People 

Emily Macel Theys

Director of Development

Emily Macel Theys (she/her/hers) is non-profit consultant specializing in grant writing and external communications who is passionate about helping artists and performing arts organizations achieve their vision through supporting their fundraising efforts. Emily joined Dance Exchange in 2009 and as Director of Development and Communication, she helped the organization navigate a founder-transition and a major re-branding effort. Currently as a Director of Development, she continues to advise on executive decisions and fundraising strategies. Emily is also a grant writer for Surala Consulting, where she has had the pleasure of working with clients such as Alison Chase/Performance, Dance Films Association, and Performance Space New York, among others. Her work with Surala primarily focuses on grant writing, research, and cultivation for small to mid-sized non-profits.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Allegheny College where she minored in Dance Studies, and a Masters of Fine Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. She is a Contributing Editor of Dance Magazine and a frequent contributor to Dance Spirit and Dance Teacher magazines. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband Jonathan, and two children, Lincoln and Violet.