Meet Becky Cormier Finch | Box Office Manager/Musician/Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Becky Cormier Finch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Becky, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
As a person who is both a performing artist and an arts administrator, I am most happy when either making or being surrounded by my art. I love working in a theatre…even when I’m not IN the show, there’s always artistic stuff going on around me. I love being on stage and making music and seeing people affected by it – singing along, laughing, smiling.

It also makes me happy to be in the lobby/working box office during a show and seeing folks “GET IT.” Especially during student matinees…hearing kids go “I thought this would be boring but I’m REALLY loving it”

The fact that I get to make music with my husband makes me happy.

And of course, my adorable cats make me happy. They are very cute and very silly.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been on stage in some capacity or another since I was about 3 years old. I come from an artistic family – we used to put on variety shows at the local church (in Hartford, CT) where my Dad was usually one of the MC’s and my Grandma played piano. So I come by it honestly! I’ve always been surrounded by music…none of my famlly ever really did it professionally, but both grandmas played piano, Dad sings….there were always big band records or old school musicals on. I played flute all through middle and high school, and I think one of the turning points in my life was auditioning for the GA Renaissance Festival when I was 16. It taught me a whole new level of performing and connecting with an audience, and introduced me to folks at the Shakespeare Tavern, where I would end up after college.
I studied musical theatre in college and was lucky enough to get a “day job” working the box office at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse fairly shortly after I graduated…and I’ve stayed all these years! I get to do admin work there AND sometimes be on stage. I think the direct address performance style of GARF and the Tavern really inform how I connect with an audience, even on the musical side of things.
I’ve been lucky enough to form a few different bands with great friends, and there’s nothing like being on stage with your friends and bringing music to people!
Three Quarter Ale was born at the GA Renaissance Festival with Rivka Levin and Dolph Amick. We’re on a bit of an extended hiatus now, with all of us doing other projects, but we had our own “Ren Rock” style – doing traditional and original folk music.
Denim Arcade is an 80s cover band – all 4 members trade off lead vocals; I play keys and rhythm guitar and flute; my husband is the lead guitarist. We have SUCH A BLAST playing 80s covers from New Wave to Hair Metal and everything in between. This band has been together, with the original lineup, since 2010, which is almost unheard of.
Our newest project is So Unusual – A Tribute to Cyndi Lauper and I’m really excited about that.
I think the thing I’m most proud of is that I’m still at it, still performing and making music, and I’ve been able to find and keep a Day Job in the Arts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I mean, we’d have to check out whatever show was happening at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, for sure! The theatre scene is so vibrant in Atlanta- We might see what was going on at Horizon, or Actor’s Express, or Aurora (though that’s a bit of a drive for me.)

I’m up on the Northwest side of town…downtown Woodstock and downtown Marietta are fun and kitchy and have lots of cute shops and restaurants. (Though Eddie’s Trick Shop is about to close, and that makes me sad.) If it was during the summer, I’d try to find out what was happening for one of the outdoor summer concert series, and take a picnic.

We’d probably head over to Little 5 Points, too, for some fun shopping. There’s a great Mexican restaurant called El Bandido there, too.

We might have to go to Decatur Square for some Jeni’s Ice Cream.

And probably hit up Trader Vic’s at the Hilton for some Tiki drinks!

And of course I’d hope that Denim Arcade was playing at The Wing Cafe in Marietta. 😉

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents – all 4 of them. They are so supportive…always attending shows/concerts and cheering me on. Especially my mom, who tries to see EVERYTHING and has always been my biggest fan and cheerleader. My husband – who alternately supports me and pushes me to be my best self.

Facebook: facebook.com/denimarcade or facebook.com/SoUnusualBand/

Image Credits
Thomas Kerns Jeffrey Watkins Karen Grayson Jayne Cormier