Hansen, Harold I., 1914-1992
Dates
- Existence: 1914 - 1992
Biographical History
Harold I. Hansen (1914-1992) was an educator at Brigham Young University.
Harold I. Hansen was born March 10, 1914 in Logan Utah. He acted as director of the Hill Cumorah Pageant for 40 years. He worked at Brigham Young University as head of the Department for Speech and Drama, appointed in 1952. Hansen died unexpectedly on June 13, 1992.
Hansen served a mission in the Eastern States in 1937. There he met and eventually married Betty Kotter in 1940. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Science in dramatic arts. He attended graduate school and received his master's degree in Iowa. Afterwards, he worked in dramatics at Utah State University. In 1952, he came to Brigham Young University, appointed by President Ernest Wilkinson as head of the Department of Speech and Drama. Over the course of his entire career, he is estimated to have directed over 250 productions, several of which were simultaneously appearing on Broadway and other professional venues. He is know for his meticulous work and ability to push his productions forward using new technology and inventive ideas.
Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:
Wallace McBride Barrus photographs of Harold I. Hansen productions
Collection contains seven black and white framed prints by Wallace Barrus of productions at Brigham Young University directed by Harold I. Hansen.
Harold I. Hansen papers
Contains a photocopy of newspaper clippings and reports of Brigham Young University's presentation of "Blithe Spirit," with joint sponsorship of the USO and the American Educational Theatre. Also includes clippings of a seven week tour to Japan and Korea, 1959-1960 and several awards and recognitions presented to Hansen between 1965 and 1989. There are also several awards and recognitions given to Hansen in the collection.
Harold I. Hansen papers
Harold I. Hansen photographs
Collection contains 53 negative, two slides, and 540 prints (color or black and white) that document the life and career of Harold I. Hansen, particularly his direction of the Hill Cumorah Pageant.
Harold I. Hansen collection on Brigham Young University, 1968-1974
Contains theatrical and miscellaneous materials, correspondence, scripts from various university productions, and material relating to Theta Alpha Phi fraternity.
Harold I. Hansen papers on Sand in Their Shoes, 1955-1961
Contains production book and lyrics, budget information, casting information, correspondence, news clippings and material about Don Oscarson, material relating to publicity and promotions, technical state and other correspondence, props for a miniature set, and vocal score.
Harold I. Hansen personal papers, 1942-1967
Contains correspondence, articles on stage magic, and a collection of playbills and theater advertisements from the personal and professional life of Harold Hansen. Includes information on minstrel "blackface" performances, and other materials.
Harold I. Hansen sound recordings, 1937-1977
Contains Hansen's collection of circa 150 reel to reel tapes, including mostly recordings of the Hill Cumorah Pageant sound tracks, and five track tape recorders.