by Marcy Horst

School’s out and West Early Childhood second grade teacher, Shirale Hanson is home relaxing and resting up for the coming school year.  NOT!  With energy to spare, Shirale may be found at the Palace Theatre directing not one, but two shows, for the ACT I Stage! Summer Theatre Camp.  This is Shirale’s third summer working in a directing capacity.  She co-directed her first show, The Velveteen Rabbit, in 1999 with Marcy Horst.  More than fifty area students participated in that production.  Last year the directing team reunited to stage Charlotte’s Web, casting over 80 children.

Shirale firmly believes that all children deserve their chance in the spotlight, and to that end, this summer she has taken on Stone Soup, a one act musical, and The Red Shoes, a straight play, with casts of 12 and 35 respectively. 

“What is so amazing is watching the transformation from shy, quiet, barely making eye contact, to big, bold personality on stage.  We’ve seen it every year.  And it carries over into the rest of their lives.  Parents tell us, and we see it for ourselves.”

Visit the Palace on any given weekday morning and you’ll find Shirale (we don’t call her Mrs. Hanson during the summer) taking notes, conferring with moms, climbing ladders, painting, adjusting costumes, and encouraging kids to be the best they can be.

“We use big actions and outside voices.  I love it when the kids come up with their own staging ideas!”

Above, Shirale Hanson coaches her young actors
during a rehearsal at the Palace Theatre

And speaking of kids, Shirale’s own three, Andy, 7^th grade, Robert, 5^th grade, and Katie, first grade, are always close at hand.  This year Andy plays Hans in the Red Shoes. After gaining much marching experience from Velveteen Rabbit where he appeared as a Toy Soldier, Robert will once again march down the aisle as Jacques, a soldier in Stone Soup.  And Katie will light up the stage as a Dancing Fairy in The Red Shoes.  Shirale’s husband, John, is usually found busily managing the family farm this time of year, but always manages to design and build a few set much needed pieces for the current production, and this summer is no exception.  Even Shirale’s dad, Ken Struve, pitches in, hauling set in his pickup, drilling holes, and fitting screws.

Of course, the Hanson family is busy in other areas of their lives.  Shirale coaches Andy’s baseball team, and never misses one of Robert’s baseball games.  She also stays active at her church, planning and teaching in the summer Bible school program.  They all enjoy family outings, fun at the farm, swimming at the pool, and attending movies at the Palace. 

While quiet time is scarce amidst the constant rehearsal schedule, Shirale manages to squeeze out a few moments to indulge her dearest hobby, stamping.  As many of her previous cast and crew members can attest, Shirale makes beautiful, creative cards which she generously gives as Thank Yous, birthday messages, and words of encouragement and love.

ACT I STAGE! and the Benton County youth are truly blessed with the leadership and generosity of Shirale Hanson.  We can’t wait to see what she has planned for next year!  

UPDATE:

Since this article was written, Shirale has gone on sabbatical from her duties with ACT I STAGE! in order to pursue a Masters' Degree.  We look forward to her return to us!

Following the completion of the 2003 - 2004 school year, and with her Masters' Degree AND National Boards out of the way, Shirale returns to ACT I to co-direct the STAGE! production of The Adventures of Beatrix Potter!

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