It’s time for another Encore alumni interview! For today’s interview, we are looking back to last summer and an interview that our Arts Management Intern, Matthew Bloss-Baum did with alum Hannah Knittig. Hannah played Scar in The Lion King Jr. when Encore last did it in 2019, so it’s super cool to get to reconnect with her in this Season of Courage which opened with the same show!
Encore: Please introduce yourself, what are you up to now ?
Hi my name is Hannah Knittig and I am a proud Encore Stage & Studio alum! I am about to start my senior year as a musical theatre major at Lees-McRae College in NC.
Encore: What years and programs/productions (and roles) were you involved in Encore?
I was involved in Encore productions from 2014-2019. I got to be in the cast and crew for over a dozen shows with Encore, as well as worked as a summer camp counselor and student editor.
I performed as Jungle Ensemble in Seussical (2019), Scar in Lion King Jr. (2019), Mrs. Murphy in Madeline’s Christmas (2018), Ensemble in Mary Poppins (2018), Jolene Fairchild in Night at the Wax Museum (2017), Lavinia in A Little Princess (2017), Ensemble in Snow White (2016), Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland (2015), & Citizen #1 in Cinderella (2014).
I also got to be in a backstage role in The Talented Clementine (2019), Enchanted Bookshop (2019), Jingle ARRGH the Way (2018), Ghostchasers! (2018), James & the Giant Peach (2018), Sherlock Holmes (2018), The Jungle Book (2017), and Treasure Island (2016).
Encore: What career or latest projects are you working on right now?
This summer I am on tour with the Missoula Children’s Theatre getting to continue my passion for children’s theatre that started when I was a kid in shows with Encore! My latest role at Encore was as an ASM for The Talented Clementine in 2019.
Encore: What Encore experiences or moment(s) were most memorable for you and why?
One of the most memorable moments from my experiences with Encore was performing in my very first show with Encore way back when I was in 5th grade. I was cast as Citizen #1 in Cinderella and realized how fun it was to do theater! I also have quite a few fond memories of many hours spent in the shop building sets as a crewton.
Encore: What skills or lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?
At Encore I learned how rewarding creating theatre is and how incredibly fun it can be. Encore was a great way for me to channel my energy & creativity & feel part of something bigger than myself. I got to be a part of a lovely theatre community and get involved with some pretty awesome shows.
Encore: Were there any friendships or people who resonated with you at Encore?
Kristen & Margie Jepperson were two of my all time favorite people to work with at Encore. I only knew Margie for a short time but she was the first person I met at Encore and I remember how kind she was to me in my first show. Kristen always made set construction and run crew super fun and was a great mentor for me in the Encore community. I also have to mention Sarah Conrad, Rebecca Pfeil, Aileen Pangan Christian, Galina Tarasova, & Kelsey Meiklejohn who were some of my favorite staff/directors I worked with at Encore.
As for friendships, Matthew (current Arts Management Intern) and I met way back in 2015 in Alice & Wonderland. We participated in many Encore shows together, and are still friends almost 10 years later!
Encore: How have theatre and Encore impacted your life?
Theatre helped me gain confidence & grow to be the artist I am today. Encore was a huge part of my middle & high school years and played a big role in cementing my love for performance.
To anyone interested in trying out theatre: Definitely do!! You never know until you try! You might find out that theatre is something you love to do and you’ll be so glad you have it a try. Just like I discovered when I auditioned for my very first show at Encore way back when.
Encore: How has theatre been in your life since Encore?
After I participated in Encore’s shows, I was very involved in Signature Theatre’s high school programming, as well as my high school theatre program. I studied theatre for a year at New York University, then transferred to Lees-McRae College where I will be graduating this spring with a BFA in musical theatre! This summer I am currently working as a touring performer & director with Missoula Children’s Theatre!
Thanks for catching up with us, Hannah! It’s always awesome to see where Encore students go after the curtains close on their time here. We’re so proud of all you have accomplished and we look forward to seeing where you go next!
To hear more stories of courage, reserve your ticket today for “The Courage To…”, Encore’s annual Benefit Breakfast.
Interview by Matthew Bloss-Baum, edited by Parker Nelson. Photos by Cindy Kane and Aileen Pangan Christian.