About me

I graduated from the University of Exeter with a BA in Drama and an MA in Playwriting and Dramaturgy, then spent 10+ years working across the arts. Alongside specialising in communications for small arts organisations, I've developed a freelance career in playwriting and digital theatre-making. I've created hybrid online/onstage events, live virtual reality experiences, and branching interactive visual novels.

Emily, a white woman with bright pink hair, stands delivering a presentation at a PyCon UK 2023 podium

In 2023, I was invited to give a keynote speech about digital theatre at PyCon UK. I admitted onstage that I'd tried - and failed (twice!) - to learn how to code. But after spending the weekend around programmers and developers, all sharing their excitement, ambition, and creativity, I realised I needed to try again.

I completed iO Academy's Software Developer Essentials course in 2025, and now work full time as a web developer. I'm also still working on digital theatre projects. I write as Emily Holyoake.

I'm based in Derby, UK.