Meet our passionate team behind the scenes who bring every event to life with care, creativity, and professionalism.
People
Eleanor Strathern | General Manager
Eleanor Strathern is The Hannah’s General Manager, working in a full time capacity to oversee all aspects of the theatre’s operations and providing support to theatre-makers.
Strathern is a Pōneke-proud and prolific producer, with experience across venues, festivals, and freelance theatre and comedy. She has produced more than 60 productions with her independent company, A Mulled Whine, also working as a producer for the 2022 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts and experimental theatre collective Binge Culture. Award-winning works Strathern has produced include the 2022 revival production of Skin Tight (dir. Katherine McRae); The Artist and The King of Taking by Thom Monckton; long-running show A Traveller’s Guide to Turkish Dogs; and Hugo Grrrl’s Princess Boy Wonder. Eleanor is the recipient of three Wellington Theatre Awards: Backstage Production Award, 2024; Theatre Angel, 2020; Most Promising Newcomer, 2018.
Her mahi has supported hundreds of Aotearoa artists to premiere new work, find their audiences, and tour to new horizons.
As General Manager of the Hannah Playhouse, Strathern is excited to support artists to go bolder or bigger, try out new things, and think long-term. Her creative production, audience development, and venue expertise are all vital resources to resident artists and the evolution of The Hannah.
Scott Maxim | Venue Technician
Wellington City Council is grateful for a partnership with production experts YOOCrew for venue technical support on site at the Hannah. Our primary Venue Technician is the indomitable Scott Maxim – set and light designer, rigger, general technician, photographer, and volunteer firefighter. Scott’s can-do attitude is integral to the varied nature of the Hannah as both a development and performance space for all disciplines.
For additional technical crewing and cover, YOOCrew have a full team of specialist technicians, riggers, and event crew.
Front of House Crew
The Hannah contracts 25 casual Front of House staff for FOH Management and ushering at the Hannah. Artists may also opt to provide their own usher team with training - this option is popular for immersive events and smaller showings. Whoever welcomes you into the space has been trained on Hannah manaakitanga, accessibility, evacuation procedures, and unique elements of the show. Every show is different, and we look forward to welcoming you in warmly!
Box Office
The Hannah does not have a dedicated Box Office staff. All ticketing services are arranged by the artist for their event needs.