Hannah Hauer-King is a name that’s making waves in the theatre world. She is a director, producer, and advocate for women in the arts. Through her work, she has created space for female and LGBTQ+ voices in theatre, giving them the recognition they deserve. As the co-founder of Damsel Productions, she has helped bring powerful stories to life while challenging the gender imbalance in the industry.
Her journey from studying theatre in the United States to becoming one of London’s most influential theatre directors is inspiring. With years of experience, she has worked on productions that spark conversations and challenge societal norms. Whether directing new plays or mentoring emerging talent, her passion for storytelling shines through in everything she does.
Let’s explore her career, achievements, and how she is shaping the future of theatre.
Her Early Life and Education
Hannah Hauer-King’s love for theatre started early. Growing up, she was drawn to storytelling, performance, and the way theatre could bring people together. This passion led her to study Theatre and Performance at Georgetown University, where she earned a double honours degree. She also studied Theology, which gave her a deeper understanding of human emotions and beliefs, something that influences her work to this day.
During her time at university, she developed a strong foundation in theatre production and directing. She explored different forms of storytelling, learning how to bring complex ideas to life on stage. Her studies helped her shape a unique perspective on theatre—one that blends creativity with deeper themes about society, identity, and gender.
Her academic background gave her the skills she needed to step into the theatre world with confidence. It wasn’t just about learning techniques; it was about understanding how theatre could be used as a tool for change. This belief would later become the driving force behind her work.
The Beginning of Damsel Productions
In 2015, Hannah Hauer-King co-founded Damsel Productions with producer Kitty Wordsworth. They noticed that women’s voices were often missing in theatre, so they decided to change that. Damsel Productions was created to focus on plays written and directed by women, giving them a platform to share their stories.
From the start, the company aimed to challenge the gender imbalance in theatre. Many of their productions tackle important topics like feminism, identity, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Their goal is to create thought-provoking and engaging performances that make people think while also giving women a strong presence in the industry.
Damsel Productions quickly gained recognition for its bold storytelling. Through the years, they have worked with talented writers, directors, and performers to bring unique stories to life. The company is not just about putting on plays; it’s about creating opportunities for female and non-binary artists in theatre.
Her Most Notable Productions
Hauer-King has directed and produced many successful plays that have received critical acclaim. One of her most well-known works is The Funeral Director, which was performed at Southwark Playhouse and later toured across the UK. The play explored themes of identity, faith, and LGBTQ+ rights, making it a standout production in modern theatre.
Another significant work is Fabric, which was performed at Soho Theatre. This powerful play told the story of a woman’s experience with sexual violence and its impact on her life. Through emotional storytelling, it highlighted important conversations about consent and gender inequality.
Other standout productions include Fury, The Amber Trap, Dry Land, and Brute, all of which were performed at prestigious venues like Soho Theatre, Theatre 503, and Jermyn Street Theatre. Each of these plays tackled deep and meaningful topics, proving that theatre can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Her Role in Supporting Women and LGBTQ+ Artists
One of the most important aspects of Hannah Hauer-King’s career is her dedication to supporting women and LGBTQ+ artists. Theatre has long been a male-dominated industry, but she is actively working to change that. Through Damsel Productions, she ensures that female and non-binary voices are heard and celebrated.
She has created spaces where women can thrive, both on and off stage. From working with female playwrights to mentoring young theatre professionals, she is constantly looking for ways to uplift and support others. Her work focuses on inclusivity, making sure that underrepresented voices are given a platform.
Her productions often explore themes that are deeply connected to the LGBTQ+ community. She believes that storytelling should reflect the diverse experiences of people in society. By bringing these stories to the stage, she helps audiences see different perspectives and start important conversations.
Her Work Beyond Damsel Productions
While Damsel Productions is a huge part of her career, Hauer-King has also worked with many other theatre companies. She has been an Associate Director at Kiln Theatre since 2021, where she has contributed to productions like The Wife of Willesden. Her experience here has allowed her to collaborate with talented theatre professionals and expand her artistic reach.
Before this, she was a Resident Assistant Director at Soho Theatre, where she worked closely with some of the UK’s top directors. This experience helped her develop her directing skills and gain insight into how theatre productions are run at a high level.
She has also worked with other major institutions, including the Globe Theatre, Traverse Theatre, Theatre 503, and more. Her influence extends beyond directing—she is also a dramaturg, script reader, and mentor, helping shape the future of theatre.
The Impact of Her Work in Theatre
Hauer-King’s contributions to theatre go beyond individual productions. She has played a significant role in making the industry more inclusive and representative of diverse voices. By focusing on stories that challenge societal norms, she is helping to reshape modern theatre.
Through her work, she is not just telling stories—she is creating a movement. Her plays often spark conversations about gender, identity, and inequality. By bringing these issues to the stage, she encourages audiences to think critically about the world around them.
Her influence is also seen in the number of young artists she has mentored. Many aspiring directors, writers, and producers have been inspired by her work. She is helping to create the next generation of theatre professionals who will continue pushing for inclusivity and representation.
Challenges and Overcoming Rejections
Like any successful person, Hauer-King has faced challenges along the way. Theatre is a competitive industry, and breaking into it as a female director was not easy. She has faced rejections and setbacks, but she has always found ways to move forward.
One of the biggest obstacles in her career has been the lack of opportunities for women in theatre. Many female directors struggle to get their work produced, but she has worked hard to create her own path. By starting Damsel Productions, she took control of her career and provided opportunities for others.
Her advice to young theatre professionals is to keep pushing forward, even in the face of rejection. She believes that passion and persistence are key to making it in the industry. Every challenge has been a learning experience that has helped her grow.
What’s Next for Hannah Hauer-King?
Hauer-King’s career is far from slowing down. With Damsel Productions continuing to grow, she is working on new projects that will further expand her influence in theatre. She is also exploring ways to bring her productions to international audiences, ensuring that her work reaches even more people.
She plans to continue working with leading theatre companies while developing new plays that challenge societal norms. Her focus remains on creating inclusive theatre that represents diverse voices.
With a strong track record and a clear vision for the future, she is set to continue making waves in the theatre industry.
Conclusion
Hannah Hauer-King is a director, producer, and advocate who is shaping the future of theatre. Through her work at Damsel Productions, Kiln Theatre, and Soho Theatre, she has created spaces for women and LGBTQ+ artists to thrive. Her productions are bold, thought-provoking, and deeply meaningful.
Her journey is a reminder that theatre has the power to inspire change. As she continues to break barriers and push artistic boundaries, her impact on modern theatre will only grow. She is not just telling stories—she is rewriting the narrative of the industry.
(FAQs)
Why is Hannah Hauer-King’s theatre company so unique?
Damsel Productions is one of the few theatre companies in the UK that exclusively produces plays written and directed by women. It was created to combat gender inequality in theatre, making it a game-changer in the industry.
Has Hannah Hauer-King ever been rejected for directing jobs?
Yes! Despite her success, she has faced multiple rejections, including being turned down for plays she was highly qualified to direct. But she has always bounced back, proving that resilience is key in the theatre world.
Did Hannah Hauer-King create a theatre festival during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes! She launched Damsel Outdoors in 2020, an outdoor theatre festival featuring women and non-binary artists. This was during a time when most theatre productions had shut down!
What is Hannah Hauer-King’s most controversial play?
Grotty is one of her most talked-about plays, as it openly explores lesbian culture and identity in a raw, unfiltered way. It sparked debates but was praised for its bold storytelling and representation.
How did Hannah Hauer-King break into the theatre industry?
She landed her big break by applying on a whim for a Resident Assistant Director position at Soho Theatre—and she got it! This unexpected opportunity changed her career forever.
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