St. Francis’ Future Broadway Star: Hannah Otness

Theatre has always been important to St. Francis, and it has been a goal each year to get every student involved. Director of Fine Arts Justin Doran works hard to make the St. Francis fine arts program stand out, from doing interactive musicals such as Clue the Musical to using the school's outdoor environment as the backdrop in The Crucible. But what would a play be without talented performers? A student who is constantly in the spotlight, no matter the project, is senior Hannah Otness. 

Otness has been at St. Francis since freshman year, and each year she makes an appearance on stage. From her first St. Francis performance as Miss Scarlett in Clue the Musical to her current role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Otness has developed into one of the most talented students in the fine arts department. Outside of school, Otness has been in the teen ensemble of two professional theater productions at TUTS, The Little Mermaid and South Pacific. In the Summer of 2022, she performed as Heather McNamara in Heathers the Musical and Jo March in Little Women at The Tribble School at Queensbury Theater.

When Otness was seven years old, she took an acting camp for a week at the Theater Under the Stars, where her journey began. Soon she was looking for classes everywhere in the Houston area. 

Otness as Maria and sophomore, now junior, James Sennewald as Captain Von Trapp during the party scene of The Sound of Music in 2021.

Her first ever professional production was Whistle Down the Wind at Queensbury Theatre where she did about thirteen shows.

“Compared to a school show, which is two to three performances, when you do an extended run you really get the chance to live in your character in front of an audience which is where the magic of theatre kicks in.” From then on Otness knew she wanted a life in the spotlight. 

Despite Otness’ talent, she was put down many times with people saying her voice would “never be good enough” or she just wasn’t a dancer. Though these moments tried to set her back, it only fueled her to work harder. “Now, it reminds me that I can find the joy in theatre myself,” says Otness, “I love it onstage, and I don’t need critics to take that away from me.” Of course, while Otness is doing these major theatre performances, she is also managing performing for St. Francis as well. 

Otness performing as Jo March in Little Women at the Tribble School at Queensbury Theatre.

Otness has learned a lot from Mr. Doran’s program and has had some of the best experiences from his productions. She not only acts with Mr. Doran, but dances with St. Francis’s dance teacher, Kristy Richmond, who is a retired Broadway star. She has learned how to perfect her technique and stamina, and she is honored to make working with someone so talented a part of her daily life. St. Francis has worked with Otness to accommodate her  rehearsal and performance schedule. It is unlikely she could have this opportunity anywhere else. Otness is currently taking classes at the Tribble School weekly, and preparing to play Doralee in 9 to 5 this January. 

Otness hopes to continue theatre after high school and make it her life long career. Being able to do what she loves for a living is her ultimate goal. Otness is grateful for everyone who has supported her in her career, including her family, friends, St. Francis, and coaches. She has an exciting future ahead of her and is taking it on one note at a time.