A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie: Addie Gorlin-Han ’07

Can you introduce yourself?

Absolutely. My name is Addie. My married name is Han. I was Addie Gorlin at Breck. I started at Breck in third grade; I loved it!

How did you become a theater director?

I was very involved in the theater program at Breck, and I did lots of plays locally. At Breck, Tom Hegg, [former drama teacher], knew I enjoyed theater and leadership roles like student council, and he suggested pursuing artistic administration or directing. 

After Breck, I headed to Dartmouth College, where I was a “senior fellow”– basically a self-designed major in Theater, History, and Native American studies.  I also spent a semester at the National Theater Institute (NTI), which was another influential experience that led to my decision to become a director. Once I finished undergrad, I realized how financially difficult it is to pursue a career in theater; I also thought back fondly to my time at Breck and how incredible my teachers were throughout my childhood, so I decided to give teaching a try and committed to  Teach for America as an English and Drama teacher.

I was in my third year of TFA in the San Francisco Bay area when I realized I wanted to give a career in theater a chance. I spoke with Tom Hegg, who introduced me to Rob Melrose ’88. Rob became a mentor and friend of mine, and I worked with him as a year-long directing fellow at Cutting Ball Theater (CBT) in San Francisco. I still had a commitment to teaching during that time (it took three years to complete a full credential), so I lived two lives. During the daytime, I worked at school, and at night, I headed to CBT to work in their administrative office and assistant direct for Rob. I returned to Minneapolis after being offered a producer fellowship at Mixed Blood Theater. At Mixed Blood, I learned about producing and what it means to run a theater from Jack Reuler, their founder and artistic director at the time. He took me under his wing and gave me my first real directing job. 

I found my way to the Guthrie because I started assisting Joseph Haj, the Guthrie’s Artistic Director, on his first show at the Guthrie, Pericles. I returned to be Joe’s assistant director over the years. During that time, I pursued an MFA from Brown University in theater directing because a) it’s an incredible directing program and b) they supported my aspirations to become an artistic director. During my program, I learned even more about how to run a LORT theater (basically the designation for a large theater company) and connected with Trinity Rep, which is the associated theater. These experiences and relationships opened doors to freelance and direct all over the country, but as I was doing so, I realized how impossible that lifestyle was long term since my husband and I wanted to have a family. We have parents here in Minnesota. So, when I got pregnant with my now 2-year-old, we moved back. Meanwhile, the Guthrie happened to have the role of Associate Producer open up; I am in that role now and line-produce all the mainstage shows. I am also working on directing A Christmas Carol!

Tell us about A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie.

Rohan P from the Star Tribune just wrote a nice feature on the unusual circumstances of the play this year– my second kid was due on final dress rehearsal, the first time we have an audience. When I asked the Guthrie if they still wanted me directing the show, they were like, “Yeah! Do it. If you go into labor, we can have Joe on standby.” So, it is kind of fun that I’ve assisted Joe 4 times, and this time, he got to assist me.  The play is one we know well, but I never tire of it. It’s a beautiful story– about redemption, about a man who is guided on a path of change and a community who readily accepts him. To me it’s about the importance of Community, which is very much a value instilled in me since Breck.

What does it mean to return to the Twin Cities and be on the theater scene here as a director?
 

Oh, it is awesome! You know, for me, it has never been about Broadway. It’s always been about the Guthrie and the Minnesota theater scene. We went on so many field trips to the G, and the quality and excellence that we would see each year there put it on such a pedestal in my mind. Plus, Tom Hegg regaled us with stories of his time there as a company member. The ability to act and then assistant direct at Stages and Children’s Theater growing up enmeshed me in this community from a young age. I really do believe that theaters are vital civic organizations and this city is such a testament to that. So, it is incredible to be back here in Minnesota. I’m so glad my kids get to grow up here, too.

Are there any Breck faculty or fellow alums who invested in your journey to where you are now?

Tom Hegg, Rob Melrose, Mary Gentry, Papa B, Melissa Soderberg, Mary Jane Curran off the top of my head, though I valued my education with so many along the way…Tom and Rob invested in my theater career. I simply would not be doing what I do without either of them. Mary Gentry encouraged me, even when math was never my strong suit do a lot of “math” now in terms of season planning and budgeting. Papa B. showed me a gentle and pluralistic way of viewing the world. Melissa Soderberg taught me to aim high and not doubt myself. Mary Jane Curran has been a huge part of my life as a strong female role model; I love the outdoors and Camp Mishawaka because of her. 

Addie Gorlin-Han lives in St. Paul with her husband, two children, and a dog. A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie runs until December 30 this year. You can also check out the main stage shows that Addie produces at the Guthrie here.