Elsbeth M. Collins

Elsbeth M. Collins is a veteran stage manager who led the Production and Stage Management program at the USC School of Dramatic Arts for almost nineteen years, and as its Chair from 2020-2024. Collins was the production manager for over 20 productions per academic year, hiring support staff and guest artists, as well as monitoring their budgets. Prior to her career at USC, Collins worked as a professional stage manager for over 25 years.

Els’ credits include many shows at the Ahmanson Theatre; Mark Taper Forum; James A. Doolittle Theatre, Geffen Playhouse; Los Angeles Theatre Center; and Pasadena Playhouse. She has toured both nationally and internationally.

Collins has worked with such noted artists as Sir Ian McKellen, Al Pacino, Alan Alda, Victor Garber, Alfred Molina, Peter Falk and Jason Alexander, Robert Wilson and Reza Abdoh. Now retired from USC, she celebrates having had the opportunity to teach the next generation of theatre artists: actors, designers, stage managers and technical directors. She is excited to pursue her second passion after theater, writing. Her first book, My Heart In My Mouth: Finding the Next Words was released on June 30, 2025 by Archway Publishing and is available in paperback or eBook at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.