Kathryn Zdan                

 Writer  ||  Actor || Teacher  ||  Creator

I'm a computer conversation designer, a writer, actor, and teacher. I'm a book worm, a whiz in the kitchen, a sometimes blogger, a dabbler in many arts and crafts, and a dog lover. I like to think that I'm a snappy dresser and pretty hip lady too--but TBH I'm the kind of person who wears a fanny pack (they are so practical!).

As an actor I specialize in plays with music (I'm a great singer and a good-enough mandolin player), developing new plays, and devising original content. 

My expertise and love of collaborative storytelling, character, and narrative meant that I took to interactive writing, computer conversation, and conversation UX design like a fish to water. 

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, I earned my BFA in Theatre from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and my MFA in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre from the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre.  After graduate school, I performed and toured Europe with an internationally acclaimed, Amsterdam-based street theatre and performance art group (which yes, was just as bonkers and amazing as it sounds). I've been performing, teaching, and directing professionally in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond since 2009. I'm also a member of Improv super-group, Improv Playhouse of San Francisco.

As a teacher, I specialize in classroom management, practical applications of Self Determination Theory, team building, teaching to suit many different learning and communication modalities, and a philosophical approach...which all sounds super boring and dry but I promise is juicy and fun.

You can also read my writing about crying in public, grief, and emotions in general at Can't Not Cry