Deb Hansen is the PWLT Volunteer of the Month for October
Deb has been a beloved presence in the theatre scene in Northern Virginia for years. Deb has years experience as a theatre educator, director, actor, and everywhere backstage. PWLT recognizes Deb for being willing to jump in with both feet wherever needed with grace, expertise and enthusiasm. She first helped out with PWLT as a follow-spot operator in The Secret Garden. Recently, the stage manager for The Woman in Black was forced to leave the production and Deb jumped in taking over the position without a second thought. PWLT looks forward to her directorial debut with us in March of 2027 with Neil Simon's Chapter Two.
You are a lifelong theatre educator. Can you tell us about that experience?
I started undergrad as a Musical Theatre major, but ended up finishing my degree in Japan. I had to switch gears a little because of that, and ended up with English/Psychology majors. Once I returned to the U.S. I worked on getting my MA & Theatre endorsement. I had the privilege of teaching for 27 years, with 23 years as a theatre educator -mostly at the high school level. I loved it; it's not every job that allows you to reach into your desk drawer to find gaff tape, a retractable "knife," and nose putty. I taught the bulk of my career -20 years - in Stafford County, & at Colonial Forge HS. I was named Teacher of the Year in 2016. I was privileged to teach both of my own children at both the middle school AND high school level - my daughter Alissa went on to study arts management at Shenandoah University conservatory, and my son Mitchell got his BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of the Arts. I've been lucky to teach MANY amazing students who still keep in touch. I directed tons of shows over the years (150+), including a faculty version of High School Musical that involved 37 teachers and staff members as the main characters and also about 25 students! I unexpectedly resigned from teaching in 2021 after opening the theatre department at Gainesville HS, to assist my parents.
What is your experience in community theatre?
My parents, Dick and Carol Hedke, got us involved as a family where I grew up in Schaumburg, Illinois. Our first family show was Fiddler on the Roof through a local community theatre that met in a church. My parents, my sister Kristen, and I went on to be in several more shows together during my years at home. I participated in high school and college productions, and I continued to get involved in various community theatres, especially once I moved to Virginia. I've been in shows and/or directed with StageDoor Productions, Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble, Fauquier Community Theatre, Company 360, Good Mischief Makers, Rooftop Productions, Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory, and now Prince William Little Theatre.
What brought you to PWLT?
After moving from Fredericksburg to Prince William Co, I started working with theatres in this area. I had the privilege of directing two shows for Rooftop Productions at ARTfactory - Doubt: A Parable, and the musical Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Show. Working on those shows introduced me to many amazing performers and technical crew members who have done work with various theatre organizations, and I've seen & enjoyed several PWLT productions. I recently had my first official experience as a Stage Manager with The Woman in Black. Honestly, it's just FUN to expand my theatre experiences.
Why did you decide to direct for PWLT, and what can you tell us about Chapter Two?
I always have a few ideas in mind for shows I'd like to direct, and PWLT was accepting director applications. Their process for applicants is a rigorous one involving a lot of thought and planning, amassing a potential production team, plus an extensive interview. Though the selection committee did not choose the shows I put forward, they asked me to direct a show they wanted in their season, Neil Simon's semi -autobiographical play Chapter Two. It's a lot of what you expect from Simon: well-crafted comedic situations, but also many poignant moments. Chapter Two takes us on a journey of possible second chances after the experience of loss. The themes are really relatable, and I'm looking forward to working as a director again.
What would you like us to know about your life outside of theatre?
My husband David and I love to travel; he's recently begun scuba diving which means I get to join in & do my favorite job- "Beach." We enjoy time with our combined family - including 4 adult kids & their partners, and our 3 year old rescue doggo, Wanda... especially around our firepit! I am a certified RYT 200 yoga instructor, and I absolutely love audition coaching. I'm fortunate to have many fun & supportive friends who have helped me get through some pretty difficult times. I'm grateful to live in an area that offers so many different ways to get involved in the community, and then to have met so many kind people along the way.
Deb has been a beloved presence in the theatre scene in Northern Virginia for years. Deb has years experience as a theatre educator, director, actor, and everywhere backstage. PWLT recognizes Deb for being willing to jump in with both feet wherever needed with grace, expertise and enthusiasm. She first helped out with PWLT as a follow-spot operator in The Secret Garden. Recently, the stage manager for The Woman in Black was forced to leave the production and Deb jumped in taking over the position without a second thought. PWLT looks forward to her directorial debut with us in March of 2027 with Neil Simon's Chapter Two.
You are a lifelong theatre educator. Can you tell us about that experience?
I started undergrad as a Musical Theatre major, but ended up finishing my degree in Japan. I had to switch gears a little because of that, and ended up with English/Psychology majors. Once I returned to the U.S. I worked on getting my MA & Theatre endorsement. I had the privilege of teaching for 27 years, with 23 years as a theatre educator -mostly at the high school level. I loved it; it's not every job that allows you to reach into your desk drawer to find gaff tape, a retractable "knife," and nose putty. I taught the bulk of my career -20 years - in Stafford County, & at Colonial Forge HS. I was named Teacher of the Year in 2016. I was privileged to teach both of my own children at both the middle school AND high school level - my daughter Alissa went on to study arts management at Shenandoah University conservatory, and my son Mitchell got his BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of the Arts. I've been lucky to teach MANY amazing students who still keep in touch. I directed tons of shows over the years (150+), including a faculty version of High School Musical that involved 37 teachers and staff members as the main characters and also about 25 students! I unexpectedly resigned from teaching in 2021 after opening the theatre department at Gainesville HS, to assist my parents.
What is your experience in community theatre?
My parents, Dick and Carol Hedke, got us involved as a family where I grew up in Schaumburg, Illinois. Our first family show was Fiddler on the Roof through a local community theatre that met in a church. My parents, my sister Kristen, and I went on to be in several more shows together during my years at home. I participated in high school and college productions, and I continued to get involved in various community theatres, especially once I moved to Virginia. I've been in shows and/or directed with StageDoor Productions, Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble, Fauquier Community Theatre, Company 360, Good Mischief Makers, Rooftop Productions, Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory, and now Prince William Little Theatre.
What brought you to PWLT?
After moving from Fredericksburg to Prince William Co, I started working with theatres in this area. I had the privilege of directing two shows for Rooftop Productions at ARTfactory - Doubt: A Parable, and the musical Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Show. Working on those shows introduced me to many amazing performers and technical crew members who have done work with various theatre organizations, and I've seen & enjoyed several PWLT productions. I recently had my first official experience as a Stage Manager with The Woman in Black. Honestly, it's just FUN to expand my theatre experiences.
Why did you decide to direct for PWLT, and what can you tell us about Chapter Two?
I always have a few ideas in mind for shows I'd like to direct, and PWLT was accepting director applications. Their process for applicants is a rigorous one involving a lot of thought and planning, amassing a potential production team, plus an extensive interview. Though the selection committee did not choose the shows I put forward, they asked me to direct a show they wanted in their season, Neil Simon's semi -autobiographical play Chapter Two. It's a lot of what you expect from Simon: well-crafted comedic situations, but also many poignant moments. Chapter Two takes us on a journey of possible second chances after the experience of loss. The themes are really relatable, and I'm looking forward to working as a director again.
What would you like us to know about your life outside of theatre?
My husband David and I love to travel; he's recently begun scuba diving which means I get to join in & do my favorite job- "Beach." We enjoy time with our combined family - including 4 adult kids & their partners, and our 3 year old rescue doggo, Wanda... especially around our firepit! I am a certified RYT 200 yoga instructor, and I absolutely love audition coaching. I'm fortunate to have many fun & supportive friends who have helped me get through some pretty difficult times. I'm grateful to live in an area that offers so many different ways to get involved in the community, and then to have met so many kind people along the way.
