Katie Kim Hackman is a Korean-British opera director who strives to create dynamic, collaborative work with a deep commitment to socially resonant storytelling. She orginally trained as a performer at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire which provides her with a strong understanding in music and allows her to brings a unique dual perspective to her directing—bridging the gap between stagecraft and vocal artistry.

Katie has worked with leading institutions including the Royal Opera House, Waterperry Opera Festival, and the National Opera Studio.

A Young Artist Director at Waterperry Opera Festival in 2024, Katie continues to develop a compelling directorial voice that merges musical excellence with contemporary relevance. She is passionate about modernising opera for today’s audiences and creating space for new voices, diverse stories, and inclusive casting. Her work is driven by a belief that opera should reflect the world we live in, be accessible to all, and remain a vibrant, evolving art form.
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When not surrounded in the world of opera, Katie enjoys to walk her dog, Tilly, along the beach in her home town, Suffolk.