
Michelle Haner is a theater maker dedicated to international collaboration and based in Berkeley, California (Blue Monkey Works).
Michelle is an actress, director, teacher and translator who has trained and worked extensively in both the US and Europe. Her work embraces physical theater techniques (LeCoq, Viewpoints/Suzuki), Stanislavki-based work and collaborative, devised theater making. Her training includes an MFA in Acting from UCLA, a two-year program at L’Ecole Lecoq in Paris, an MA from the Sorbonne and a BA from Harvard University. After teaching at Chapman University and working professionally in LA, Michelle settled in the Bay Area. She continues her professional work with Blue Monkey Works and was a long-time member of foolsFURY where she directed, performed and helmed the company’s French Plays project, dedicated to translating contemporary French plays and advancing Franco-American collaboration. She also currently oversees the theater program at San Francisco’s International High School, where she has headed the arts department and led a range of interdisciplinary collaborations, notably with renowned French director, Moise Touré and professional artists of the Bay Area. She also oversees the school’s Urban Engagement program, taking the school’s work into the larger community.