The Box and Hat players were a performing arts troupe based in Spokane, Washington consisting of young people ages 10-18 who had not yet graduated from high school. Its main focus was musical theater. It was based out of the Spokane Civic Theatre, and was led by Jean Hardie from 1985-2005. The 2005-2006 season was led by Katie-Sarah Phillips, after which Andrew Ware Lewis took over leadership until the troupe's disbandment in 2008.
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 Box and Hat players performed throughout the city of Spokane at Rotary clubs, luncheons, tours of houses, and other events. Also, every fall, the troupers toured the local public library branches to promote reading. Other annual events were a Christmas show, with various recurring characters, and a year end "Senior Showcase" to let the graduating seniors shine.
Jean Hardie founded and directed the group from its inception to the 2004-2005 season. Gary Laing was the troupe's sole musical director.
Box 'n' Hat drew its repertoire from the Musical Theatre canon including such numbers as "That's Entertainment", "Together" (also known as "Together (Wherever We Go)"), "Music! Music! Music!", and "Steam Heat".
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—Fred M. Rogers (20th century)
“The story is told of a man who, seeing one of the thoroughbred stables for the first time, suddenly removed his hat and said in awed tones, “My Lord! The cathedral of the horse.””
—For the State of Kentucky, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
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—Martina Navratilova (b. 1956)