Box and Hat Players

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The Box and Hat players are a Spokane, Washington-based performing arts troupe made up of young people ages 10-18, or until their last year of high School. Its main focus is on musical theater. It is based out of the Spokane Civic Theatre, and until the year 2005 was led by Jean Hardie. In the 2005-2006 season it will be taken over by Katie-Sarah Phillips.

Box and Hat was started as an acting course led by Jean Hardie and C.C. Cayer, and evolved as the same kids came back for more. It started officially in 1985, as "Performance Troupe" or "P-troupe", and was renamed "Box 'n Hat" after the two main props of their shows. The group still runs on today.

Within the city of Spokane, the Box and Hat players perform at rotary clubs, luncheons, tours of houses, and other events with a decidedly Geriatric flavor. Also, every fall, the troupers tour the various branches of the local public library, to teach children that reading is, indeed, fun. Other annual events are a Christmas show, with various recurring characters, and a year end "Senior Showcase" to let the graduating seniors shine.

Jean Hardie is the founder and director of the group since its conception to the 2004-2005 season. Gary Laing is the musical director, and still is today.

The songs performed are decidedly Musical Theatre, and some of the troupers are very devoted to the Broadway Musical, even so far as to call them "nerdy." Traditional songs are That's Entertainment, Together(also known as Together, Wherever We Go), Music, Music, Music, and Steam Heat.