The Wig Pageant Variety Hour

    4.27.24 The Wig Pageant Variety Hour, for which Emma wrote music and lyrics, wraps up its 6 month residency at The Brooklyn Comedy Collective April 27th at 7pm. Don’t miss it!

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  • Musical Theatre Factory's Artist Salon

    2.26.24 7:30p - Snag a free ticket to this curated evening of up-and-coming MT composers with the theme of “Collective Liberation” at The Tank.

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  • Emma @ BOBBLEHAUS SOUNDS 8/28

    8.28.23 7p EST

    Catch Emma’s set at BOBBLEHAUS in Soho!

    Tickets

  • If I Didn't Know Better: The Music of Emma Ashford 7.23.23 7p

    7.23 - Watch clips from Emma’s sold out debut show at the Green Room 42 below:

    watch

  • 2023 NMTC Semi-Finalist: HEARTBEATS

    5.23- HEARTBEATS, a new musical with book, music and lyrics by Ashford, is a 2023 National Musical Theater Conference Semi-Finalist.

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  • "Best Original Song" Wins

    3.23-For her work on 1660 VINE, Emma received Best Original Song - “Lucky” & “Already Gone” (IndieFEST), Best Song - “Welcome Back” (VMAS)

    LISTEN TO SOUNDTRACK HERE

  • 3 Songs In Oscars' Original Song Race

    12.22 - Read about Emma’s songs from 1660 VINE in Variety.

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  • New Single - Take It Back

    11.22- Stream Emma’s new single now.

    LISTEN