I’m Betsy Stewart, and I specialize in fabricating theatrical masks and props. My work is all about bringing imagination to life on stage, and I’m passionate about creating intricate and captivating elements that enhance performances and mesmerize audiences.
My journey into theatre began in my early years with school field trips to local productions and visits to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. I was instantly fascinated by the art of fabrication.
Although I enjoyed performing with my local community theatre, it was being on the tech crew for Wayzata High School Drama Club that truly sparked my passion. What started as a disappointment over not being cast in a show turned into a deep appreciation for the technical side of theatre, guiding me toward a fulfilling career in props and mask fabrication.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of theatrical productions through my high school, university, and even in the professional world starting in 2017. My first paid job as a props designer working on 1984 at the Duluth Playhouse Underground was an amazing look into setting my own time as an artist. I remember the joy of seeing the “rat box” on stage and knowing that I made something for a professional stage, was so affirming as a young adult. I worked on various shows with that theatre which honestly had their own ups and downs but were really formative on my first look of how theatre outside of school worked.
I got really into masks through one of my classes at University of Minnesota Duluth when pursuing my major in BFA Theatre: Design and Production. We had to take a costume construction course which I knew included sewing but I was surprised to learn more about how masks are made for the theatre. I remember how fun the process was to design a mask for a deer fairy character and how easy it was to do paper mache using craft paper and wallpaper paste. I’ve since used this technique to make several masks for theatre productions and even my first commission work of 3 masks for a birthday scavenger hunt. After the fun I had designing masks resembling Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild monsters and realizing I could make art I enjoy for money, I was sold.
I’m committed to continuous learning and experimentation, embracing new techniques and materials to keep my work fresh and innovative. This includes my first experiences making puppets! Through being inspired by online creators such as Adam Kruetinger Puppets, I was excited when BlueWater Theatre Company allowed me to design puppets for 2 of their shows with the most fun being Pickle Chiffon Pie. The bright green Three snouted Snozzle and Three Headed Dragon puppets were a hit with the kids and even got approval from the playwrights themselves who flew all the way from Florida to attend our show. I’d love to pursue making more puppets in the future but with a bit more workspace and hopefully better time management skills.
Outside of theatre work, I also enjoy the art of drag as an audience member and also as a drag king. Dressing up as a drag king for the first time in college for the Queer Allied Student Union show was both thrilling and transformative. I remember how excited I was to lip sync Billy Joel in my amazon wig and how funny I thought my name was. My drag name is Leif and I picked it because it was the most Minnesotan name I could think of. When the night of the show arrived, I stepped onto the stage with a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. The energy in the room was electric, and as I began my performance, I felt an incredible sense of empowerment and freedom. While I don’t pursue drag full time, I love going to the bar with friends to see a show and even when I get to be the one in the tearaway overalls and a painted on mustache.
I’m currently on track to receive a certificate in welding and also a certificate in technical theatre at Glendale Community College starting in the fall and I’m also pursuing either community theatre work or developing my commission process out there as well.
In conclusion, my journey through the world of theatre and fabrication has been a deeply rewarding and transformative experience. From my early fascination with theatre to my professional work with masks, props, and puppets, I’ve embraced every opportunity to blend artistic vision with technical skill. My passion for drag and ongoing pursuit of new skills reflect my commitment to continuous growth and exploration in the arts. I’m excited about the future and eager to continue contributing to the theatre community, pushing creative boundaries, and bringing new and imaginative elements to life on stage. You can follow my evolving work and portfolio at
www.betsystewart.net.
