Conversations with Becky McKee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky McKee.

Becky, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It started with a trip to Family Dollar with my grandma, when she bought me some needles and thread and taught me to sew. Fast forward many years, a fashion design degree, multiple production sewing jobs, and a few burlesque classes, and I find myself as the owner of The House of Bits! It’s a multi-function studio in Madison, TN. We have rehearsal spaces, a performance venue, my own sewing production space, and a sweet vintage shop called Atomic Bombshell Vintage. The idea of a burlesque venue is not my own; I am simply a member of the burlesque community that needed a new home. My goals are to provide a safe, open, welcoming space for new and seasoned performers and enthusiasts to enjoy the art of burlesque and dance. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting many different producers with a diverse array of performers and artists and classes for burlesque, making, belly dancing, and more!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
An early struggle was explaining to the bank that I was opening a burlesque/sewing studio with a vintage shop and having it be a viable business plan. I knew that the community would support it and that my work ethic wouldn’t let this flop. After we finally got the loans figured out and purchased the building in 2019, we were ready to open, with the grand opening planned for March 2020. Well, anyone can guess how that went. Thankfully, I went into this knowing the first years would be lean, and as of September 2021, we’ve been going strong with shows, classes, and more!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known as a seamstress and burlesque performer. I sew for two local lingerie companies and also do my own costuming. As a performer, I choose to do a lot of silly, character-based acts. Producing burlesque shows is the newest item on my resume, and it’s been amazing to bring together casts with so many different talents and strengths.

What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’d love to see a shift to more variety-type shows, like bringing drag artists into burlesque shows. During the pandemic, many folks learned new skills and took time to self-reflect and grow. There are so many talented people I would love to get on stage singing, dancing, or even spinning plates! I am excited to provide a space for self-expression and authentic performances. I hope to see more burlesque stages featuring a diversity of both bodies and talents.

Pricing:

• Small Rehearsal Room $15/hr
• Large Rehearsal Room $25/hr

Contact Info:

• Email: thehouseofbits@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofbits/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057030567176

Image Credits
Emily April Allen