Anna
Hanson
Producer
Writer
Director
About me
(in a theater)
I am a multi-hyphenate theatre producer, director, and playwright rooted in Pittsburgh’s creative community. My work is defined by a commitment to developing new and overlooked work, fostering deep collaboration, and building intentional processes that support both the artistic and human needs of every project. Whether I am behind the scenes or in the rehearsal room, I strive to create the organizational structures that allow bold, original stories to thrive.
Currently, I serve as the Associate Producer of the Center for New Work Development at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. In this role, I manage the Center’s operations and support the lifecycle of new theatrical projects from initial development through production. My professional background also includes time in the Producing Department at Pittsburgh CLO, where I facilitated one of the largest summer stock auditions in the country and served as a vital bridge between creative teams and administrative departments.
Beyond producing, I remain deeply engaged in the technical and creative pulse of the city. I work as a Venue Manager with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, overseeing operations at Liberty Magic, the Rohr Education Building, and Three Stories. As a director, playwright, and designer, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to projects including Kings of Delancey Lane, Masked: The Musical, Don’t Speak, Letters of a Lifetime, and Current War.
I hold a BFA in Theatre Arts from Point Park University, with a concentration in Directing and a minor in Technical Theatre Design. Whether I’m drafting a contract, blocking a scene, or managing a venue, I thrive in those collaborative spaces where new work first takes shape.
About me
(not in a theater)
When I’m not developing a new theatrical venture, I usually have about a million and one hobbies in rotation. I’ve never been particularly good at "sitting still"—I’d much rather have a hands-on project in progress or a new skill to master.
I love reading and getting completely transported into another world. Some of my recent favorites include Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann, and Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. When I’m not buried in a book, I’m likely deep into a DIY project. I’m a dedicated "maker," always ready to wield a hot glue gun to bring a Pinterest-inspired vision to life. Whether I’m knitting, sewing, or embarking on a creative endeavor that inevitably takes up more floor space than I actually have, I thrive on the "from-scratch" process.
That "from-scratch" mentality naturally extends to the kitchen, where I have a deep-seated love for cooking and baking. You can frequently find me whipping up soups, sweet treats, or a massive pot of vodka sauce to serve to my friends. The catch? I am gluten-intolerant. I’ve made it my mission to master the chemistry of gluten-free cooking so well that you can’t even tell the difference—I love keeping my circle well-fed with meals that taste like the real thing.
When I’m not in the kitchen, I have a soul-level appreciation for Rita’s Italian Ice. I’m a firm believer that there are very few problems a cold treat and a sunny afternoon can’t solve. On a nice day, my ideal speed involves sitting in a park for some quality people-watching or getting a little too competitive over a good board game. I’m also a lifelong baseball fan—there is truly nothing better than a day at the ballpark, snacking on a hot dog, and unapologetically belting out "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch.
"It is better to attempt something great and fail than attempt to do nothing and succeed."
- Fourtune Cookie from 2018