Meet The Team: Emma Knott
- The Forge
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Our newest blog series, "Meet The Teacher" is your chance to get to know the faces of Forge Film Acting and learn a bit about our teachers' professional qualifications and areas of expertise.
We are thrilled to welcome our newest Forge teacher with the launch of our brand new Kids Academy program: actress, writer, and producer, Emma Knott.
We asked Emma about everything from her acting specializations and teaching philosophy to what she can't stop binge-watching at the moment! Let's get into it:
Tell us a bit about your background. How does your training and expertise serve students at The Forge?
I went to school for acting and graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Marquette University. This program allowed me to study abroad in Athens Greece, where I trained with an incredible coach from the National Theatre of Athens, Eva Simatou in Meisner, Chekov, Hagen, and Viewpoints techniques. Upon graduation, I began working in mulitiple productions at Skylight Music Theatre , but then started to book more professional film work, which led me to an increased curiosity of how the training can be applied on-camera. I also love working with kids- I have been for over 10 years, and taught art and theatre classes in Mt. Prospect, IL.
What is a recent project you are proud of?
I loved getting to work on Line Cooks Feature Film, a coming-of-age, mockumentary style feature film directed by John Mossman, about a scrappy bunch of kids working at a fusion restaurant before they head off to college. I had a blast with this incredible team, and enjoyed playing Callie, a fish-out-of-water whose type-A personality loosens by the end of the film, having gained valuable life lessons and a better sense of humor.
More of Emma's recent work here.
What is a piece of insight you wish you knew starting out as an actor?
You are in an audition to help solve a problem, and your authenticity and personal take on the scene is what matters. It's way more fun to throw your own flavors onto a scene than to worry about what casting "wants to see." You get to paint with the colors you love!
What makes you excited to teach at The Forge?
Having grown up in the Chicagoland area performing in theatre, I remember wanting to learn about on-camera work, but I didn't have access to on-camera training at the time. Having recently gained so many insights on set about the transition from stage to screen work, I am excited to bring this knowledge to kids who are hoping for a professional-grade on-camera training in a supportive and joyful enviornment!
What are you watching lately?
BARRY! I've been loving this show so much lately- it's got so much humor and depth packed into each episode, its a blast.
How would your friends describe you?
Bubbly, goofy, and obsessed with chocolate.
Recent Acting Work:
Lead role in Line Cooks Feature Film, a mockumentary style comedy directed by John Mossman
Lead role in Raffle Feature Film, a dark comedy Martin Kazubowski, dir. of Early Bird on Amazon Prime & Apple TV (coming in 2026)
Lead role in Cul De Sac Feature film, a dramatic thriller by Ted Barnes, dir. Nick Volkers (coming in 2026)
Writer, producer, and performer in The Sunshine Bus Improv Comedy at The Annoyance Theatre
Commercial work for various clients including Chicago Cubs, Johnsonville & Home Chef
Leading roles at Equity Theatre House including: Wendla (Hearing & Guitarist) in Spring Awakening, Poppy Norton-Taylor in Noises Off, and Ali in MAMMA MIA!
Read More:
Training:
Marquette University - Theatre Arts, B.A. Milwaukee, WI
Deree College - Advanced Acting, Athens, GR
International Lyric Academy - Vicenza, IT
Acting: Meisner, Chekov, Hagen, Viewpoints (Eva Simatou -Actress, National Theatre of Athens, GR), Private Coaching (Carin Silkaitis), Shakespeare(Susan Hart), The Embodied Actor (Sarah Tolan-Mee)
On-Camera: Advanced Audition (Sarah Cayce), Network Auditioning (Maura Kidwell), Vagabond School of the Arts (Robyn Coffin & Ed Kross), Michael Chekhovfor On-Camera (Matthew Ellenwood),
Improv & Comedy: Second City (Improv For Actors & Sketch Writing), IO Chicago (L2), CIC (Current), partof the team, “Posers”, Standup Mics (Laugh Factory, The Annoyance, Coles Bar, Schubas, etc.) Producer/Improviser for “The Sunshine Bus” at The Annoyance
Teaching Work:
Emma has worked with kids for over 10 years. Her work includes:
Visual and Performing Arts Teacher at The Studio in Mt Prospect, IL
Theatre Teacher at Miss Carole’s Stories and Songs Theatre Camp.
Nanny with Nanny Harmony in Chicago
Substitute Teacher in Chicago Public Schools.
Personal-aide for a high school student with cerebral palsy
Sitter for a child with special needs, providing support when needed from age 4-12 years old
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