A Q&A with Kyla McLaughlin
With the turning of the seasons comes a new team of fresh faces here at Encore. On this #TechTuesday, we’re elated to introduce Kyla McLaughlin, Encore’s newest Production Apprentice. Read on to learn more about her experiences in the arts, her favorite theatre experience, and more.
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or education/youth activities?
Kyla: I recently graduated from James Madison University with a degree in English and Theatre, concentrating in Theatre Studies. I’ve been teaching summer camps with young actors for several years in between studying directing, theory/criticism, and writing. A lot of my work at school focused on developing, producing, and directing new plays originally written and conceived by other students.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Kyla: I had the opportunity to direct a production of Jen Silverman’s The Moors during my senior year at JMU. The play combines the literary legacy of Victorian women novelists with a modern theatrical and social perspectives that were really exciting to explore with the cast. I had an amazing opportunity to combine and share my loves of literature and theatre.
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Kyla: I was excited by the opportunities at Encore to work with many different departments in many capacities supporting young people’s access to the arts in their communities. Encore’s dedication to providing high quality arts and artistic education to so many students, their families, and community members struck me as an excellent way to be involved in the arts of DC.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Kyla: I’m excited to continue to support the high caliber of art created at Encore by students of all ages and to help them discover the kinds of art they’d like to make.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season and why?
Kyla: West Side Story has been one of my favorite musicals since I was little. I’m looking forward to getting the music stuck in my head!
Encore: If you had to describe yourself in 5 words or short phrases, what would they be?
Kyla: Writer, curious, book nerd, idealist, excited
You can keep an eye out for Kyla during auditions, in the shop, and during productions this season. We’re thrilled to have her experience, creativity, and sense of humor as a part of our staff this year. Want the chance to work with us? Check out our Opportunities page and see if there’s a spot on our team waiting for you.
3 Reasons to RSVP for Tomorrow’s Open House
Tomorrow morning marks the official start to Encore’s 2019/2020 Education season with our first-ever Fall Open House event. Join us at Encore’s Main Campus (4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207) for a morning of community, learning, and, above all, fun! What, specifically, do you have to look forward to? Read on to find out!
Come experience 30 minutes samplings of some the classes upcoming in Encore’s Early and Late Fall sessions. The Open House offers selections for ages 3-5, as well as grades K-5, featuring movement and literature themed theatre classes. One of our older theatre students? Feel free to stop by to enjoy some treats, meet our awesome staff, and get registered for your next theatre experience.
Fun and Friendly Faces
The Open House is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with the talented and knowledgeable staff here at Encore Stage & Studio. For this event, we’ve brought on three of Encore’s well-known and beloved teaching artists: Mr. Seth, Ms. Gabe, and Ms. Cici. Members of the full-time staff will also be in attendance to help guide you to the best theatre experience for each participant. Questions about classes, donations, or auditions? Our staff will be happy to help you out!
Creating Community
One of our favorite parts of hosting events like the Open House is seeing how our wonderful theatre community continues to grow. Connect with other parents and caregivers, bonding over commutes to rehearsal, the hunt for the best-fitting jazz shoes, or the hilarity of rehearsing lines with our young participants. Our experienced Encore families make for an excellent resource and are always happy to share the knowledge (and the love)!
Fall Open House Schedule
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Meet and Greet
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5) (9 spots left!)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Disney Dance (Grades K-1) (12 spots left!)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Adventures in Narnia (Grades 2-3)
(Sold Out – Join us to meet our staff!)
10:45 am – 11:15 am: Meet and Greet + Registration
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5) (8 spots left!)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Fairytale Fun (Grades K-1) (10 spots left!)
11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Registration in the Parents’ Lounge
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Delving Deeper with Patrick McGee
A very cheerful #TechTuesday to all of you Encore fans out there. This fall, we’re welcoming many new faces to the office and teaching teams; you’ve already met the lovely Gloria, our Marketing Apprentice, but stay tuned for even more introductions coming up this month. Today, however, we sit down with a familiar friendly face: Patrick McGee!
Photo by Claire Buffie
Encore: Please (re)introduce yourself!
Patrick: I started working with Encore as a teaching artist in August 2018, having just moved to the Northern Virginia area. Previously, I spent 12 years working as a professional actor and teaching artist in New York City. In New York, I worked as an actor in a variety of mediums (musicals, new plays, readings, television/commercials, and independent films), but I was always inspired by my work as a teaching artist. My favorite teaching project was the “I am an Islander” project, which was connected with the Broadway musical Come From Away. I helped students to examine interviews to create an original art piece based on the information that they gathered.
Encore: What does your new position at Encore entail?
Patrick: I am very excited to be stepping into my new role as Education Programs Manager, because it allows me to still inspire actors in the classroom, while allowing me to highlight and bring a spotlight to the theatre education that happens at Encore. In this position, I will help to expand classes and programming for our slightly older actors in grades 6-12. I am excited to discover and create a series of classes that older actors can really delve deeper into, developing their tools and create more meaningful work in a studio-style classroom approach.
Encore: What are you most excited about?
Patrick: I am very excited to be teaching a Shakespeare class this fall on Monday evenings. This class will explore the language in a fun and active approach through the creepy and eerie in Shakespeare’s plays. I am also excited to find ways to help support teaching artists through resources and professional development. Having spent 13 years as a teaching artist, some days can be isolating and challenging. I want to develop opportunities and resources that help teaching artists create curriculum that inspires not only their students but also their own artistry.
Encore: What’s been your favorite Encore moment/memory so far?
Patrick: This past summer, I had the opportunity to direct Willy Wonka Jr. at Stage Door. It was inspiring to watch the hard work of all the actors [to put together a show] in just three short weeks, but it was also seemed like everyone had a lot of fun, including myself.
The Glass Menagerie, The Old Creamery Theatre Company. Photo by Jonesy McElroy.
Encore: Could you share a bit about the most [unique/intense/choose-your-own-adjective] theatre experience you’ve had in your life so far?
Patrick: One of the most rewarding productions I had the opportunity to be a part of was The Glass Menagerie in Iowa. We performed in a tiny black box where the audience was five feet away from you. I performed the role of the Gentleman Caller and the whole second act the audience was completed invested in the world of the play. You could hear a pin drop. When my character revealed he was going steady with another girl, these two women in the front row just gasped. It was just a beautiful moment to show how theatre is like no other art form.
Encore: Why do you think the arts are important to young people?
Patrick: The arts are important, because they teach children to problem solve and celebrate multiple perspectives. I think both of these skills are very important in today’s world.
Encore: On a lighter note, if you were a breakfast food, which would you be and why?
Patrick: I would be a Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast, because I think it completely describes me and my work. 😊
Encore: Which show from Encore’s 2019/2020 season are you most looking forward to and why?
Patrick: I’m looking forward to Narnia, because I grew up reading those books and love musicals.
From left to right: Aslan (Sean Hackes), Lucy Pevensie (Isabel Tate), Peter Pevensie (Richard Bew), and Susan Pevensie (Lauren Monsivaiz).
Thanks for sharing a bit of what’s coming up this season, Patrick! If you’d like to connect and learn more from Mr. Patrick, check out some of his upcoming classes this season:
Supernatural Shakespeare
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.” Love Shakespeare’s ghosts and witches? Things that go bump in the night? Mysterious apparitions? This is the class for you. This fall, we will delve in to the supernatural plays of Shakespeare. We’ll tackle the language of the Bard with easy to understand methods while exploring the eerie and fascinating characters within his plays. Join us…if you dare.
Grades 6-8
Mondays, September 23-November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $110
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Acting Motivation, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Just 8 spots left!
Tragedy vs. Comedy
Shakespeare’s plays are among the best-known works of literature in the world, and Encore wants to give you a chance to get in on the classical action! Get up close and personal with Shakespeare’s characters and themes as you work to bring classic texts to life. Whether you’re portraying royalty or ruffians, a knight or an inn-keeper, you’re sure to uncover some remarkable scenes as you explore the emotional extremes of the Bard’s works.
Grades 6-8
Mondays, November 18 – December 16, 2019
Five Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $90
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Staging, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Just 9 spots left!
Your Best Audition
Learn techniques to help make your next audition a fun and relaxed breeze. You’ll learn how to find the auditions that are best for you, how to prepare audition materials, how to pack, and so much more. As we hope to move quickly beyond the basics, some previous experience with acting is recommended.
Grades 6-12
Mondays, November 18 – December 16, 2019
Five Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee: $115
Skills: Stage Presence, Acting Motivation, Professional Technique, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Grades 6-8: Just 7 spots left!
Grades 9-12: Just 5 spots left!
Click here to learn more about all of our fall classes, for ages 6 months up through age 18!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Larry McClemons.
Blog contribution by Patrick McGee. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
What to Expect: Early Childhood
Hello friends! My name is Ms. A and I’d like to personally invite you to come learn and play with me on Tuesday morning in Encore’s Early Childhood theatre classes!
When you first arrive, you can take off your shoes and put them in the shoe cubbies outside the classroom door. When you’re all ready, come inside and sit around our colorful mat on the floor!
I like to start each class with a good morning song and stretch. We might use scarves or batons to help us reach, and the colors are so fun! This way we can all get warmed up and ready for a great day!
To make class fun and exciting, I like to read interactive stories where you can touch an animals fuzzy tail or hear the sound of a train! I like to share my favorite sounds and movements and learn from the class what sounds and sights they enjoy.
It can be fun to create with our hands, so some days we might build a castle out of blocks or do an art project!
Do you like to sing and dance? Me too! I’ll teach you how to use rhythm sticks to tap out the rhythm to some of my favorite songs like “B-I-N-G-O” and “The Wheels on the Bus!”
When class is all finished, we’ll say “see you next time” to each other with a special Encore Goodbye song. I’ll even give you a sticker as a prize to say thank you for coming and spending your Tuesday with me! 🙂
You can sign up for class in advance on our website or in person with our Registrar when you arrive. We have monthly subscriptions and drop-in options available. I can’t wait to see you all on Tuesday mornings!
Early Childhood Classes for Ages 6 months – 2 years
Share, grow and learn with your child during this special time in their life! Encore’s parent/caregiver classes will promote your child’s development and provide exciting enrichment. Through creative play, movement and music your child will sharpen critical social and physical skills in a fun and imaginative environment.
Classes are held Tuesday mornings, 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Monthly registration preferred: $10 per class
Walk in rate: $15
Classes begin Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Note:
In special circumstances, siblings up to the age of 5 may be permitted to join class for the usual walk-in rate of $15.
Location: Encore’s Main Campus
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by A.K. Nell. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Sisterhood, Choreography, and Fun: Frozen Jr. Director Sarah Conrad
As temperatures begin to drop (ever so slowly), leaves start to turn, and pumpkin spice everything pop up in stores, you probably have autumn on the brain, friends. This #TechTuesday, however, we at Encore have something a little chillier on our minds…thoroughly Frozen to be precise. Today we’re pumped to chat with the queen of princess shows herself, director and choreographer, Sarah Conrad! As an Encore alumna of both the stage and the director’s chair, Sarah has lots of wonderful experience to draw upon as she tackles the first show of our 2019/2020 Homecoming Season, Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Encore: In your own words, please share a summary of Frozen Jr.
Sarah: Frozen Jr. is the story of two sisters who discover the meaning of love when Elsa’s ice powers get out of control and Anna comes to her rescue. There are fun songs and dance numbers for all of the characters in the show who interact with each other in different “seasons” as they progress from summer to winter back to summer. From Olaf, a talking snowman, to Sven, a sidekick reindeer, to the Oaken family in their Sauna, to the Hidden Folk who guide Kristoff’s way, to the townspeople who are always along for the ride, the show is filled with plenty of characters who work together to tell the story as Anna finds her sister and everyone makes it back to Arendelle.
Legally Blonde: The Musical, 2013
Encore: What has been your favorite moment directing the show?
Sarah: My favorite moment directing the show so far has been watching the cast members faces light up when we build levels into a song or dance or scene. Hearing them say, “Wow this dance (etc) is so fun!” makes my director heart smile. 🙂
A Little Princess, 2017
Encore: What is your creative process when you choreograph a number?
Sarah: When I choreograph a dance number, my creative process involves many pieces. I start by listening to the song a few times, closing my eyes to think of movements that I feel with the music. Then I go chunk by chunk, dancing out different ideas until I come up with the right moves for each section of music. Having a large number of people in some of the dances can be tricky, but I always enjoy figuring out ways to have them dance with partners and in formations! And as I tell my cast members, always write choreography in pencil, in case I decide to change something! Choreographing a dance number for a big group can be a challenge when it is all in my head, so having real people to work with helps bring my ideas to life and shows me places where we can adjust moves to work best with the whole group!
Snow White, 2016
Encore: What should the audience look forward to most?
Sarah: The audience can look forward to lots of fun dances and exciting magical moments (created through the wonderful technical side of the show) in addition to characters they will feel a connection with. There are a number of catchy songs so you’ll be sure to have Frozen music running through your head days after you see the show!
The Wizard of Oz, 2011
Encore: If you had to describe your cast in three words or phrases, what would they be?
Sarah: Energetic, eager, and happy to be a part of the show!
Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your creative process and this wonderfully fun show, Sarah! Join Sarah’s energetic and talented cast as they take the stage for a musical and magical adventure, this October!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan Christian.
What’s In My Rehearsal Bag: Lucy R.
A festive #FrontRowFriday to all of you, friends! We’ve got a special Front Row treat for you heading into the long weekend. Perhaps you’ve seen her in some of our past Musical Theatre Intensive or summer musical productions. This fall, you’ll have a chance to take in Lucy Rocchio’s performance as Queen of Arendelle in Encore’s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. With all of her experience, we can’t wait to hear Lucy’s tips for building the perfect rehearsal bag!
Hello all! My name is Lucy Rocchio. I’m a senior at T.C. Williams High School and I’m going to be playing Elsa in Encore’s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. this fall! I’m beyond ecstatic to be a part of this show and can’t wait for everyone to come see it.
As a matter of fact, this is the first regular season show I’ve done with Encore. Previously I’ve been involved in Encore’s Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) program where I did The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Godspell, and James and the Giant Peach.
I’ve also participated in summer shows with Encore like Mary Poppins, The Music Man, and Seussical.
Clearly I’ve always been ready to play a princess.
Dress your best for our Frozen Princess Ball on October 19th!
This makes Frozen Jr. my seventh show with Encore, which I’m so excited about! I have done 13 other plays and musicals with my schools and with a local symphony. The more shows you do, the more you learn from creative staff and other performers sharing their ideas and experience.
Encore asked me to share what I have learned about getting ready for rehearsals. I’ve learned to always be early and never forget to have what you need in a rehearsal bag. It’s crucial to be prepared and to have your bag packed with all the necessities.
- First is the script. Without this item, I wouldn’t be able to follow along the important storytelling and learn my part.
- Second are pencils. Pencils are a must in order to write down blocking (stage directions) in your script and notes from your directors! Having one pencil is good, but having a bunch always comes in handy if one breaks or if a friend needs to borrow one.
- Third is a water bottle. I always make sure to grab a reusable water bottle and fill it up so when I’m at rehearsal and we do choreography or sing a song I can take refreshing sips to stay hydrated the whole time.
- Next is cough drops. Sounding hoarse is never fun, so if my throat feels dry or sore, I can just pop one in my mouth and keep going.
- Also, I always have a couple of snacks with me. Snacks are helpful whenever there’s a break to boost energy and give a pick-me-up. They help me stay energized, focused and are also super tasty. I usually bring peanut butter crackers and some type of fruit.
- Lastly, character shoes. While playing a queen I must be sure to have the proper shoes. Character shoes are perfect because they’re meant for the stage and are heeled so they give a bit more of that royal flare. It’s also great to start wearing them early on in rehearsals to practice how movement for the part will feel in heels.
I am excited to grab my bag on rehearsal days. It means I’m going to end the day on a fun note!
Thank you for sharing all of your royal wisdom, Lucy! We look forward to your performance as Elsa in Encore’s production of Frozen Jr. this October. We’re sure it’ll give everyone chills.
Performance Dates and Showtimes for Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30pm
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and the Rocchio family.
Blog contribution by Lucy Rocchio. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Fabulous Fall Festivities Coming to Encore
Auditions “In Summer”
Encore welcomed over 110 students at auditions for Disney’s Frozen Jr, with over 20 coming out to interview for crew. With such a talented pool to choose from, our production team had quite the difficult job in front of them. They managed to narrow down the cast to around 40 participants, with around 15 students banding together to form the backstage and front of house crews.
Do you struggle with audition anxiety and want something to help you “Let it go?” Join us for a Pre-Audition Workshop! You’ll have a chance to meet some of the production team and learn what to expect in the audition room, so that, when the time comes, you’ll be ready to shine like the star you are.
Broadway Comes to Arlington
Encore was thrilled to welcome Angelina Mullins Prattes and Colt Prattes to host a special workshop for students at our Center Stage camp. These professional dancers are currently touring the country with Disney’s production of Aladdin. They took time from their busy schedule at the Kennedy Center to join us in Arlington for the teaching of some intense and fun choreography. Many thanks to both of these wonderful professionals!
Do you dream of strutting your stuff on a Broadway stage or delivering a heartbreaking soliloquy in a Shakespearean classic? No matter where your interests may lead, Encore has a theatre class for you. Fall registration is now open!
Join us at our free Open House event on Saturday, September 21st, 2019 from 10 AM – 12 PM. You’ll have the chance to meet members of Encore’s staff and teaching team, take a sample class, and get registered for the fall.
Making Magic at Stage Door
August brought the second round of Stage Door/Tech Camp productions to the final level: performance! Audiences were treated to several very fine performances of Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr, complete with living statues, flying kites, dancing chimney sweeps, and more! Click here to check out some of the photos from the show.
Join us on Saturday, October 19th for the Frozen Princess Ball, following the 11 AM performance.
Are you ready for even more Disney magic? Single tickets for Disney’s Frozen Jr. are now on sale. With such a popular and beloved title, tickets are sure to go quickly, so be sure to get your best seats today!
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
This week marks the final sessions of #EncoreSummer 2019. From age 3 to 18, it’s been a joy working with each and every one of our summer camp students this year. Visit the blog for some throwback photos and sneak peeks into what a wonderful summer it’s been.
For students in grades K-5, the fun doesn’t have to end! Encore has over 10 holiday mini-camps running during our 2019/2020 season. This year we’ve expanded our offerings to accommodate both Arlington and Fairfax County Public Schools. We can’t wait to play the day away with all of you!
Members Are Worth Melting For
Do you love exclusive swag? Or maybe you’re a fan of getting first dibs on theatre seats and event access? What about saving money? If you said “Yes!” to any of the above, you’re just the right fit to become an Encore Season Member. Act now and receive a Member-exclusive discount to the Frozen Princess Ball!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Caolan Eder. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Welcome to Marketing Apprentice Gloria!
Greetings and an energetic #FrontRowFriday to you all!
Today on the blog, we’re delighted to introduce one of Encore’s newest staff members: our 2019/2020 Marketing Apprentice, Ge Gloria Dong!
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or marketing?
Gloria: My background is in arts management. I have worked at In Series as an Art Administration Intern. I helped with selling tickets and providing customer service through ticketing software. I assisted with planning events and community outreach. As a Director of Dance Teaching Affairs at Beijing Dance Theater Training Center, I worked on social media marketing and education services.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Gloria: I was involved in a series of dance showings as an Administrative Intern at City Dance School & Conservatory. I enjoyed working with different age groups. I got to know how to communicate with younger [students] and seniors and how to put them together. It was overwhelming but exciting to get everybody ready to be on the stage. I’ve learned to handle intense works and fix last-minute issues. And I was so impressed by our dancers’ performance. I think everything is worthy when you see those little stars shining the stage!
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Gloria: I found it so incredible for young folks to start their careers. I will get a chance to work with different departments and learn to manage multiple tasks. The more approaches to your interests, the easier to merge your passions with your future path. That’s why I am so into Encore Stage & Studio’s apprenticeship program.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Gloria: I would expect to seek more opportunities to: Bring in money, improve marketing skills, and learn more about stage management.
Gloria is definitely ready for Frozen Jr!
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season?
Glora: Frozen Jr. and Narnia!
Thanks for sharing, Gloria! Expect to see our new Marketing Apprentice at Encore’s Main Campus, taking photos during education classes, helping at auditions, and assisting patrons at Front of House during our productions. We can already tell that it’s going to be a wonderful experience!
Photos supplied by Ge Gloria Dong. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
The Parents Speak: #EncoreSummer
A special #TechTuesday to all of our Encore fans out there. Keep the pumpkin spice at bay, because we’ve got two more weeks of glorious summer left! With camps specially tailored for ages 3 through 15, we’ve been having a blast so far this #EncoreSummer. Based on our feedback surveys, it seems safe to say that our campers and their parents are enjoying themselves too! Scroll down to check out some of the praises our parents have been singing (and please pardon our blush). ❤
Ages 3-5:
- She specifically mentioned that she learned how to “project,” which is “singing loud, but not yelling!” 😜
- [My student] became more independent and confident.
- My son now wants to participate next year, based solely on limited interaction with camp staff during drop offs and my daughter’s excitement about the camp.
My daughter was excited to go back every day!
Ages 5-9:
- [We chose Encore because of:] willingness to work with my child’s special needs, [their] ability to keep him engaged, opportunities for him to learn [and] expand his skills, all while having fun hours.
- [My student] came home from camp happy every day! She really enjoyed crafting the play with her peers.
- [My child] developed confidence and willingness to take risks…he also had the chance to work on his gross motor skills and following directions with the dance routines.
- This was my kiddo’s first experience with theater/drama camp & he loved it! He’s already asking to do another week (which we would if we could fit it with our vacation schedule).
The counselors knew my child and talked about their day at pick up.
The staff all seemed extremely nice, caring, engaged, and loving.
Ages 8-12:
- My daughter learned more flexibility and more about how the creative process works building up to the actual performance.
- She learned about the parts of a performance (rising action, falling action, etc.) and how to include them when she writes.
- I couldn’t be more pleased with the accommodations and the above-and-beyond efforts made by the staff to help my daughter find a place in the group and have a wonderful week.
- Everyone, staff and participants, was inclusive and supportive.
We love Encore and are so happy with its mission, vision, and approach!
Ages 11-15:
- The instructors pushed her to improve … and gave balanced feedback.
- Both my girls loved the rehearsals most. They also loved painting the set. Very fun camp and they were sorry to see it end.
- [My students] learned the structure of a production and how a play develops. Discipline through practice.
- My younger daughter had never acted, so she learned a great deal about blocking, set design, and projecting her voice, among other things. Good experience memorizing a complicated script in a short time.
- Staff is always caring and fun!
- She is completely hooked and will audition for future shows. She didn’t want it to end.
- This is the first time my daughter has asked to attend a camp again next year. She came home so happy every day.
Loved the director and the assistants, all of them. Definitely a highlight of the camp experience – all were very sweet and easygoing ladies. My daughters loved them.
She didn’t want it to end.
Many, many thanks to these families for sharing their gracious feedback and for spending another wonderful summer with us here at Encore. We’re thrilled to share that registration for our Early and Late Fall class sessions is now open. Many of the teaching artists you know and love (for example: Ms. A, Mr. Seth, and Ms. Cici) will be returning to teach throughout the year. We can’t wait to see you all!
Mondays, September 23 – November 4 (No class October 14) – Six Class Session
Tuesdays, October 1-22 – Four Class Session
Saturdays, October 5-26 – Four Class Session
Late Fall Session
Saturdays, November 2 – December 14 (No class November 30) – Six Class Session
Wednesdays, November 6 – December 18 (No class November 27) – Six Class Session
Tuesdays, November 12 – December 17 – Six Class Session
Mondays, November 18 – December 16 – Five Class Session
Photos by Shannon McCarthy, Cindy Kane Photography, Brian Hernandez, and Aileen Christian.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
You’re Invited to Encore’s 2019 Fall Open House!
Encore Stage & Studio is excited to kick off the 2019/2020 education season with a Fall Open House event on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10 am – 12 pm, at Encore’s Main Campus! Students will experience 30-minute sample sessions of Encore’s various upcoming fall classes. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet teaching artists and Encore staff, as well as register for Early and Late Fall classes. Registration is free and recommended in advance to guarantee a spot in your favorite classes.
“Encore’s teaching artists bring professional excellence and passion for theatre to every class they teach. I love watching the final sharings for our classes because I get to witness the growing self-confidence and joy in each child.” — Sara Duke, Encore Stage & Studio Executive Director
Class sessions include options of either four or six weeks. Encore’s educational programs are designed to provide a fun and safe environment for children to explore theatre arts, from the newest beginner to the more experienced theatre fan.
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Meet and Greet
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Disney Dance (Grades K-1)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Adventures in Narnia (Grades 2-3)
10:45 am – 11:15 am: Meet and Greet + Registration
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Fairytale Fun (Grades K-1)
11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Registration in the Parents’ Lounge
Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5)
“And they lived happily ever after!” But what happened first? This fun class studies a series of favorite fairytale stories chosen especially for our youngest friends, including Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, Jack & the Beanstalk, and more! Develop the confidence of sharing a story with a beginning, middle, and end, while working together as a group.
Disney Dance (K-1)
Get ready for “A Whole New World” as we dance to Disney classics and brand-new hits! From The Lion King to The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast, we invite you to “Be Our Guest” as we learn rhythm and movement through your favorite tunes and tales as old as time!
Adventures in Narnia (2-3)
Step through the wardrobe and explore the thrilling land of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia. Work with your classmates to recreate the fantastical characters, creatures, and conflicts of this imaginary world.
Best of Broadway (4-5)
Do you adore a kick-line, dance in your seat, or dream of tapping up 42nd Street? Lace up your dancing shoes and sashay your way onto the stage with Encore! Students will learn fun combinations, as well as basic dance terminology, to set the foundation for years of dance and movement appreciation.
Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
Follow us through a series of adventure stories, designed for our youngest friends, with our trusty companion Clifford the Big Red Dog. Develop the confidence of sharing a story with a beginning, middle, and end, while learning valuable lessons about friendship and working together as a group.
Fairytale Fun (K-1)
Live like a King, Queen, Prince, Princess, or Court Jester for an hour each week with this engaging fairytale-themed class. Slay dragons, break magic spells, and live happily ever after as you and your classmates act out classic stories and even create your own!