Bio:

Zoë Norman-Hunt, a Brooklyn native and proud alumna of St. Ann’s School, began her artistic journey with early accolades, earning two Scholastic awards—one for short story writing and another for photography. Her creative prowess extended into the realm of film, with her self-directed and written short film, “Cause You Never Know,” gaining recognition at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. 

At Sarah Lawrence College, Zoë’s exploration of theater flourished, culminating in a BA in Liberal Arts. Directing two one-acts and having her play performed ignited her passion for the stage, shaping her commitment to storytelling in various forms. 

Post-college, Zoë’s journey continued with an internship at Red Shirt Entertainment in 2013, marking the inception of her dynamic relationship with the arts. Her debut piece, “Stains,” showcased at a Rooftop Reading Series, reflected her early dedication to exploring intricate narratives. Over the years, she transitioned through diverse roles, from small theater companies to serving as Anna Deveare Smith’s line coach at A.R.T. and Second Stage. 

Currently, Zoë is pursuing her MFA at Carnegie Mellon. Before that she held a pivotal position at Girl Be Heard, a theater non-profit, where she managed operations, hosted their podcast, and served as Dramaturg for Main Stage Productions. After that, she expanded her influence into the non-profit sector, working with the NAACP on the Image Awards Committee for a year and now works as a grant writer for the Pittsburgh-based non-profit, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble—all while pursuing a full-time education at Carnegie Mellon. 

Zoë’s artistic pursuits span mediums, from directing her short, “The Thing at the Foot of My Bed,” in Carnegie Mellon’s Playground Festival 2023 to teaching TV Pilot writing. Her dedication to crafting fully-fledged characters of color and insightful storytelling has garnered praise and recognition. 

The quote “Though she be but little, she is fierce” encapsulates Zoë’s unwavering dedication and innovation. Nurtured by a family deeply rooted in television, her love for storytelling propelled her from film and television interests to a fascination with theater, inspiring exploration into the richness of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. 

For Zoë, witnessing Lynn Nottage’s play “Ruined” was a turning point, igniting her belief that anyone, especially a young black woman, could tell her story through theater. This revelation led her to write, direct, and study theater in London, contributing to her diverse artistic palette. In roles as a line coach with Pulitzer Prize Winner Anna Deavere Smith and associations with prestigious organizations like BRIC, Theatre for a New Audience, and Girl Be Heard, Zoë Norman-Hunt consistently creates innovative, adventurous, and culturally relevant work for both stage and screen. Her unique perspective as an artist and person of color, coupled with activism, promises to make a significant impact on the creative community.