CHIT-CHAT: Teen theater group debuts first musical production

Elmhurst-based Do-It-Yourself Teen Theater will present its very first musical production of “A Little Princess” with two shows this weekend. Helen Knudsen, the 14-year-old founder of Do-It-Yourself Teen Theater, discusses her inspiration for starting a drama group exclusively for teens and tweens.

Director for the DIY Teen Theater performance of "A Little Princess," Helen Knudsen (left) works with her cast including Laura Anderson of Elmhurst during a recent rehearsal. STAFF PHOTO BY ERICA BENSON

What inspired you to start your own theater company?
I’ve been with Elmhurst Children’s Theater for the past four years, but the age limit is eighth grade, so I had to leave. I needed something fun to do over the summer and wanted to continue performing theater, so I decided to create Do-It-Yourself Teen Theater with two other friends.

How long have you been acting?
I started acting when I was about five years old when I was in a show at church. I love to sing so theater was perfect.

How did you select “A Little Princess” as the group’s first-ever production?
We needed a low-cost show, so I researched and found the playwright Frumi Cohen and just came upon “A Little Princess.” It’s a cute show that has a really low cost to put on.

What’s the best part about working with a bunch of teens?
The good thing is that most of (the cast members) are my friends, so it’s fun to work with them. Sometimes though they argue, and I have to quiet them down when it’s too noisy.
 

WATCH THE PLAY
WHAT “A Little Princess”
WHERE Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church Youth Center, 155 Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst; www.diyteentheatre.webs.com
WHEN 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
HOW MUCH $4