Deb Hansen
Embodied Actors Studio

Deb HansenTheatre Artist

Performance Coach | Yoga Instructor | Director | Educator

With over 25 years of experience in theatre education and artistic direction, I am dedicated to nurturing creativity, building confidence, and helping students and performers discover their authentic voice on stage and in life.

About Me

Dedicated to Transformative Theatre Arts

I am a passionate theatre arts educator, director, and certified yoga instructor with a career spanning more than two decades. My journey in the performing arts has taken me from university stages to middle and high school classrooms, and into the vibrant Northern Virginia theatre community.

My mission is to create transformative experiences through the performing arts. Whether I'm directing a production, coaching an aspiring actor, or leading a yoga class to help performers connect with their bodies, I believe in the power of authentic expression and collaborative creativity.

My students have been accepted into top theatre programs including Carnegie Mellon, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Juilliard, Columbia, and many others.

25+
Years Experience
150+
Productions
2300+
Students
What I Offer

Services

Personalized instruction and coaching designed to help you grow as an artist and performer. My approach values collaboration above all else.

Deb Hansen directing work

Director

I believe in creating a safe, creative space where actors can take risks, explore characters deeply, and discover new and genuine moments.

  • Miracle on 34th Street (2024)
  • Doubt: A Parable (2024)
  • Macbeth, Radium Girls, The Addams Family
  • ARTfactory's 10x10 Playwriting Festival
"I can honestly say that she is one of the best directors I've worked with in my nearly 40 years on stage. I was so impressed at how she created such a sense of community with the cast and crew. I couldn't wait to get to rehearsal every night; it was a chance to learn, play, and explore, and watch my fellow actors do the same. I'll jump at any chance to work with her again."

- Carolyn, Sister Aloysius ARTfactory, WATCH Nominee
Pricing & Scheduling Based on project scope and availability. Contact me for more information.
Deb Hansen teaching theatre arts

Educator

With over 25 years teaching theatre arts, I offer comprehensive instruction in all aspects of theatre in a supportive environment.

  • Acting techniques and scene study
  • Improvisation and creative play
  • Playwriting workshops
  • Technical theatre and production
  • Movement and physicality for actors
"Every time Ms. Hansen was helping me to work on my skills, she always made a point to make me feel like we were working together. She always made sure that my vision was clear and precise."

- Kennedy, Drama 3 Student CFHS
Pricing & Scheduling Based on format, duration, and group size.
Deb Hansen performance coaching

Performance Coaching

I specialize in one-on-one coaching for monologue performance and college audition preparation with proven success.

  • College audition preparation
  • Monologue selection and coaching
  • Scene study and character development
  • Audition technique and confidence
  • Professional audition preparation
"We wanted to support our daughter Kartyr's love for theatre, and Deb put us at ease right away. Thanks to her, our daughter auditioned successfully for several productions. She credits Ms. Hansen for her increased memory skills, confidence, and performance knowledge. She is part of our daughter's village."

- Janeene, Kartyr's Mother
Pricing & Scheduling Virtual and Hybrid Coaching available.
Deb Hansen yoga instruction

Yoga for Performers

As a certified yoga instructor (RYT 200, CYT 200), I offer specialized yoga classes designed for performers and actors.

  • Yoga for actors and performers
  • Breathwork and vocal warm-ups
  • Movement and body awareness
  • Mindfulness for performance anxiety
  • Private and group classes
"Deb's pre-show yoga session was a gift of calm and clarity. Her guidance was both professional and grounding, leaving me more comfortable, energized, and focused for the double show day ahead. I would recommend her to anyone seeking mindful preparation and ease."

- Scott, Arthur Kipps PWLT
Pricing & Scheduling Fully insured instruction available.
Pricing

Service Packages

Flexible packages designed as starting points that can be tailored to your needs.

Sessions are payable via cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or CashApp. I currently do not accept credit cards.

Directing & Educating

Please reach out directly if you want to discuss a directing project or educational opportunity with me.

Contact Me
Background

My Experience

A career dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theatre artists through education, direction, and mentorship.

Private Instructor & Performance Coach

Providing one-on-one coaching since 1998. Students accepted into Carnegie Mellon, NYU Tisch, Columbia, Pace University, and more.

Theatre Educator | ARTfactory, Manassas VA

Instructor for Improvisation, Monologue Performance, Playwriting, and Yoga since January 2022.

Producer & Managing Director | ARTfactory

Led Rooftop Productions' 10x10 Playwriting Festival from 2022-2024.

Directing & Acting Fellow | Juilliard, Atlantic Acting School

2011 and 2012. One of only 15 educators selected nationwide for this prestigious fellowship program.

Artistic Director | Colonial Forge High School

Produced and directed 8-10 productions annually from 2007-2021. Founded the Student Playwriting One Act Festival.

Artistic Director | Rodney Thompson Middle School

Directed 8-10 productions yearly from 2001-2007. Gold Trophy wins at VTA competitions 2004-2006.

Artistic Director | Spotsylvania High School

Created the One-Act Play Festival from 1998-2001. Taught all aspects of Theatre Arts.

Community Theatre

Actively involved in the NoVA Theatre Arts community. Recent credits include directing Miracle on 34th Street and Doubt: A Parable for Rooftop Productions. Currently preparing to direct Chapter 2 at Prince William Little Theatre in March '27.

Recognition

Awards & Accolades

Juilliard Directing Fellow

One of only 15 educators chosen nationwide for intensive training in 2012.

Teacher of the Year

Colonial Forge High School Teacher of the Year. Stafford County 2016 Finalist.

Atlantic Acting School

Selected by audition for intensive training in NYC in 2014.

Grotowski Technique

Acrobat of the Heart ensemble training in New Hampshire, 2017.

VTA Success

Champion Director/Advisor (2009), Gold Level Trophy Winner (2004-2007).

Who's Who

Recognized among America's Teachers multiple years from 1992-2015.

Disney Nominee

American Teacher Award nominee in 2000 and 2001.

Fine Arts Leadership

Stafford County Fine Arts Leadership Team member 2010-2014.

PWLT Volunteer

Prince William Little Theatre Volunteer of the Month, October 2025.

Get Started

Get In Touch

Whether you're interested in private coaching, directing collaboration, workshops, or yoga classes, I'd love to hear from you.

Location
Haymarket, Virginia
Serving
Northern Virginia & Beyond