Hi, I’m Catherine Stewart—a playwright whose work thrives when theatre, film, and dance combine. By trade, I’m a multidisciplinary participatory artist who creates mission-driven arts-integrated experiences with individuals who want to bring change to their communities. Together, we craft performances that tackle the big, messy realities of the world. My process is fueled by curiosity and built on interviews, research, and imagination, transforming complex systems into compelling narratives where audiences find themselves in the solutions.
My creative roots stretch back to my early years as a dancer before shifting into theatre devising and eventually playwriting. This physical foundation still shapes my approach—writing that feels more like choreographing, always collaborative, ensemble-driven, and improvisational. I’m captivated by the surreal and the absurd, crafting stories—often about women+—who confront real-world injustices, all while pushing the boundaries of reality with humor and heart.
Some career highlights? My play, You, Me, and the Woodsmoke, developed through Company One’s PlayLab Unit, was a finalist for Bloomington Play Project's 2022 Woodward/Newman Award. I’m also deep into projects like Retracing Footsteps, which examines Indigenous Justice through the lens of Hannah Dustin and the Abenaki, and an immersive documentary following a landmark legal case involving Facebook.
I’m honored to have developed my practice with incredible programs like the Lincoln Center Directors’ Lab, National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellowship, and Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion™ Institute, where I’m expanding my choreographic work with communities. Teaching artistry is a big part of my life—I’m on the NH Teaching Artist and Lifetime Arts Rosters and work with organizations like New Hampshire Theatre Project, New England Arts for Literacy, and Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective.
As an Artist—with a capital A—I see my work as more than a profession; it’s a way of life. Let’s make, create, and move communities forward together.
