Soulletting for Storytellers

For the last two decades, I have trained in numerous embodiment, movement, storytelling, and acting programs across the United States. I have been on a quest: What is a nourishing life lived? and How can I use my own lived experiences (both shadow and light) to create art that awakens and transforms?

In short, how can I be both holy and wild?

My approach is process oriented and body-based.

We work from the inside-out.

I have directed a number of autobiographical solo shows and ensemble theatre productions in both New York City and Los Angeles.

With my husband, I co-wrote six solo shows that have been produced across the US, UK, and Europe, including Off-Broadway at 59E59 and The Barrow Group. These shows have been showcased in The New Yorker, The Daily News, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Time Out New York, Time Out Chicago, The Los Angeles Times, and many more. My solo show Naked In Alaska received numerous awards including Pick of the Fringe at Edinburgh Fringe, Best Solo Show at New York City Fringe, and Audience Favorite at Chicago Fringe. In 2015, it headlined the GendErotica Festival in Rome, Italy, and was the recipient of the Charles Sullivan Fund for the Arts.

In 2016, it headlined the Albert Albee-founded Last Frontier playwriting conference in Valdez, Alaska. In 2017, it received its Los Angeles debut at Bootleg Theater. Recently, Naked In Alaska has been adapted into a television pilot.

Theatre for the Soul

We write from our light

and from our shadow.

We bring all parts to the stage

to be seen, heard, felt, and set free.

Throughout our work, we will

  • Wake the body and characters through movement, grit, intention, and specificity

  • Tend to what resides in your heart that longs to be expressed

  • Widen the approach to the work by creating spontaneously and experimenting with improvisation

  • Deepen into the rich material living in the unconscious through guided visualizations.

  • Awaken the body and creative force through trusting your instincts and exploring your edges

  • Reconnect with ritual

Allow yourself to be surprised.

Let’s work together

I work with artists who seek to come alive through truth, creativity, and collaboration.

Commitment to the process, kindness, and non-judgment is all that is required to begin.

Privates are also available on Zoom.

Valerie is a life-saver! She’s not only warm, enthusiastic, supportive, loving, and authentic, but she’s also a super talented director and movement coach. I knew immediately I was in great hands and felt like she was a close friend from the get go. Her experience is rare to find in a director and anyone would be so dang lucky to have her on their team.
— Christa Meola Boudoir photographer, writer, comedian
Valerie Hager’s talent and capabilities makes her a master of the craft. There is nothing she can’t do. Every piece of work she touches as a result, will be a guaranteed a glorious masterpiece.
— Jasmine Williams actress, poet, creator
Valerie has vision, talent, passion, and a knack for digging deep and taking material to the next level. She is the real deal. I will continue working with her in any capacity possible.
— Lilly Bright writer, performer, filmmaker
“I give it all up to Valerie Hager, my director, without whom this piece simply would not have the impact it has.
— Megan Rippey Actress, writer, pole dancer

“I’m not so interested in how they move as in what moves them.” 

- Pina Bausch 

Other ways to work with me