Hatbox Theatrix is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing theatre training to children and teens through instruction and experience in acting, singing and dance. The goal is to use the joy of on-stage theatrics to inspire the key life-skills of teamwork, interdependence and creative exploration. Self-confidence, a love for the arts, and friendships with like-minded peers are all an added bonus.
A prominent program with a humble history…
The genesis of Hatbox Theatrix was a company Helen Knudsen founded as a teenager in 2009, DIY Teen Theatre. She directed and produced Broadway musicals during the summers, teaming with high-school and college aged musicians, choreographers and actors who mentored the young performers while sharing their own stage skills. The first show involved 14 young actors and summer by summer, the company produced full-scale, orchestrated musicals with casts of 60 and more in sold-out auditoriums.
Currently, the company offers musical theatre intensives during the summer, and individual coaching in acting, audition prep and vocal training year-round. New this month is Virtual Playhouse!
Meet our teachers!
Helen Knudsen (Artistic Director) founded Hatbox Theatre (previously known as DIY Teen Theatre) in 2009. Helen is an instructor at the Piven Theatre Workshop where she teaches theatre games, clowning, and scene study. She has also worked with Elmhurst Children’s Theatre, Immaculate Conception Grade School, and the Wolcott School in Chicago.
Helen is a Chicago-based performer with a passion for Shakespeare, light opera, and those good old-fashioned Golden Age musicals. She is trained in classical voice and musical theatre, and has a BM in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts (Roosevelt University).
Recent: Pyramus & Thisbe (Scenic City Shakespeare), Camelot (Janus Concert Series), Snow White (Chicago Kids Company), String (Towle Theater) and The Polar Express Train Ride (Rail Events/Warner Bros.) An alumnus of the College Light Opera Company, her favorite credits include Brigadoon, A Little Night Music, Titanic, and The Boys From Syracuse.
Growing up in Elmhurst’s strong and enthusiastic theatre community, she is dedicated to offering more learning and performance opportunities for young actors. www.helenknudsen.com
Chris Andrews (Teacher) is happy to be back with Hatbox Theatrix where he began his journey as an actor, last appearing in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Credits in Pittsburgh include Vinegar Tom, Coram Boy, and The Gift of the Magi (PPU). Regional credits include Spring Awakening with Introspect Theatre and Cabaret with Brightside Theatre. Most recently, he worked on the brand-new musical Storming Heaven with West Virginia Public Theatre.
Chris is an advanced musician and singer-songwriter. He combines guitar, jazz piano, banjo, and rap into Pop/Rock style music. He often gigs on the streets to sing songs of happier weather. Listen to his original music here!