Elizabeth Swanson (they/she) is a Chicago-based director and writer focused on developing new work and rehydrating classic texts. Recent directing credits include A Streetcar Named Desire (Paramount Theatre, 2024), The Importance of Being Earnest (co-adapted with Dusty Brown, Strawdog Theatre, 2024), I Know My Own Heart (North American Premiere, Pride Arts Center, 2019), and Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions, 2019). Elizabeth has directed 30+ workshops and readings of new work, including their new musical, Saint Hildegard. Elizabeth teaches in Columbia College Chicago’s Musical Theatre Program and holds an MFA from the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at Trinity College, Dublin.

I Know My Own Heart "An intellectual accomplishment"
-Dan Jakes, Chicago Reader
PRIDE FILMS & PLAYS | 2019 "Swanson and her fantastic team tackle Donoghue's questions head-on with fiery determination, and Chicago is all the warmer for it."
-Lucas Carcia, Rescripted

Head Over Heels "Superbly directed"

-Misha Davenport, Broadway World
KOKANDY PRODUCTIONS | 2019 "...having seen the Broadway production last fall, I can safely say that Derek Van Barham and Elizabeth Swanson's staging succeeds at melding bombastic self-conscious theatricality with warm intimacy and a winning, goofy desire to please."

-Kerry Reid, Chicago Tribune; 3.5 Stars

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