Em DeMaio, (She/Her), is an actor & director, originally from the south shore of Long Island and now based in Chicago! She has worked with companies such as Denizen Theatre Company, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Sandbox Theatre Collective, Cats Cradle Theatre and Subtext Theatre.

Em has studied with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, was a member of One on One Bridge Program headed by Alaine Aldaffer and graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a BA in Performance. She received an KC-ACTF Region 1 Nomination and earned a Distinguished Performance Award upon her graduation. 

Em recently co-founded Circuit Theatre Company. Circuit Theatre Company was built with the goal to create accessible, diverse, Shakespeare education and performance in found spaces across Chicago. She co-directed their inaugural production of Richard II in Chicago in April 2024. Her directorial credits include Oedipus Recalls, readings of Henry VI Parts 1 and 2, Trudy & Max in Love. 

When she’s not directing or acting, Em enjoys searching for the perfect iced coffee, rock climbing, and taking countless photos of her beloved dog, Olive.

She is currently represented by Baker Entertainment.