Hannah Celeste, a versatile force in the realm of performing arts, hails from Atlanta, Georgia, with a captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together acting, music, and a love for jazz. The beginning of her love for the performing arts can be traced back to her early dance training, which commenced at the age of 3, starting with ballet and tap and evolving to encompass a rich array of dance styles, including jazz, modern, lyrical, and more. Her dance training granted her the physical control crucial for acting, and the precision and discipline acquired from each style became invaluable assets, especially in the world of musical theatre.
Trained in classical piano since the age of 6, Hannah's musical prowess laid the foundation for a harmonious coexistence with her acting career. As the youngest of five siblings, all required to continue piano studies until high school graduation, this musical education instilled in Hannah a deep understanding and appreciation for music as a whole.
At 8, Hannah embarked on her theatrical odyssey with a role in "Annie," directed by the creator and writer of the show, Martin Charnin. That set the stage for a career that saw her portraying Helen Keller at the Tony Award-Winning regional theatre, The Alliance Theatre, in Atlanta, and gracing the leading roles in productions like "The Secret Garden," "To Kill a Mockingbird," and "The Diary of Anne Frank” and others.
Her on-screen journey includes a notable guest appearance on "House of Payne," directed by Tyler Perry, and expanded with gripping roles in dramatic short films. Notably, her role in "You're Killing Me," starring Dermot Mulroney and Anne Heche, stands out as both the most challenging and rewarding, solidifying her passion for dramatic storytelling.
During her transformative five years in Los Angeles, where she delved deeper into film and television, she continued her study of the craft of acting, including several years of intensive Meisner training and working with some of LA’s great acting teachers and private coaches. In between her acting studies, she discovered her affinity for jazz and enjoyed performing jazz gigs regularly, sometimes singing multiple gigs a day.
Hannah's musical interests are diverse, including The Great American Songbook standards, American Musical Theater, Pop, Funk, R&B, Soul, Folk, Brazilian Jazz, and classical music. Inspired by the timeless sounds of Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone, Diana Krall, and Norah Jones, Hannah's journey with jazz goes beyond admiration. She not only enjoys singing old jazz standards but also loves performing more current tunes, exploring the genres of pop, R&B, and soul. Her versatility spans styles and genres, encompassing artists like Michael McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Sade, and more, all while making each piece uniquely her own.
Today, Hannah continues to mesmerize audiences with her soulful jazz performances across New York City in venues including Birdland, Dizzy’s, and Mezzrow, weaving her own original melodies into the tapestry of her artistic expression. Looking forward, Hannah envisions releasing original music with a unique pop/funk/jazz flair, connecting with audiences online. As she explores the multifaceted realms of theatre, film, and television, the future holds promises of new collaborations, chapters, and an unwavering commitment to expressing herself through the language of storytelling.