Hannah J. McDonald, affectionately known as “HJ” around the studio, is an Axis Dance Co alumna who is thrilled to be back teaching in the place where her passion for performing first took root. Since returning in 2022, she has brought enthusiasm, creativity, and care to her Musical Theatre classes. A lifelong dancer who started at age four, HJ’s favorite styles are musical theatre and contemporary/modern.

After graduating from Durant High School in 2018, HJ earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, with minors in Dance and Business, from Liberty University (Summa Cum Laude, 2021) and her Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Theatre Pedagogy at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (With Honors, 2024).

Throughout college and beyond, HJ has performed with regional and professional companies including WOW Entertainment (Dallas, TX), Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival (Durant, OK), Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players (Cleburne, TX), and RWS Entertainment (NYC – Lancaster, PA). A highlight of her academic career was creating and producing ALL’S WELL AT WELLA’S, an original play she wrote, directed, and starred in through Liberty University Theatre’s Lab Show initiative.

She is also the founder of Hotel Juliet, LLC, a home for all her creative hustles—including private acting and musical theatre lessons, audition coaching, and event planning and coordination. Whether in the studio, on stage, or behind the scenes, HJ is passionate about helping others shine.

In addition to her work in the arts, HJ serves as the Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Red River Valley Oklahoma, where she advocates for youth programs and community growth.

When she’s not working or teaching, you’ll likely find her shopping small, planning her next trip, or spending time with her friends and family. HJ is deeply committed to celebrating creativity, cultivating confidence in young artists, and making room for joy.