Hettie Barnhill is a remarkably versatile and accomplished Broadway actress, director, and choreographer, who has made a profound impact in the world of performing arts. Her impressive repertoire of skills and expertise extends far beyond her own stage presence, as she is also the founder of Movement & Characters, a renowned institution that offers exceptional industry-level performing arts classes to students of all ages, skill levels, and financial backgrounds throughout Greater New York and the iconic city of New York itself.
In the year 2016, a pioneering individual took the initiative to establish Create A Space NOW, a groundbreaking social platform that leverages the power of performing arts and multimedia to catalyze thought-provoking discussions and foster greater understanding around the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding Black Lives Matter and race relations in the United States of America.
Hettie has garnered an impressive array of accolades, with a 2017 New York Innovative Theater Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography being a notable highlight. This esteemed recognition is a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft. In addition to this honor, Hettie has also had the privilege of working on several notable Broadway productions, including Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark, a groundbreaking musical that pushed the boundaries of stage technology and storytelling.
Furthermore, Hettie was part of the original cast of the Tony Award-winning musical FELA!, a critically acclaimed production that showcased her remarkable choreographic abilities. Her work on this production was widely praised, and she played a significant role in bringing the show to life with her energetic and captivating performances.
Hettie, a multifaceted individual with a profound impact on the world of art and beyond, has leveraged her creative talents as a therapeutic outlet for those in dire need of solace and support.
From the year 2006 onwards, she has been actively engaged with A Long Walk Home Inc., a not-for-profit organization that has been utilizing the therapeutic power of art to document, educate, and effect positive social change for individuals who have survived the devastating consequences of rape and violence.
Hettie's impressive portfolio boasts a diverse range of credits, including notable performances at the esteemed Rochester Fringe festival, as well as nominations for the prestigious NYIT Awards.
Furthermore, her choreography expertise has been showcased in a variety of productions, including the captivating A Cabaret At The End Of The World, the iconic Romeo & Juliet and Elektra, both presented by the renowned Metropolitan Opera.
In addition, her work has been featured in the Dallas Theater Center's innovative FLY A New Musical, the high-energy improv productions of Face-Off Unlimited Improv NYC's Batsu and Pillow Fight, and the beloved classic musicals Hairspray, Aida, Camelot, and Meet Me In St. Louis, all presented by the respected St. Louis MUNY Opera.
Noteworthy among Hettie's impressive array of professional endeavors is her extensive experience in the realm of television and film, where she has made memorable appearances in a variety of esteemed productions, including the critically acclaimed Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the period drama The Knick, and the cinematic biographical drama King Bolden.
As a seasoned instructor, Hettie has had the privilege of sharing her passion for dance and musical theater with students at a diverse range of esteemed institutions.
Hettie's illustrious dance journey commenced at the tender age of three with rigorous training at the esteemed Pelagie Green Wren Dance Academy, where she honed her craft alongside her peers. As her passion for dance continued to flourish, she went on to further her education at the renowned Katherine Dunham Center of Performing Arts School, an institution renowned for its emphasis on cultural expression and artistic excellence.
Upon completing her primary education, Hettie enrolled in the COCA Pre-Professional Program & COCAdance, a prestigious institution that has produced some of the world's most talented and dedicated dancers. Her academic trajectory continued at the Central Visual Performing Arts High School of St. Louis, Missouri, where she immersed herself in a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture her artistic talents.
During her high school years, Hettie seized the opportunity to expand her skills and artistic horizons by spending her summers as a student at The Alvin Ailey Theater, a world-renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African American cultural heritage through dance.
