“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”
“As an artist, I am interested in reflecting our world back to us. But our world is not always what it seems. There is an exploration of connection, life, and representation in my work. I make connections to our own realities while inverting and deconstructing them from within. The world of the play reflects a twist of the world we inhabit. Movement is at the core of my work, using pedestrian movement to create space balanced with expressionistic movement to physicalize someone’s internal experiences. I use movement to create impact through tension and release while leaving room for the world to breathe. My background is in musical theatre, but I enjoy working through all genres. The first question I ask when choosing a project is “how can we connect this play to the current time we are in?” The world is always changing and we must adapt our art with it.”
Photo by Lauren Jurgemeyer
Stacy Hawking (she/her/hers) is a director and choreographer based out of San Marcos, Texas. She was bitten by the theatre bug as a young child when her mother took her to see her first show on the big stage, Cats. The lights, set, music and performers left her in awe and she knew the stage is where she wanted to be. She started in the competitive dance world and slowly made the transition to theatre through the Young Artist Program at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” was the quote that shaped her as a performer. Failure in this business is a given, but not being afraid of the failure is what the program taught her. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with her BFA in Musical Theatre in May 2016, but it was through this program that she grew as a professional choreographer and found her passion for directing as well. Since graduation, Stacy has choreographed all over Central Arkansas and for Harand Camp for the Theatre Arts based out of Chicago, Illinois. She has also taught at DancePraize Dance Studio for the past 5 years and served as their Lead Dance Instructor for 2 years. DancePraize has allowed her to grow as a dance teacher and given her the opportunity to branch out in her teaching styles. She currently attends Texas State University where she is a second year MFA Directing Candidate. In her first year, she had the opportunity to direct The Last 5 Years as well as assistant direct Spring Awakening and Mazkapan, A New Magical Musical. When not in class or rehearsal, you can find her snuggled up to her sweet puppy, Rosie, who she is thoroughly obsessed with.
“Stacy was an amazing director to work with. She especially has a special talent for working with children since she is gifted patience and compassion. She made a classic musical accessible and exciting for teenagers- an almost unheard of achievement!”
Elaina Miller (they/them)
“Stacy Hawking is not only incredibly talented in her craft but has a track record of helping artists discover new talents and skills within her spaces. Stacy is very knowledgeable on how to bring the best out of those who she works with and anyone who has been in her presence knows how dedicated she is to her work. Her dedication shines through with her insights and interactions on a daily basis.”
Kyle Robinson (he/him/his)
“An artist who is truly a collaborator! Working with a director who cares about your thoughts and creative ideas is massively inspiring as an actor joined a project. Stacy deserves all the respect in the world for her care and deep thought towards her art!”
Chloe Meinershagen (they/them)