Director – Katy Hahn

As a theatre director I collaborate with other artists on both musical and nonmusical productions, telling the clearest stories possible in fresh and impactful ways. I am particularly drawn to scripts that grapple with race, gender, and other social and political issues.

I have directed every age and level of experience, including youth, college, community, and professional theatre. I take pride in being a well-rounded theatre artist who values every role in our collaborative artform, and I am just as comfortable communicating with my design and production team as I am with my actors.

I work to create a safe and supportive environment using consent-based and trauma-informed practices. My education in these areas is active and ongoing. I prioritize equity and representation in casting, and I establish a rehearsal room in which my collaborators are encouraged to contribute ideas and take risks. I bring a pedagogical spirit and an iterative mindset to my directing work, viewing each project as an opportunity for all of us to ask questions, make discoveries, learn from each other, and grow from where we are.

UP NEXT

Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy
University of Northern Iowa
October 31 – November 5, 2023
in the Strayer-Wood Theatre

Kate Hamill, well-known for her contemporary theatrical adaptations of classic literature, boldly reimagines the world’s most famous vampire story from a feminist point of view. Tables are turned and roles reversed as the heroines of this play plunge a wooden stake into the heart of the patriarchy itself.

JUST FINISHED

RADIUM GIRLS (2023)

Radium Girls
University of Northern Iowa
March 1-5, 2023
in the Strayer-Wood Theatre

In tech we trust. But what happens when we don’t fully understand what it’s doing to us? Radium Girls reminds us that this is not a new question. Set early in the 20th century and based on true events, it follows the struggle of Grace Fryer, a dial painter and one of many young girls who fell mysteriously ill from using radium-infused paint in her factory job. This fast-paced play is suitable for viewers of all ages, educating audiences on an event in US history that highlights the vital importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.

More info at Current Season | TheatreUNI

Additional Event: Panel discussion on February 27th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM where experts (UNI educators representing chemistry & biochemistry, STEM, history, and women’s and gender studies) explored the prominent themes found in the show. Held in Room 108 of the Communication Arts Center.

"Working with you has been such a blast, and it was an excellent experience. I really appreciate how much you have helped me through these new experiences, and I feel you have really helped me to develop as a performer. So I just wanted to tell you how thankful I am! You were an absolutely phenomenal director and it made the switch to college theatre so much less stressful, and easy to navigate! I have a personal goal to use the experiences I get in each production to improve myself as a performer, and I feel that I have met that goal throughout the course of this production."

Student Actor

University of Northern Iowa

Production photos by Jonathan Allender-Zivic

WONDER OF THE WORLD (2022)

Wonder of the World
Coe College
October 21-23 & 27-29
in Dows Auditorium

Do you believe in fate? How can you tell if you really know someone? What would you do if you could start over? These are the questions Cass asks herself when she discovers the shocking truth about the man she married. Cass makes the bold decision to leave her old life behind and embark on a journey of self-discovery, checking off items on her bucket list and befriending a zany cast of characters along the way before finding herself teetering on the edge of the world’s most famous waterfall. Hilarious, absurd, wacky, and whimsical, this comedy reminds us it’s possible to find hope and humor in any situation.

More info at Theatre Arts Productions | Coe College

This production premiered an updated version of the script as a direct result of our collaboration with playwright David Lindsay-Abaire!

Production photos by Jonathan Allender-Zivic

THE REVOLUTIONISTS (2022)

"Katy is an organized and energetic director with clear vision that she articulated early in the process to all members of the production team and actors, all of whom she is responsible for guiding on the journey of creating the world of the play. It was a pleasure to watch Katy work organically with the entire ensemble as they individually and collectively arrived at choices that would best serve the storytelling for the audience. Student stage managers often offered their observations as a valued member of the student ensemble with Katy as the guide to stop as often as necessary to adjust and fine tune actions as part of the trial and discovery process. I have watched many directors at work with undergraduates in my time as an academic theatre artist. Katy has a gift for guiding students in a supportive, respectful and effective way to get inspired results. This is teaching at its best, and it was clear from my observations that the students were highly appreciative of the specific feedback they were getting moment to moment to help them gain confidence and skills that they could build upon."

Susan Wolverton

Coe College Theatre Department Chair

Production photos by Rob Merritt

BULLY (2019)

"'Bully' is fierce. It’s violent. It’s alarming. And it’s riveting in its Iowa debut via Mirrorbox Theatre... While the black box theater seems too small to contain the anger that’s flung throughout the show, it’s also the perfect size to create a visceral experience for actors and audiences. The play captures the professional troupe’s mission to produce Iowa premieres of plays offering 'dramatic reflections on contemporary culture.' Simple, versatile staging, dramatic lighting and a pulsing soundtrack reel us into their worlds as their truths unfold. Director Katy Hahn has given the actors the tools, space and vision to create fearsome characters whose strengths and weaknesses throb side by side."

Diana Nollen

The Gazette

Production photos by Greg Billman

THE WOLVES (2019)

"I want to let you know that is such a pleasure to work with you, Katy. Thank you for your positive and focused energy in rehearsals. You go above and beyond. I really appreciated that you took the time to have individual meetings with us - it was BEYOND helpful! I trust and respect you so much."

Student Actor

Cornell College

Production photos by Olivia Houchins-McCollum