Hi, I’m Annika! (Like Monica, or Hanukkah).

I am a director/producer/theater artist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by way of Seattle (my hometown) and NYC (my heart-town). I am currently the Associate Artistic Producer at Milwaukee Rep, which means I do a bit of everything!

Primarily I serve as the head of the Literary department: facilitating the selection, evaluation, and curation of plays and musicals for our three main stages, as well as for the John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development program. I am also a Casting Associate and Line Producer on several shows throughout each season.

I recently joined the leadership team of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide theater festival elevating new work in Wisconsin.

I graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in Theatre Arts and a minor in Public Relations, and I am an alumnus of the National Theater Institute's Advanced Directing program (inaugural Miranda Fellowship cohort) and the Playwrights Horizons Fellowship program.

About Me…

I love creating art that makes your chest buzz and your forehead wrinkle, whether from shock, laughter, tears, or best of all, wonder. I want something that cuts to my core and dazzles me!

I’m always curious about the intersections of tenderness and trauma, and the various lifecycles of catharsis after acts of violence. (Which does not preclude me from deeply loving Legally Blonde the Musical, a perfect piece of musical theatre! And in fact some might consider “Serious” to be the most heinous act of emotional violence ever committed onstage…)

Most of all I strive to uplift and empower all artists I work with, whether that be through my directing, producing, dramaturging, etc. This thing we do takes incredible vulnerability, and it’s imperative for me to build safe and supportive spaces that allow that vulnerability to thrive.

Let’s talk about Pride & Prejudice (2004), Stephen Sondheim, and finding your color season.