Meet Hannah Pniewski | Actor, Coach, Consultant & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Pniewski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what principle do you value most?
Balance. It’s not my natural mode and that is why it’s so important. I have to work on it, and when I do that makes all the difference. I have a tendency to lean in, wayyyyy in. I’m very work-driven and can go too far trying to prove myself. Over the last few years, I’ve learned my true value. It’s not in being the best or working the hardest. My value comes from just being a good person everyday, getting out of bed and making an effort. I have to balance out my work-drive with play and fun and, most importantly for me, peace. Taking a moment to lean back, relax my shoulders and regain balance- that matters the most. Meditation and therapy help me find and maintain balance. Also, my friends, family and supportive partner all remind me that a slow walk in the woods is just as important as showing up prepared for a meeting.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art is a lifelong pursuit and I’m just getting started. I graduated with a degree in Theatre and in order to get experience and meet people in the industry, I worked on productions around Atlanta as a production assistant, then coordinator and producer, for several years. Recently, I’ve moved away from my work behind the camera. As many actors know, pursuing acting is tiring. You need another form of employment that allows you to rest and have boundaries. Working in production will most likely not allow you that. As I’ve stepped into the corporate world and sustained a better quality of life, I’ve been able to put more heart and soul into my auditions. I know that reads on camera. It’s a tricky thing, building a life that allows time for my art and passionate pursuits, but one job at a time, one strategic move after another, and eventually it all leads to something good. I’m very grateful.

One project I am most proud of is my upcoming project called The Staircase, a scripted retelling of the true story of the Michael Peterson trial. It will air on HBOMAX on May 5th. The cast is incredible, including Colin Firth, Toni Collete, Sophie Turner, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Odessa Young and Dane Dahaan. My character, Becky, plays Dane’s character’s partner throughout the show and he was such a fantastic actor to work with. I learned so much from working with this cast. Since it’s based on a true story, there was a lot of care taken to respect the real family and the real events. I thought the scripts were so smart and well done. I cannot wait to see the show as it airs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta, as everyone in Atlanta knows, has changed so much over the past few years. The answer to “where do you hang out in Atlanta” has changed a lot in that time too. But I still have a couple spots that are always my go-tos. I love walking around Oakland Cemetery. It’s such a unique spot with interesting history and the view of the city is really cool. One of my favorite places to eat is the OK Cafe in Buckhead. The vegetable plate will make you sing with joy. I’m also a big fan of all the parks and hiking spots in and around the city. From the Dolls Head Trail to East Palisades to Sweetwater Creek to Grant Park, there are several gorgeous places to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to my friends, family and boyfriend for all being incredible people. They teach me how to be a better, wiser person. They support me, guide me and love me right where I’m at. It means the world. I’m also very grateful for my hardworking team at Stewart Talent Atlanta, Carley Traynor and Christy Clark. None of us live in a bubble. We exist together. And the support I receive from the people I work and live life with is priceless. I hope I can repay them in kind always.

Website: www.hannahpniewski.com

Instagram: @ahumanhannah @chroniclecostudio

Facebook: /hannahpniewski

Other: www.chronicle-collective.com/home and check out my Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChronicleCoStudio

Image Credits
Photo of the family at dinner: HBOMAX and WarnerMedia Headshots: Anna Rich Photography Selfie in front of trailer: Myself Screen grab from my role on The Resident: FOX https://deadline.com/2022/02/colin-firth-true-crime-subject-michael-peterson-hbo-max-the-staircase-1234933826/