who am i?
I'm Kristen (she/her), a director, choreographer, and miscellaneous theatre artist! I'm originally from Virginia, but I now call Chicago my home. I recently graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in theatre and Asian American Studies. I'm proud to be queer and Taiwanese American.
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As a director, I am particularly interested in the development of new work. I strive to incorporate elements of many mediums in my work; devising, puppetry, and physical theatre find a place in my processes! I am also drawn to theatre that attempts to locate an Asian American experience.
As a choreographer and movement director, I gravitate towards emotional gestures, striking stage pictures, asymmetry, and performer-generated movement. When I choreograph for theatre, the story and character always comes first. I strive to create movement environments that are safe, welcoming, and accessible to all bodies and levels of dance training. Though I have extensive experience in modern, ballet, and jazz, my favorite style to choreograph and dance has always been tap.
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In my spare time, you'll find me picking away on my guitar, testing out a new vegetarian recipe, practicing my German language skills, or using my local library to browse the works of Jia Tolentino, Elif Batuman, and Octavia Butler.
what am i up to?
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After graduating from Northwestern in 2023, I have had the privilege of returning to the Wirtz Center several times as a guest artist and professional choreographer, first with Lyle the Crocodile, and currently with How to Know the Wildflowers: A Map. Collaborating in an artistic sphere with former professors and mentors has been the learning opportunity of a lifetime.
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I currently work as the Artistic Programs Manager at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, IL. In my day to day work, I manage Northlight's community engagement programming and accessibility initiatives, in addition to collaborating on literary management and casting work.
contact me!
email: kristen.waagner@gmail.com