Meet Jason Hansen
Jason Hansen is a Twin Cities musician with a reputation for his work in the theater. Having grown up in the cities, Jason is happy to call Minnesota his home and be a part of a thriving musical and theatrical community. He has developed a rigorous and reputable career directing and performing for critically-celebrated and award-winning productions. As a music creator, Jason writes and arranges for a wide variety of musical styles and venues. Since 2014 he has an independently-owned music preparation company Green Door Music, LLC.
Jason has held positions of music director, composer, arranger, educator, and/or performer for over 60 productions at the Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theater Company, Theater Latté Da, Northern Sky Theater, Arkansas Repertoire Theater, Geva Theater in New York, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Ten Thousand Things, Mixed Blood Theater, Theater Mu and Mu Performing Arts, Artistry, Illusion Theater, Lyric Arts, Open Eye Figure Theater, and the Hennepin Theater Trust. Having honed his directorial skills with highly professional artists, he is sought after for his and rigorous standards and collaboration. Jason’s music direction has garnered MN Theater Awards, sound design awards, and earned him the title of Twin City’s Blogger’s Favorite Music Director of the Year for 3 of the past 5 years.
In the last ten years, he has aided in the development of over 20 new works, working alongside collaborators such as Michael Holland, David Simpatico, Jeffrey Hatcher, Chan Poling, Robert Elhai, James Valcq, Alan Schmuckler, Michael Mahler, David Mallamud, and Andrew Cooke.
Music runs in Jason's family, and at the early age of three Jason's grandfather taught him how to play the guitar. Shortly after, Jason started teaching himself piano and involving himself in school theatrical productions while honing his musical abilities through composition and direction opportunities at Eagan High School and within the school district. Having preformed in choral and instrumental ensembles, he studied in the percussion studio at the University of Minnesota School of Music under Fernando Meza. He also studied with composer Alex Lubet, and African drumming specialist Sowah Mensah. As an undergraduate, Jason had the fortune to work alongside several area music directors and composers including Victor Zupanc (Children's Theater Company), Denise Prosek (Theater Latté Da), Andrew Cooke (Guthrie Theater, Chanhassen Dinner Theater), Andre Pluess (Lookingglass Theater, Chicago) and a group of incredible directors including Peter Brocious, Michelle Hensley, Marcela Lorca, and Peter Rothstein.
Jason has had a number of regular affiliations including his residency for over a decade as music director for Alive & Kickin, a Twin Cities senior rock ensemble dedicated to improving the lives of seniors. He acts as accompanist and music director for several area cabarets and theatrical events; and is also heavily involved in school districts and community organizations, directing and arranging music for theater, bands and choirs.
Jason is happy to work with many talented friends and colleagues who make up the Twin Cities community. He lives in Saint Paul with his wife Alise and daughters Madeleine and Elodie.