Zach Hanner, a multifaceted American artist, was born in June 1969 in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, a place that would play a significant role in shaping his artistic trajectory.
Growing up in the nearby Pilot Mountain, Hanner's formative years were marked by an early fascination with the stage, which was sparked during his attendance at the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival in High Point.
At the tender age of 10, he landed the lead role in the Christmas opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and shortly after, he brought to life the character of Dill in "To Kill A Mockingbird," both productions staged at the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mt. Airy, the hometown of the legendary Andy Griffith.
In addition to his passion for the stage, Hanner developed a deep love for music, which led him to take piano lessons, play drums in the school band, and study voice for many years.
His dedication to music earned him a spot in the esteemed choral ensemble at the North Carolina Governor's School in 1985, a testament to his exceptional talent.
However, Hanner's love for the stage temporarily took a backseat to his passion for basketball during his high school years, only to be rekindled during his time at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Under the guidance of esteemed professors Paul Ferguson and Randall Hill in UNC's Performance Studies department, Hanner threw himself into theater, eventually receiving his Bachelor's degree.
His journey serves as a testament to the power of rediscovery and the importance of nurturing one's passions, ultimately leading him to become the accomplished actor, stage director, and writer he is today.
