ACTRESS, MILWAUKEE WI
Hey there! I’m Hannah, a Milwaukee-based performer and arts educator.
My parents could tell you a slew of stories of my artsy escapades as a child – like the numerous variety shows put on with my cousins featuring one-of-a-kind Menards commercials, or the time I was singing and dancing at my preschool recital, fell off the stage, and popped right back up to dancing like nothing had happened. But their favorite story by far is how at 3 years old my favorite song to sing was an inappropriate Jimmy Buffet song – mind you, I have no recollection of this nor could I sing you this song today so please no requests at this time. Needless to say, its APPARENT that my passion for the arts has been a part of me since I was a child.
Originally from a small town in Kenosha County, I grew up heavily involved in music. I began taking private voice lessons in 6th grade and sang frequently in my church's choir and as a cantor. Once in high school, I performed in the show choir - Central Swing Inc. (CSI) - all four years, and was involved in theater at my school as well as local productions. I also competed in Solo & Ensemble Festival, advancing to state all four years and achieving Exemplary State Soloist my junior year in the classical division. By senior year I knew that I wanted to further my education in the arts.
Through an adventurous journey, I decided to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to pursue an arts degree. During my college career I served as a leader and organizer of the State Solo & Ensemble Festival held annually at our campus and was on the board of our Student National Association of Teachers of Singing chapter. During the summer of 2015 I had the opportunity to travel to Novafeltria, Italy as a part of the La Musica Lirica program, a five-week training program structured for performance artists looking to gain hands-on training and experience as an opera singer. In 2016 I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance and Music Education.
Pursuing my degree as an arts educator I started as a private piano and vocal instructor at the Academy of Performing Arts in Oak Creek and Franklin, WI. Additionally, I became a part of First Stage Children’s Theater team as a lead teacher of Musical Theater for 3rd-4th graders and 6th-8th graders. First Stage’s platform of teaching life skills through stage skills, being unafraid to fail by taking positive risks, and trying things at least once has greatly inspired my teaching and personal philosophy. My top priority when working with children, no matter what capacity, is to create an open, honest, and accepting environment where students feel confident in the choices they make and fulfilled in the work they’ve created.
Upon graduating from college there was a void in my life, and with some soul searching it became clear to me that what I was missing was theater. I began to audition and perform regularly in Milwaukee productions while continuing to teach. After much deliberation, I decided to take a hiatus from the classroom, and focus my attention towards my performance career. During this time is when I happily accepted a position with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in the Education Department. As a member of the education team, I assisted in the implementation of all education programs, working closely with teachers and administrators throughout Wisconsin. This included managing and organizing their Concerts for Schools program, which offers themed concert experiences for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
After five years with the MSO it was time for another adventure to be had. I moved on to become a florist at Flowers for Dreams, where every bouquet benefits an amazing local charity. I couldn't be happier working for an organization that uses flowers to advance causes of justice and charity in our community.
My goal as a singer is to be well-rounded exploring legit theater, contemporary theater, art songs, arias, jazz, and pop. And though, I would describe myself as a musician with roots in opera and classical music I've worked hard to expand my horizons and become more versatile in the industry. Since changing gears in 2017, I've worked with companies such as Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theater, Sunset Playhouse, and All In Productions. I quickly immersed myself into the Milwaukee theater scene, and after much hard work would consider myself one of MKE's many working theater professionals. I’m a patient and open-minded actor who is eager to learn from those I’m working under. My favorite parts of learning a new role or working with a new company is the relationships that are made, both on stage and outside of the show. I’m a people person who loves to make connections with those around me. I've found my passion and a fulfilling career in the arts, and the void that was once empty has been filled with a rich life of theater.
I look forward to all of the old friends and new faces I will get to work with in the future!