In eighth grade I took three life-affirming classes: English with Lauren LaMay, History with Chris Kuipers and Earth Sciences with Cade Grunst. Each teacher had a gift for storytelling, earnest passion for their disciplines and were guiding forces as I came to understand the diversity of human experience across our planet.
And so, moving into high school, my passion for writing and justice led me to our school newspaper The Octagon. Driven by the intimidating yet inspirational Patricia Fels, my ability to write, craft a story and engage people sharpened. From there, I studied Earth Systems at Stanford University, earning my Notations in Science Communication and Public Service.
For my Senior Capstone project, under the tutelage and cheerleading of Richard Nevle, I finally married my passions by writing, producing and performing a stand-up comedy special—swimming in my grandmother—to explore my experience as a young woman navigating the climate crisis. I implored family and friends to join me as editors, musical accompaniment, costume designers, tech and camera operators, and to jam-pack our student coffee house for one night of cathartic horsin’ around in the midst of disaster. The result was one of the best nights of my life.
After winning the 2023 Excellence in Capstone Award, I dug in my heels and moved to New York where I studied and performed at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective and co-wrote the comedy The World Only Spins Forward with Bitter Woman Productions, which enjoyed residency at NYU Tisch.
You cannot divorce stories about humans from the story of our planet. Likewise, we cannot divorce comedy from the planet. That’s why I’ve found fertile ground in my craft at this much-needed intersection.
Sonja Hansen is a comedic actor and writer based LA. You can find her regularly performing improvised and theatrical comedy. With roots in Sacramento and a degree in Earth Systems from Stanford University, she uses humor to reflect on people and the planet. Recent works include swimming in my grandmother and The World Only Spins Forward. She is currently developing GRANDPA!! with her creative partners and sisters, Morgan and Bianca.
Who is Sonja?
My earliest encounters with theater took place during school assemblies and starred other children or visiting actors. Sitting criss-cross applesauce on linoleum or while picking at a fraying carpet, I’d be inspired. Watching my elementary school’s production of the musical Mama Don’t Allow in 2007 was the moment I most strongly wished I were up on stage too.
The performers swung tiny plastic saxophones around and wore fedoras as I imagined myself delivering their lines, how I’d punch up the jokes and swing my own plastic saxophone with more vigor. I felt a wave of clarity that I could do it too.
Throughout elementary and middle school, I learned that I felt most alive while acting. The moment I step on stage, I experience a moment of lift every single time. I find myself in what must be the flow state. I relish the opportunity to arrive completely present and embrace the version of myself channeled through a character's circumstances.
