Elmhurst Children's Theatre alum returns to teach acting to teens, one week only July 10-14
Helen Knudsen, a professional actor, director and instructor, currently based in the U.K., is returning to Elmhurst for one week only this summer.
She will teach two workshop-style classes focused on acting technique, aptly titled "Sharpen Your Skills."
Each session will take place at Elmhurst Children's Theatre's new location at 121 W. First St. in downtown Elmhurst, directly opposite the Metra station. Mornings are dedicated to incoming fifth- through eighth-graders from Elmhurst and surrounding suburbs and the focus is on audition skills.
Knudsen helps participants recognize their own strengths and provides specific audition pieces designed to help each young actor get ready for the next round of local theater or school production auditions.
In the afternoons, Knudsen offers a new class for incoming high-school freshmen and sophomores, with a deep dive into onstage techniques that help develop each young actor's growing skill set.
"I grew up as an actor with Elmhurst Children's Theatre, and am so excited to come back to teach," Knudsen said.
Having worked as a director for Elmhurst Children's Theatre ("Shrek" in 2018, "Newsies" in 2019, and "Charlotte's Web" in 2020), she has often noted that the excitement of getting a production onto the stage leaves little time for students and directors to get to grips with acting technique and character portrayal.
"Our new 'Sharpen Your Skills' classes are designed to get to the heart of an audition or production script in the comfort and safety of intimate workshop sessions, where young actors are able to get in touch with their own creativity while building rapport and confidence within a small group."
"I was thrilled to learn that our young Elmhurst actors have an opportunity to work with Helen this summer," said Deb O'Connor, former president of Elmhurst Children's Theatre and parent of a current private acting student of Knudsen's. "Helen's passion for theater is apparent in everything she does and shines through in each of her students. Regardless of their level of experience, she meets every young actor where they are, elevating their skills and boosting their confidence. And they also have a ton of fun!"
Knudsen, an Elmhurst native and York Drama alum, began her career as a director at the young age of 14, when she founded Hatbox Theatrix (formerly DIY Teen Theatre) as a summer theater option for Elmhurst youth.
Since then, she has performed and directed on stages in Chicago, Cape Cod, the United Kingdom and at the popular annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She currently lives in the U.K., where, as well as continuing her acting/singing career, she directs acting majors at University of Coventry-Scarborough and teaches grade-school students at the prestigious Rugby School. She continues to teach Elmhurst students via her Zoom studio.
"Sharpen Your Skills" will be Monday to Friday, July 10-14, at 121 W. First St. with "Nailing the Audition and Callback" from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. for fifth to eighth grade; and "Actor's Bootcamp in the Round" for ninth and 10th grade from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m.
The workshop fee is $225. For registration or information, visit www.elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com/helenknudsen or email helen@helenknudsen.com.