Quick Chat: Costumes Craft Master Becky Hanson

The Quick Chat series is where we dive into the life and times of APT’s finest. Each interview will supply insights ranging from the obviously relevant to the vaguely strange. The week features Costume Crafts Master Becky Hanson.

APT: Becky, congratulations on returning for your 9^th season here at APT! What do you do while not at APT and what path lead you here?

Becky Hanson: I’m originally from Moline IL, now I live in St. Louis and work for Webster University. In the spring of 1995 I was about to graduate with a BFA from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University and still didn’t have a summer job lined up. My sister called me, who was working as a costume design assistant, and said that APT needed a costume shop assistant. After another phone call and a brief interview, I was hired. At the time I had no idea how much I would come to love APT let alone return in 2004 and again in 2012 until now.

APT: Tell us a little about what you do here at APT? 

Becky Hanson: My team (myself, two craft artisans, and a dyer) are responsible for all the costume accessories including shoes, ties/neckwear, jewelry, purses, spats, etc., as well as things like armor and sword belts, masks, painting and dyeing fabric or costumes, wings, and other non-costume items that are worn. 

APT: What is one of your favorite pieces that you’ve created for APT?

Becky Hanson: That’s hard to say. I’ve worked on a lot of great projects over the years. Some that come to mind are the bird masks we made for Romeo and Juliet a few years ago and the lizard tails I made for a play called Seascape. My most recent favorite is probably Puck’s wings from 2017’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

APT: Do you have any fun stories or experiences you’d care to share?

Becky Hanson: Last year Christina Panfilio stopped to specifically thank me for the wings I made her for Puck. She said how much she loved them and loved wearing them and how much the audience liked them based on their reactions. She thanked me for my hard work and for making the adjustments to the wings she requested. It really made my day! This is not the sort of thing that I expect or seek out. It is my job to make sure things look and function the way they are supposed to. But it was so kind of her to mention that she appreciated me and my work.

APT: When not in the shop, what can we find you doing?

Becky Hanson: I read a lot. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. When I have time I like to be creative with mixed media art projects or making jewelry. Occasionally I do some personal sewing projects. When I’m home, I visit Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo as often as possible.

APT: What show are you most looking forward to this season? 

Becky Hanson: I don’t know that I can pick one show in particular that I’m most looking forward to. If I had to choose, I would say As You Like It and Born Yesterday. I’ve recently seen these plays at different theaters and I’m always interested in how other companies choose to approach the same material.

APT: Why do you love coming to APT?

Becky Hanson: Spring Green has become my second home and the people of APT my second family. I love coming here because the work is rewarding and reminds me why I chose this career. I love coming here because I experience joy when I’m here. I love coming here because the other people at APT love coming here.

I’m very fortunate to work alongside some of the best theatre artists I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. It is a real joy to arrive in Spring Green every summer and do what I love with other people that are also doing what they love. How many people can say the same?