Emma Gustafson

Emma Gustafson is a Twin Cities-based wig, hair, and makeup designer for opera and theatre. Emma grew up in small-town Minnesota as a lover of the arts from a very young age. She grew up having her first and fondest theatre and opera experiences at the very places she works now.

In 2015, Emma received her cosmetology license and training from Aveda Institute Minneapolis and in 2020 received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatrical Design from Augsburg University. Emma spent her first moments fully immersed in the world of wigs as an apprentice at Santa Fe Opera where she received the Outstanding Apprentice Award in 2018.

These days, Emma spends a majority of her time as the Head of Wig and Makeup at Children’s Theatre Company but also deeply enjoys her freelance work. She has had the opportunity to work with many incredible companies including Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theatre Company, Park Square Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Jungle Theater, Mixed Blood, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Santa Fe Opera, and of course, Minnesota Opera.