HANNAH LOUISE FERNANDES (she/her) is a Chicago-based theatre artist dedicated to embodying courage, compassion, and truth in her work. Drawing from her lived experience as a mixed-race, first-generation Indian-American, she seeks to create art that is both authentic and inclusive. Passionate about collaboration, Hannah thrives in team environments while also embracing leadership roles, inspiring future generations of artists and individuals to connect more deeply with their own humanity.

Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, she most recently accompanied her BFA in Musical Theatre from Wichita State University by studying at the prestigious Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City.

She has performed roles, ranging from “Amalia Balash” in SHE LOVES ME, to "Jasmine" in the brand new production of DISNEY'S WHEN YOU WISH, to "Cinderella" in INTO THE WOODS, in addition to her work directing Intimacy onstage and teaching acting offstage. Most recently, Hannah made history as the first biracial South Asian woman to play the role of Anna Leonowens in The King and I in Indianapolis. While Anna is historically depicted as a mixed-race woman (white and Indian, like Hannah), she has traditionally been cast as white, making this a significant moment both for Hannah and for the production.

Offstage, Hannah finds balance through meditation, yoga (she’s 200-hour certified), and expressing her creativity as a visual artist and vintage collector. When she's not in the studio or on stage, she’s at home with her cat, Toulouse, who has made it clear that he’s not a fan of her singing voice. (Who’s going to tell him that’s what pays the rent?)