By Choice, Not Chance

Actress shines a light on heroic stories from the Holocaust to the Suffragist Movement in two new plays: Mann’s Last Dance and Nineteen

By Gus Mollasis | January 2023

Standing at just a little over five feet tall, you might overlook Katherine Michelle Tanner if you see her out and about town.

But to see her act on stage is another story, for she is unforgettable. 

In fact, on stage is where her real life soars. She reaches such great heights that eager audiences across the country have come to trust her iconic performances, many of which celebrate heroic women. 

Whether portraying Catherine in Proof, or the iconic Nora in Ibsen’s A Doll House, Tanner has always gone after heady, strong, heartfelt female roles.  

“I prefer to take on roles that scare me. I feel it pushes me into a new realm that somehow I know I need and am ready for. I love to risk, to leave it all out there and not hold back. I am a very shy person in my day-to-day goings-on, but my true self lives and breathes in the stories I get to share as an actor, writer, composer, director, and artist.” 

Her dream of performing started at an early age in Hastings, Minnesota. Tanner holds B.A. triple major from St. Olaf College and M.F.A in Acting from Florida State University’s Asolo Theatre Conservatory. 

“I was born to be a storyteller. I have never hid from my calling.  Most everyone I met, including my family, told me to find another career but I simply knew it is what I am meant to be.  You cannot hide from your true self, instead, you must share it.”

Katherine is the proud owner and artistic director of Tree Fort Productions, a full production company and studio featuring performances and classes for all ages in Acting, Singing, Dancing, Film, Photography, Music, Writing and Art.

Audiences will best remember Tanner for her multi-award-winning and stunning one-woman tour-de-force performance in The Amish Project written by Jessica Dickey. Performing at the height of her abilities, Tanner mesmerized audiences on the National Tour seamlessly playing over seven roles in this play about the tragic Nickel Mines shooting and the ability of the Amish to forgive the murderer for the heinous act.

“When I look at the true stories of these powerful women I somehow, in my own tiny little way, can relate. I left my hometown and family at a very young age and never went back. These women did the same and are steadfast on their journey in leaving a legacy of strength and a better future for all.”  

In 2023, Katherine Michelle Tanner is set to bring back two powerful plays that celebrate female heroism: Mann’s Last Dance and Nineteen. Tanner has written, choreographed, and composed the music for both of these plays. Both plays are the result of a Renaissance woman working overtime at the craft of storytelling. 

Katherine willingly wears the many hats that have helped her gain a reputation not only as one of the most talented performers in Sarasota but also as one of the hardest-working actors in the business. 

“I feel my work ethic comes from my parents and their immigrant parents before them. I moved to this city with $44 dollars in my bank account and the only phrase I repeated in my head every hour was—If you can dream it, you can do it.  Dreams, ideas, inspirations all come to you for a reason.  Stop and listen to them and you will find what you need to do. Listen, try, fail, get up and do it all again…that’s life.”

By popular demand, Tanner returns in late January in her new one-woman play, Mann’s Last Dance. Tanner feels the play is more important today than ever before.   

“With the rise of antisemitism, I feel compelled to share Franceska Mann’s story of strength, artistry, and heroism. She was a leader in the WWII resistance and with my play, I can shed light on her extraordinary strength and help others to learn from her power.”  

Mann’s Last Dance by Katherine Michelle Tanner is directed by Blake Walton. On Tanner, Walton is both her director and a fan. 

“It is rare to discover a historical solo piece that is so richly seeped in poetry and intricately interweaved with dance. Katherine brings to life a living, breathing young woman who, in the face of adversity, becomes extraordinary.” 

Mann’s Last Dance will return to the stage January 28-February 5th to celebrate Holocaust Remembrance and the heroic efforts of Franceska Mann.

Nineteen will return to the stage for Women’s History Month in March. This award-winning musical highlights the struggles, strengths, and ultimate success of the Suffragist Movement as they passed the historic Nineteenth Amendment.

Performances are at Tree Fort Productions Studio Theatre,                                         

The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, Suite #136, 

3501 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34239; 

Tickets: Eventbrite.com or 941.544.2276.