Hannah Henderson
Managing Director at BATS Improv- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Spanish Professional working proficiency
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French Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
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LifeLabs Learning Founding Community Member
LifeLabs LearningJul, 2022- Nov, 2024 -
Executive Certificate in Festival and Event Management
Edinburg Napier UniversityJan, 2013- Nov, 2024
Experience
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BATS Improv
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United States
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Performing Arts
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1 - 100 Employee
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Managing Director
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Oct 2019 - Present
Since October 2019 I have been Managing Director at BATS Improv, the longest running and most highly acclaimed non-profit improvisational theater and theatre school in Northern California, founded in 1987. I am responsible for financial planning, fundraising, operations, HR, organizational strategy and day to day management of all aspects of the organization and board of directors. This includes management of our venue, a 200 seat theater at Fort Mason in San Francisco where we run a year-round program of shows, our school and our corporate training program.
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Consultant: arts and culture
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Aug 2018 - Sep 2019
Freelance consultant specializing in arts and cultural management including strategic planning, organizational and program development, project and program management. Freelance consultant specializing in arts and cultural management including strategic planning, organizational and program development, project and program management.
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British Council
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United Kingdom
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Non-profit Organizations
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700 & Above Employee
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Head of UK/UAE 2017 Year of Creative Collaboration
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Jun 2016 - Mar 2018
In April 2018 Hannah completed delivery of the UK/UAE Year of Creative Collaboration for the British Council, where, in her role as Head of UK/UAE 2017 she was responsible for artistic and executive direction of the year-long season of cultural exchange between the UK and the UAE. Organised by the British Council and held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HRH The Prince of Wales, UK/UAE 2017 was a year of creative collaboration and cultural exchange between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The purpose of UK/UAE 2017 was to increase the visibility of the UK in the UAE and vice versa in order to give greater focus, depth and contemporary relevance to the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The season’s year-long programme of 270 events showcased the diverse talent in both countries, ignited new cross-cultural collaborations and deepened the opportunity for mutually beneficial partnerships across culture, business and society. The season’s programme, developed by the British Council alongside one hundred British and Emirati partners, was rich in cultural activities featuring events and projects in the arts, literature, education, society, sport, science and trade. See https://www.britishcouncil.ae/en/uk-uae-2017/about
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Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation- ADMAF
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United Arab Emirates
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Manager, Community and Education
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Sep 2014 - Jun 2016
My responsibilities included oversight of an annual nationwide cross art-form programme of arts education and community arts initiatives including the Community and Education Programme of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Initiative were designed for specific target audience across the UAE including young people, students, emerging artists, children with special needs and the general public. I led a team of 7 and was responsible for the full business planning and project management cycle of approximately 40 initiatives and up to 250 events annually for audiences of over 20,000. I managed departmental finances, contributed to marketing and development planning, and led the team in collaborating with approximately 100 national and international partners in the delivery of the programme each year.
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Director Operations
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Jan 2013 - Aug 2014
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) (2011 to 2016), among the oldest non-profit cultural relations organisations in the Arabian Gulf, organizes the Abu Dhabi Festival, one of the largest multidisciplinary cultural celebrations in the region. Hannah was responsible for overseeing the operations of ADMAF by leading effective planning and co-ordination of work across all operational departments; Festival and Events; Marketing and Communications and Community and Education. She was also responsible for supporting the Founder and Artistic Director in programming the Abu Dhabi Festival, the Riwaq al Fikr festival series of panel discussions and the ADMAF Grant scheme.
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Senior Manager, Education and Community
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Nov 2011 - Dec 2012
My responsibilities included oversight of an annual nationwide cross art-form programme of arts education and community arts initiatives including the Community and Education Programme of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Initiative are designed for specific target audience across the UAE including young people, students, emerging artists, children with special needs and the general public. I led a team of 7 and was responsible for the full business planning and project management cycle of approximately 40 initiatives and up to 250 events annually for audiences of over 20,000. I managed departmental finances, contributed to marketing and sponsorship planning, and led the team in collaborating with approximately 100 national and international partners in the delivery of the programme each year.
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British Council
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United Kingdom
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Non-profit Organizations
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700 & Above Employee
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Head Arts, Middle East
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Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
I designed and delivered the Council's first regional arts strategy in the Arabian Gulf region and Iraq, established a cross art form program, introduced performing arts, led a touring exhibition on cultural heritage and initiated international arts activity in Iraq by establishing a literary festival in Erbil. I was responsible for management of funds, risk and resources and represented the organisation and cultivated a network of contacts and partners in the UK and the region, generating exceptional partnership. I identified key stakeholders, advised colleagues and packaged project proposals for multiple partners. I established consensus among stakeholders and funders of major projects between the UK and the region and authored successful three year business cases for major programs designed to hone the skills and networks of a future generation of cultural leaders, to introduce contemporary British artwork and to support the development of artists, infrastructure and audiences in the region. I positioned arts education, community outreach, and audience development as integral to our strategy. I led the team across eight countries and built capacity, confidence and a shared sense of purpose. I oversaw initiation, development, implementation, publicity and evaluation of all regional arts and creative economy projects and inspired colleagues to achieve in challenging emerging markets. I ensured that the program presented the best of contemporary creativity whilst exploring and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the region through special commissions for artists and activities to engage students and the wider community.
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Literature Programme Manager/Literature Adviser
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Jan 2002 - Aug 2008
The Literature Department of the British Council promotes innovative and contemporary work from the UK and builds audiences for international literature. A key post in the department, the Literature Adviser was based in the UK with significant periods spent working overseas. I developed several flagship initiatives and excelled at delivering challenging and innovative literature activity around the world. I developed particular experience in and knowledge of the literature and literary scene in Sub-Saharan Africa. As Literature Advisor, British Council, (2002 – 2008) she published 3 volumes of ‘New Writing’, developed a pioneering creative writing distance learning mentorship scheme across Sub-Saharan Africa and co-directed the ‘Beyond Borders’ Literature Festival in Uganda, bringing together writers from 19 African countries and the UK. She also spearheaded the ‘Power in the Voice’ initiative, a major scheme which put local spoken word artists into classrooms across Southern Africa and culminated in the ‘Power in the Voice Festival’ in Botswana in 2008.
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LOCOG (London Organising Committee Of The Olympic & Paralympic Games)
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United Kingdom
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Spectator Sports
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1 - 100 Employee
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Cultural Programmes Adviser
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Jan 2006 - Dec 2006
In 2006 I undertook a one year secondment from the British Council into the Culture, Ceremonies and Education team of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games. Responsibilities included development of delivery structure, values, strategic objectives and planning milestones for the nationwide program of cultural events to celebrate London’s Olympiad, development of initial funding models for major arts programs (working with legal and sponsorship teams) and production of International Olympic Committee, stakeholder and corporate planning documentation for culture, ceremonies and education. I authored business plans for three flagship cultural and ceremonial projects cited in London’s bid for the Games; Olympic Carnival, World Festival of Youth Culture and Team Welcome Ceremonies. I also researched and consulted widely with the leadership of cultural and public entities to build networks and delivery structures for the nationwide programme.
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Education
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1995 - 2000
King's College London, University of London
United States and Latin American Studies, Arts, Culture, politics and history plus Spanish Language and Literature
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