Katie Burson

Katie is a key member of Auckland-based Co Theatre Physical, co-creating and performing shows for diverse audiences across NZ, including Monarch and Wild Feelings – both winners of Playmarket ‘Plays for the Young’ award (Dir. Beth Kayes, Bruce Mason Centre & NZ tour) and most recently, Wheel Head (Q Theatre). Katie is a core cast member of Olivier Award-nominated Room on the Broom (Dir. Sam Conway), regularly touring throughout Australasia with CDP Theatre Producers (AUS). In 2019, Katie completed a 10-month arts residency at Studio One Toi Tū and continues to develop her practice as a director. Recent productions include Access–winner of the NZ Fringe Touring Award 2022, Minema (Splore Festival), and B425 Playmarket Award-nominated Paradise Island (Basement Theatre).

Additional performance credits include; Storyworlds (Auckland Theatre Company), Acts of Love (Auckland Arts Festival), RUSHES (Movement of the Human) and Pool(no water) (Basement Theatre).In 2023 Katie completed the Wayfind Creative Programme, mentored by Felicity Letcher, supporting the development of Ratbags, and How to Art, the company’s first project.

Katie is a proud Equity NZ member and is represented locally by Auckland Actors.

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Katie is an actor, theatre maker and director based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Since graduating from Unitec with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting, 09), Katie has been developing a distinct style as a theatre practitioner. She has an eclectic background, mixing clown, dance, and physical theatre to produce physically electrifying works. Katie has collaborated with companies including Auckland Theatre Company, NZ Opera, Co Theatre Physical, Proudly Asian Theatre, Tim Bray Productions, White Face Crew and Movement of the Human.

Katie has co-created numerous theatre works, including Afakasi (Basement Theatre & high schools tour), GET OUT OF MY LETTERBOX (Q Vault), One by One (Herald Theatre), and Alfonsina (Vertice Women in Theatre Festival, Brazil). Katie uses collaborative play as an entry point for creating embodied story-telling. Her work is satirical, absurd, and surreal, tenaciously questioning the role of the audience in the theatre experience.