PHT Creative HUB Member Spotlight: Katie Gartlan-Close

Katie Gartlan-Close

Who are you and how did you get into theatre?
My name is Katie and I am a queer playwright and theatre artist. My first entrance into performance was actually in the circus! I was part of a circus program as a kid and teenager, and that’s where I fell in love with performance. I decided to follow my passion and studied Theatre Performance at Simon Fraser University. I later moved to Edinburgh and studied Playwriting at the University of Edinburgh. Some of my previous work includes: Polar Opposites (Burnaby Summer Theatre 2022), The Audacity to Live (Developed through the Arts Club Theatre‘s Emerging Playwrights’ Unit 2021), and Cocoon (Pride Plays 2020 in Edinburgh). I like to write stories that feature queer narratives, comedy, and a little touch of magic.

Tell us about your show Bean + Hat
Bean & Hat is a family-friendly clown show about death, growing up and what it means to live out your dreams. The story follows two best friends who create magical worlds in their attic. Audiences are invited to join them as they prepare for guests, grieve both pet rocks and old books, muse over crickets, and transform in unexpected ways.
Bean & Hat comes from a Canadian style of clowning, from Richard Pochinko. The show began as a 10-minute version in Vancouver’s Pull Festival back in 2019 and has been workshopped and extended into the version that exists today. This is the world premiere of Bean & Hat! The show will be performed in Vancouver at the Cultch Theatre, Culture Lab, from April 13-16. It is for all ages, LGBTQIA+ friendly and great for families. Audiences can expect to laugh, cry, and reflect on their relationship with death and dreams.
You can find out more by visiting our website at beanandhat.com
How has being a member of PHT’s Creative HUB helped you?
Being a member of PHT’s Creative HUB has been a great opportunity and has helped to bring Bean & Hat to life! We have been using Presentation House as our home for rehearsals and everyone here has been so generous and welcoming. I am grateful for the Creative HUB, as it’s always a challenge to find opportunities as an emerging artist. PHT supports and encourages artists to keep creating!

Want to learn more about the PHT Creative HUB? Click the link below to learn more about how you can become part of the HUB.

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