Exclusive Interview: Hannah Katz, Director of See Rock City & Other Destinations

By Danielle Wirsansky on March 31, 2017

See Rock City & Other Destinations is a contemporary musical about connections missed and made at tourist destinations across America, and it is coming here to Tallahassee, Florida! Get the inside scoop about the production from Director, Hannah Katz in this exclusive interview.

Director Hannah Katz

Q: What about theatre draws you to it as a creator/performer/ director?

HK: Theatre has been in my life for a long time and I think I’ve always been in love with its ability to engage in the magic of storytelling. Directing in many ways is helping build a cohesive and dynamic world, and I love my ability to get to collaborate on that with whatever team of actors, technicians, and creatives I’m working with.

Q: How did you first get involved with theatre?

HK: Oh gosh, I was lucky my mom took me to a lot of children’s theatre when I was little, and after I saw my first musical I just knew I had to do theatre. I started with acting and singing as a kid to whoever would listen, and as I started to grow I saw jobs inside theatre that grew beyond that and were what I wanted to explore.

Q: What shows have your directed before?

HK: I’ve been lucky enough to direct two original pieces before and assistant direct under multiple fabulous leaders, each of whom has taught me a whole new approach and methodology every time.

Q: What inspired you to direct See Rock City & Other Destinations, specifically now and here in Tallahassee?

HK: Well, my student producers Michael Leyte-Vidal and Eddie Ortega actually approached me with the piece first. I read and listened to it and it just seemed like a fun show that spoke to the weirdness of transition really well, and also how we all don’t necessarily end up where we have planned and how that’s okay. They also brought me a friendly and fantastic cast which enticed me even more, and I’m so glad I came aboard.

Q: When and where will performances take place?

HK: Performances are on April 14th and 15th at The Warehouse on Gaines Street which is this awesome little bar with a cool and intimate performance space in the back we love.

Q: Without giving anything away, what is the show about? What can audiences expect?

HK: Ooh, I guess I would say the show is about a bunch of characters that end up at tourist destinations around the states and see how their expectations of them and their lives live up to the realities of what they see.

The Rehearsal Process

Q: What do you want the audience to take away from your performance?

HK: I think this piece gives audiences a breath of fresh air and let’s them know sometimes going off the rails and off plan is okay and even welcome. And of course, I hope they enjoy the performances to!

Q: What has the process of working on the show been like?

HK: It’s been so fun and also such a good learning experience. Having to do everything on our own has taught us about what producing really is, what ways fundraising actually works, and let us experience balancing everything we need to do in a challenging but rewarding way. It also has let me contact directly with Brad Alexander who is the very talented composer of the show, and has had my producers gain experience with a licensing company.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add that I have not thought to ask you?

HK: Well as I mentioned we’re doing this on our own and we are currently still in the process of raising funds. Our GoFundMe is very much accepting donations at https://www.gofundme.com/see-rock-city-other-destinations, and we hope to see everyone out at our performances! The event page is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1824032307921424/

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