Happy Trails to Miss Mara

This #FrontRowFriday, we bid a fond farewell to Encore’s lead teacher, Miss Mara Stewart. From Production to Education, Mara has made an incredible impact on the many students, cast members, theatre patrons, staff members, and community families with whom she’s interacted. While we will certainly feel her absence in the future, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the wonderful presence that is Mara. Read on to read the Encore staff reflections on their time working with Mara:

Rosemarie: Mara brings positivity and to every classroom and rehearsal room she walks into. I had the honor of assisting Mara in a class last spring. Those kids hung on Mara’s every word because they not only respected her, they were inspired by her. All the best to Mara in her new adventures!

Madaline: I will definitely miss Miss Mara as the lead teacher in Education and a friend. Mara is delightful to be around and the kids love her. Mara is a team player and gives her all to assist whenever possible.

I unexpectedly had to teach a Broadway Kids class at the last minute and she took the time to share choreography that was quick and easy for me to pick up. Mara saved the day! The door is always open at Encore. I hope that she will visit us whenever she comes to the DMV. From all the kids at HPI, ¡Hasta luego! 🤗

Sara: Mara is the ultimate renaissance woman – she worked in almost every aspect of our organization and filled many roles. All of us will miss her enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for theatre education.

Shannon: Mara is a light wherever she goes. I loved seeing her work with our HPI and Early Childhood students with such creativity, joy, and kindness. Wherever she lands, they’ll be lucky to have her!

Aileen: Miss Mara is the coolest! Her Zumba warm-ups were always a hit and her choreography always made you want to get up and dance! Thank you for sharing your talent and passion for the arts at Encore.

Susan: Mara is a great person to work alongside. She is funny, thoughtful, creative and compelling. We will all miss her.

Rebecca: I love how Mara always sings her sentences around the theatre – her energy elevates the cast and makes it a fun environment for everyone. We’ll miss her a lot!

A.K.: Where do I even begin? Mara is what you’d call “one of the good ones” and it is very tough to say goodbye.

I have had the great pleasure of working with Mara in just about every capacity you can imagine, and I can truly say that she inspires me every day. From teaching together at HPI, working on productions, and sharing classes at summer camp, she has shown me that being a teacher is not a job, but a way of being.

She has taught me that the little steps are more important than where you end up. Nothing happens overnight. Looking back and seeing where you have come from is so fulfilling. I have learned from her that the end goal is only as important as the process it takes to get there. She has taught me to meet students where they are instead of expecting things from them. She has shown me how to challenge students in ways that make them feel comfortable. I have seen her work miracles with students that otherwise might not have shown up on day two.

I will miss her smile at the door, her puppy socks on Tuesdays, and her singing just about everything she says. Mara, you have become an incredibly important and influential person to me since I’ve been at Encore, and I will miss you very much as a teaching partner, fellow artist, and even more so as a friend. Thank you for all that you have shared and I hope that wherever you end up next, they know how lucky they are to have you.

*music note emoji* Goodbye to my friend Miss Mara. We hope to see you soon! *music note emoji*

While Miss Mara will be moving away, her lasting impact on Encore’s programs is undeniable, from the Healthy Play Initiative, Stage Door summer camp, Early Childhood classes, and beyond. Celebrate her contributions by joining Ms. A in our Early Childhood classes:

Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and the Encore staff.