Welcome back to the Front Row everyone! Today, we’ll be bringing together the worlds of production and education, as we interview one of this summer’s Education Interns, Gabriel Brown.
Encore: Please introduce yourself. Where do you go to school and what do you study?
GB: Hi, my name is Gabriel Brown! I’m a rising junior at the Catholic University of America where I study musical theatre.
Encore: How are you involved with Encore?
GB: This summer I am performing in Encore’s production of The Music Man, where I play Marian Paroo, and I’m also an Education Intern for many of Encore’s summer camps.
Encore: Have you ever worked with Encore as a participant? What other theatre experiences do you have, if any?
GB: I’ve never been in an Encore camp, but I have been in three Encore productions (The Little Mermaid Jr, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Music Man). At university, I’ve been in Urinetown and a college fringe festival while fulfilling my duties as Videographer for a student theatre group. I also assistant directed Little Women and was a costume crew chief for City of Angels, and want to pursue a performance and directorial career.
Encore: What are some of the things you’re working on for Encore this summer?
GB: I’m really excited to be teaching choreography for the camp Season Sampler, which is a new camp this year, that gives a little taste of the upcoming Encore season.
Encore: Is there something you’re most excited for about this internship?
GB: I am really excited to work with the teachers and meet so many bright young actors!
Encore: Could you describe why you think theatre is important?
GB: Theatre is so important, especially for children, because it’s the most natural and human method of learning. It is allows actors to imitate, create and express themselves in different ways and forms. It is often seen as something easy to do, a waste of time and pointless to society, but it is not. It can be applied to every aspect of life; Science, politics, anthropology, language, etc…
Thanks so much to Gabriel for taking time out of her busy summer schedule to share with us! Keep an eye out for her at our many summer camps throughout July and August.
Photos by: Shannon McCarthy, Madeline Pages, Larry McClemons
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice