Makoto Hirano is a Philadelphia-based choreographer. His award-winning performance projects have been presented and commissioned by festivals and venues from Cairo (EG) to Off-Broadway (NY) and Yale University (CT). As a freelance collaborating performer, Hirano has originated over 35 roles, with highlights that include projects with Bill Irwin, Pig Iron Theatre Co., Nichole Canuso Dance Co., and Thaddeus Phillips/Lucidity Suitcase Intercontinental. Hirano is a founding member and current advisor to the arts collective PAPA (Philly Asian Performing Artists); co-founder of installation art duo Gatto+Hirano; co-founder of Team Sunshine Performance where he is a creator, producer, performer, and choreographer (2018 Barrymore-Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography for ¡BIENVENIDOS BLANCOS! OR WELCOME WHITE PEOPLE!). From 2007-2014 Hirano was a Facilitator with Philly/Baltimore/South Carolina-based professional development program Artists U. A former U.S. Marine, Hirano earned his BFA in dance at Temple University. Love and gratitude to Justin, the whole team, and most importantly the best wife in the world, Danielle.
