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.
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.
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?
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.
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