HCT KIDS

Former students of Hartford Children’s Theatre are busy in the theatrical world and beyond.  Many have gone on to study at prestigious Colleges and Universities, act in regional theaters, teach in their communities – and even some who have made it to BROADWAY!

Are you a former student of Hartford Children’s Theatre?  We would love to hear from you!  Tell us about how your journey in the arts has progressed since your time here at HCT.

Please email Education Director Lisa Foss at education@hartfordchildrenstheatre.org

HCT STUDENT NEWS

Check out current and former HCT student stories below:
 CALEB REYNOLDS started with HCT in the Summer of 2009 in our Summer Youtheatre Program.  The Teaching Artist Team recognized his exceptional work ethic and talent and he was voted KID OF THE SUMMER that season.  Caleb continued to work with HCT by taking classes and appearing in our Main Stage productions, where he was featured as Pinnochio in HCT’s “Geppetto & Son.”  He continued his studies by working closely with Teaching Artist Emely Larson with private acting coaching and has had great success as he continued to audition for major productions.  He was cast as Young Scrooge in Hartford Stage’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and recently was cast in the film “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” as the acting double for the part of  Oskar.  This film stars Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock! How exciting for Caleb! We are SO PROUD of Caleb’s accomplishments and thrilled to be a part of his journey.  His talent – and hard work and study – are clearly opening doors for this bright, young, rising star!

A word from Caleb: "Throughout my many classes and performances at HCT, I've learned A LOT about being an actor. I have been able to work with wonderful teachers who taught me amazing things about the art of theatre. Without their help, I would never have known what I was capable of. Thank you HCT for inspiring me to follow my dreams."

CAITLIN HARRITY made Hartford Children's Theatre her second home from the age of 7 into her high school years, performing in many student and Main Stage productions, as well as working as an Intern for Summer Youth Theater.  Caitlin graduated from Watkinson School in 2003, where she earned a special award for appearing in a record number of Theater Department productions while a student there from 7th-12th grades.  She attended Barnard College in New York City, graduating with a BA in English Literature, Magna Cum Laude in 2007.  While at Barnard she appeared in many productions, including departmental productions and student theater, performing with the King's Crown Theater Company in roles such as Lady MacBeth and Ophelia, along with a leading role in Columbia's (in)famous 113th Annual Varsity Show. 

After making the rounds auditioning for major theater conservatory programs in 2003, Caity was accepted by both the Yale School of Drama and The Juilliard School, and elected to accept the offer of a full tuition scholarship to the Drama Division of Juilliard.  In May Caitlin will graduate from Juilliard's rigorous and reknowned four-year training program, taking the next step in a journey that started so many years ago (with her auspicious beginning as a Plain-Belly Sneetch in an HCT Discovery Company production of Dr. Suess's The Sneetches), and beginning her career as a professional actor.  While at Juilliard she has performed in many roles; some of her favorites include Helena in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream; Masha in Chekhov's The Seagull; and Anna in David Mamet's Boston Marriage.  Her current head shot and résumé can be found on Juilliard's Drama Division web page, "Meet the 4th-Year Class." 

HCT STUDENTS IN COMMERICALS

HCT Students Victoria Striebel and Ben Davis appear in a commercial! 

Click on the link  www.earnyoursealegs.com and go to "Check Out Our TV Ads" at the top of the page.  Victoria and Ben appear in the Steamboat ad.

Check out the Outreach Coordinator with our great kids!  

 Testimonials from Kids Just Like You...

“I have no doubt that HCT is what prepared me to work on feature  films, as well as television. I learned how to conduct myself as a  professional at an early age which has given me a competitive  advantage.” - Jason Bush   Currently works as Production Technician for Channel 61.

"Not only has HCT helped me become a better actor and explore my passion for theatre. It has also given me a place where I feel I can be myself, and where people would accept me for who I am. It is a great place for people to perform, learn more about theatre, make new friends, and explore their own passion for theatre. Wherever I go, no matter what I do in my life, I will always have a special place in my heart for Hartford Children's Theatre." - Anthony Piccione. Currently majoring in theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University.

 "HCT has helped me develop the qualities--those of loyalty, bravery, thoughtfulness, and creativity--that I most value in my character.  I will always hold the memories of me as a little HCT aspiring actress, close to my heart." - Trisha Murphy (age 17)

“Being a part of HCT’s diverse and talented community has given me the ability to be a comfortable performer, but it has also given me the confidence to be an effective self-advocator and public speaker.  My teachers at HCT challenged me to improve as an actor, while also strengthening my confidence.  It is this community that has kept me a part of HCT through my childhood and into my teenage years.” - Luke Murphy (age 17)

“When I first came to the Hartford Children’s Theatre I was impressed with how professional and personal everyone was with all the students that go there.  HCT has helped me with my passion as a performer and has sculpted me into a better actress.” - Jasmine Jefferson (age 17)

“HCT was my ‘home away from home’. It provided me with a safe and nurturing environment where I was free to explore not only my individuality, but also my passions for theatre, dance, and music.”
- Stephanie Simpson A graduate of Emerson College in Boston, MA where she created her own major combining Dance/Theatre, TV/Video production, and Marketing.

 Want to share your testimonial? Click Here to E-Mail it to HCT.