Susan Emerson

Founder & Director, Auslan Stage Left

Susan Emerson is an accomplished NAATI Certified Conference Interpreter and WFD-accredited International Sign Interpreter with more than 40 years of experience. She specialises in musical theatre, sport, media, and emergency broadcast interpreting, and is highly regarded for her expertise in complex language work and International Sign Language.

A proud multigenerational CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Susan was raised in a Deaf family – both of her parents and all three of her siblings are Deaf. She credits her family for inspiring the passion, commitment, and love for the work that continues to drive her today.

In 2013, Susan founded Auslan Stage Left, Australia’s first dedicated organisation providing Auslan interpreters and Deaf consultants for theatre, live music, festivals, and arts events. Under her leadership, Auslan Stage Left has become a leading force in advancing accessibility across the performing arts sector and creating meaningful access for the Deaf community.

Throughout her distinguished career, Susan has interpreted across all genres of stage performance both in Australia and internationally. Her extensive portfolio includes major productions and events such as Wicked, Les Misérables, The Lion King, Walking with Dinosaurs, Mamma Mia!, War Horse, Shrek, Singin’ in the Rain, Hair: The Rock Musical, and Carols by Candlelight, as well as high-profile appearances at the AFL Grand Final, Deaflympics (2005 & 2009), World Pride, Mardi Gras, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival, and engagements with the Dalai Lama. She has also worked with leading companies and venues including Sydney Theatre Company, Live Nation, Malthouse Theatre, Queensland Theatre Company, Circus Oz, and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Education (LOTE) and a Postgraduate Degree in Auslan/English Interpreting from Macquarie University, and has undertaken specialised Media and Emergency Broadcast Interpreter Training at Monash University. She has also contributed her expertise as a member of several theatre interpreting audition panels.