Pictured:
1. A View from the Bridge – Riverside Theatre, Iowa City, IA – Spring 2017 (photo by Rob Merritt)
2. The Wolves – Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA – Fall 2019 (photo by Olivia Houchins McCollum)
3. Aurora – Theatre Cedar Rapids Underground New Play Festival, Cedar Rapids, IA – Summer 2019 (photo by Rob Merritt)
Hi, my name is Katy and I use she/her pronouns. I earned my BA in Theatre: Performance from the University of Northern Iowa in 2010 and my MFA in Acting from Florida Atlantic University in 2015. I currently live in the Eastern Iowa Corridor with my husband Bill, our son Jack, and our dog Sam. In addition to teaching theatre at the University of Northern Iowa and Coe College, I work all over the state as a professional director, dialect coach, youth instructor, and actor for stage, screen, and voice over projects.
I collaborate with people at all levels of experience to spark creativity, inspire confidence, cultivate empathy, build community, and engage in the greater conversations of life.
My primary field of study is theatre performance, with specializations in voice, speech, and movement for the actor. I have additional expertise in Shakespeare, dialect study, musical theatre, new play development, and theatre for social change.
I use my skills and experience as an actor, educator, and collaborator to serve people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly diverse learners and underrepresented groups.
This April, Riverside Theatre in Iowa City asked actors to perform monologues from Shakespeare’s canon to celebrate his 456th birthday and build anticipation for the return of Free Shakespeare on the Festival Stage in Lower City Park.
Check out all 30 monologues at riversidetheatre.org/30daysofshakespeare
Here is my contribution!
“I thought that all of the plays we read this semester had an important element to them and therefore, introduce students to new pieces of theatre that are not always represented, such as topics of race, sexuality, disabilities, etc. I believe all of the plays Katy chose to include this semester benefit student learning and prepare us for other classes and shows in our future."
“Professor Hahn, thank you very much. I was so nervous and worried about this class, but you taught me politely so I could enjoy. I was impressed that you taught me at times other than office hours. Thank you very much. I am glad that I could study with talented classmates and a great professor together.”
"We talk about content a lot in class. We always know what is expected of us, and we go over the rules and guidelines for everything, which was really helpful especially when you haven't ever taken a class like this before. I think that Professor Hahn has an advantage because she has been in so many plays and musicals, and she really knows her content. I believe a class like this has students who are either 100% interested in it or not really at all. She did a very good job at making the class more than just lecture every day and got the 'not really at all' students more interested in it."
"Katy is exceptionally good at classroom management and at articulation of ideas and concepts. Whenever students got off task or began to speak out of turn, she was firm and respectful yet was consistent in making each and every student feel welcome and comfortable in class. Regarding her teaching of content, she put things in ways I had never thought of, and was able to use every single situation as a teaching and learning opportunity. No matter what happened, Katy was always on her toes and ready to use the class events in order to benefit everyone."
This summer, I am spearheading a passion project called 2020 Insight: Iowans’ Attitudes About Politics, Voting, and Current Events. The goal is to develop a mixed media performance piece that can be presented for free in October 2020 to Iowans ages 18+, representing a wide variety of perspectives as thoroughly and accurately as possible in order to help people step out of their own echochambers for a while and listen to their fellow Iowans’ perspectives before making crucial voting decisions. We are not pushing a single political agenda and we seek only to inform others and cultivate empathy. We are not making any money on this project, as it is completely volunteer-based. The first stage of our research involves a questionnaire. If you consider yourself an Iowan and would like to contribute your words to our piece, we welcome you to click the link below! Please note: This questionnaire is VERY thorough. We recommend using a computer instead of a phone and setting aside at least 30 minutes. You can always start it now and come back to it later!
CRYSTAL STEWART
Pictured:
Photo from Crystal’s website
For June 2020 I am featuring Crystal Stewart. The first time I met Crystal was in a casual setting, and I knew I would never forget her. I was instantly drawn to Crystal’s magnetic personality. She is warm and lovely and smart and funny and fierce, and she is one of the best storytellers I have ever met in my life.
The first time I auditioned with Crystal I found her absolutely inspiring. I admire her energy, spirit and her generosity. She is every actor’s dream scene partner. Thank you Crystal, for being the kind of artist who sets a high bar and lifts up the work of those who get to collaborate with you!
Crystal is currently an MFA Acting candidate at the University of Iowa, and I look forward to seeing more of her work in Iowa City and beyond! Check out her website to see what she has done and what is up next!
From her website:
“Crystal is originally from South Carolina and currently working towards her MFA in Acting at the University of Iowa. Some favorite roles include Rachel Jackson in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Emilia in Othello, and Berdine in Psycho Beach Party- but she has a particular soft spot for creating new work.
Crystal has over 8 years’ experience teaching arts integration workshops with The Warehouse Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Council, Arts Share, and as an individual freelancer. In her workshops she uses acting techniques and activities in order to help students understand difficult concepts (topics she has covered include Shakespeare, multiplication tables, and tectonic plates.) She also does private coaching to help actors with Shakespeare monologues, general audition technique, and repertory choices.”
May 2020: Megan Gogerty
April 2020: Adam Knight
March 2020: Genevieve Trainor
February 2020: Chris Okiishi
January 2020: Cavan Hallman
December 2019: Angie Toomsen
November 2019: Janeve West
October 2019: Jim Bray
September 2019: Caroline Price
August 2019: Jenn Sheshko Wood
July 2019: Sarah Schreiner
June 2019: Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers
May 2019: Rob Merritt
April 2019: Jennifer Fawcett
March 2019: Patrick DuLaney
February 2019: Saffron Henke
January 2019: Amy Osatinski
December 2018: Cara Viner
November 2018: Deanna Downes
October 2018: Alisabeth Von Presley
I created a private Facebook group for individuals in the arts who do not identify as cis men to share ideas, raise questions, support each other, and get shit done.
