Trista Smith hails from southeast Missouri, more commonly referred to as “the bootheel.” She attended Southwest Missouri State University where she obtained her BFA in Musical Theatre. Handbag roles include Sally in Reefer Madness, Trixie and Typist/Guard in the original Caged Dames!, Ethel Merman in Judy’s Scary Little Christmas, and Coach Collins in sCarrie! The Musical.

Additional Chicago credits include the female understudy for Forbidden Broadway: SVU at The Royal George Theatre, Woman #2 in Porchlight Music Theatre’s Assassins and Ava in Theatre Building Chicago’s St. Peter’s Umbrella. Trista is a co-writer, performer and founder of Smith and Grimm, a comedic cabaret duo that has been entertaining audiences around Chicago since 2002.

Trista is blessed to be surrounded by talented and inspired artists in Handbag, and supportive friends and family in life. And she likes food and beer.

Handbag Productions
Scarrie! The Musical
Judy’s Scary Little Christmas
Reefer Madness
Caged Dames