About
Welcome to BACKSTAGE Performing Arts Center. We’re pleased to introduce our dedicated staff, each of whom plays a vital role in our community. They bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to the arts that enriches our programs and events. We look forward to sharing their insights and contributions as we continue to foster creativity and collaboration within our community.
About the Artistic Director
Becky Hanson is a professional Broadway performer with a diverse range of experience in the industry. She has had the privilege of performing in various Broadway, touring, and regional productions all over the world.
Some of her notable Broadway credits include "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, starring Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. She understudied the role of Milo Davenport in "An American In Paris," starring New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Robbie Fairchild at the Palace Theater. She rocked out as reporter Constance Sack in "Rock Of Ages" at the Helen Hayes Theater, where she also understudied the role of Sherrie and performed opposite Constantine Maroulis.
Before a long stint in NYC, she performed in multiple national and international tours. She has been part of productions such as "Flashdance," playing the title role of Alex. She also toured with the 1st national tour of "The Addams Family," understudying the role of Morticia. One of her favorite tours was "A Chorus Line," where she played the lead roles of Cassie and Diana. Her very first was "The Wedding Singer" where she was cast in the ensemble and covered all 3 principal female roles.
In addition to her Broadway and touring experience, she also performed in various regional theaters and Off-Broadway productions. Some of those credits include "An American In Paris" at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, The Blue Angel in NYC, The Sphinx Winx in NYC, Autumn Moon in NYC, "A Chorus Line" at MSMT, West Side Story at Barrington Playhouse, and The Tenth Floor in NYC. She also had the privilege of collaborating in many workshops where brand new shows are created from scratch.
Before her career in New York, she honed her skills as a dancer for the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, where she had the opportunity to perform at NBA games and entertain thousands of fans. In addition to dancing, she also served as dance captain, choreographer, Assistant director, and guided her fellow dancers.
Creating BACKSTAGE Performing Arts Center in the Arden area is very special to her as this is where she first fell in love with dance and theater. She believes there is need for the arts in all our lives, and it is her hope that BACKSTAGE will become a staple in the area for students of all ages to experience the art of dance, theater, voice, music, as well as other mediums of artistic expression.
Becky Hanson
Instructors
Leah
Leah has performed in over 20 professional theatre productions across the country and even on the high seas. She got her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah, moved to NYC to work as a performer and teacher, then returned home to Sactown to raise her two kiddos! Leah is very grateful to be a part of the BACKSTAGE community and share her passion for movement with you all! Let’s dance!!!
Jim
Jim Hunnicutt: Born and raised in Carmichael, Jim began tap dancing at the age of seven under the instruction of LaVerne Krei and Rita Mathews. His passion for dance quickly expanded to include jazz and ballet, leading him to compete at an early age where he earned numerous regional and state competition awards. Throughout his dance career, Jim also performed in local productions with The Best Of Broadway, Broadway Academy Playhouse, and Dance Theatre West Dance Company. Jim is excited to join BPAC, where he will be teaching Beginning Tap for ages 7–12 as well as Beginning Adult Tap classes.
Mallory
Mallory Setzer Fraioli : Mallory began dancing at just 2 years old at Broadway Academy in Sacramento and has been passionate about dance ever since. She trained extensively throughout her childhood, competing at dance competitions around the country, locally organized Best of Broadway, and semi-professionally in Dance Theater West. After spending 15 years in San Diego and starting a family, Mallory is thrilled to be back in Sacramento and part of the BACKSTAGE community. She’s especially excited to begin teaching at the new studio next season and share her love of dance with the next generation
Jillian
Ms. Jillian is a Sacramento native and is so excited to be back in her hometown following a professional performing career in New York and traveling the country in musicals including the Broadway National Tour of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and CARNIVAL! at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She now teaches and choreographs all over the area, including with the Sacramento Ballet and Broadway Sacramento, as well as performs locally with several theaters including Big Idea Theater and Capital Stage. Thank you to family Christopher, Colin, Julie and Congrats Miss Becky on this incredible community you’ve created! So proud of you and thrilled to be a part of BPAC!!
Contact
We are here to help with any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out!
916 809 3511