Farewell to Summer Intern Brian Hernandez
This #TechTuesday, we’d like to take this time to thank a powerful force behind this summer’s educational and theatrical programming: Arts Management intern Brian Hernandez. Brian has been an essential member of Encore’s staff as we wrapped up our main stage season with Disney’s Newsies, especially in the heat (both literal and figurative) of the summer camp season. His graphic designs spiced up the shirts at Stage Door and graced the cover of many a final camp sharing. His friendly nature made him a instant favorite with Front of House patrons at Newsies and office staff alike. Read on to hear a bit more about Brian’s summer experience as an intern:
Encore: What did you enjoy most about your summer with Encore?
Brian: The creative freedom that this place has to offer. The staff is incredibly open-minded and creates an entertaining and productive atmosphere. Truly made coming into work enjoyable and unique.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
Encore: What’s your favorite memory?
Brian: I’d say my favorite memory was working Front of the House for Newsies. The energy, the work done, and being able to connect with more people from Encore was a delight!
Encore: What skills do you think helped you throughout your internship?
Brian: This internship helped me practice my prioritization skills which, in turn, helped with meeting deadlines, accomplishing tasks, and never feeling overwhelmed with time constraints. This internship furthered my understanding of how getting tasks done at the beginning will set you up for success towards the end.
Encore: What skill sets and experiences did you take away from your summer with Encore?
Brian: Delegating was a skill set that I will continue to use from my time here with Encore. Being able to work as Front of House manager made me step up in making sure everything was as efficient as can be, as well as making sure everyone helping out was doing their job and being supported. In addition, being in this theatrical environment also showed me that every day can be different and each day was an adventure that I would happily take on again and again.
Thank you for sharing with us, Brian, and for all of your fantastic work this summer. Your hilarious “Questions of the Week” and quick wit (not to mention your super cool shoes) will definitely be missed. We can’t wait to work together again soon. Until then, happy trails!
Blog contribution and additional photos provided by 2019 Arts Management Intern, Brian Hernandez. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
3 Thrilling July Highlights to Get You Excited for Fall
Greetings, Encore fans! Can you believe that July has come and gone? We’ve been channeling our inner Olaf and enjoying all of the wonderful things we can do “in summerrrrrr.” July was a whirlwind of activity here at Encore. Let’s take a look back on all the fun we had, as well as all that’s in store this fall!
Encore’s production of Disney’s Newsies was an energetic and thrilling favorite for audiences, reviewers, staff, and cast alike. While the strike has now ended, we were excited to end our 2018/2019 season on such a high note.
Looking for an electric theatre experience of your own? Tonight is your final chance to audition for another Disney musical adaptation: Frozen, Jr. With fantastic songs, beloved characters (human, animal, and…weather-based?), creative technical elements, and more, this first production of Encore’s 2019/2020 Homecoming Season will surely give you chills.
Join us for the final night of auditions:
Location: Encore’s Main Campus (4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207)
Time: 5-7 PM. Please arrive no later than 6:30 PM.
What to bring: Yourself! There’s no need to prepare anything in advance. Come prepared to play some games, learn a song, and have some fun! You may want to bring along a book or other quiet activity, in case you have to wait a bit before going into the audition room.
We Sent it to Space!
After a spring premiere that was out of this world, the cast of Rocket Woman was pumped to take the show on tour to two summer locations: Patrick Henry Elementary School and Nook in Ballston. We had a blast sharing this story of creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance with new audiences of young theatre lovers.
This rhythmic and exciting new addition to the Theatre for the Very Young catalog will be making one final appearance this season, so don’t miss out! Join us for a free public performance of Rocket Woman at the Lubber Run Amphitheater at 11 AM on Sunday, August 11, 2019. We hope to see you there!
We Shared Our Hard Work
Our campers have been very busy this summer, learning about all aspects of theatre, from projection and stage presence to choreography, Shakespeare to stage combat, theatrical lighting to play-writing, and more. Those of us here at the Main Campus love taking field trips to join the audiences of the end-of-camp performances or “sharings,” as we like to call them. It’s marvelous to see the culmination of so many hours in the classroom come to life on stage.
Does your student long to step into the spotlight, to polish up their dance steps, or to take on the task of playing a notorious villain? With Encore’s season of educational theatre classes, there is a theatre adventure awaiting each and every young actor. Fall registration opens Monday, August 12, 2019. In the meantime, spark your imagination by reading through all of our class descriptions, now available on our website:
Whether it be in the audition room, the classroom, or the audience, we look forward to celebrating Encore’s 2019/2020 Homecoming Season with all of you. Questions? Send us a note at info@encorestage.org or give us a call at 703-548-1154; we’re here to help!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Fall for Encore’s New Theatre Classes
Psst…hey, you. Yes, you! We have a secret for you…it’s almost August. We can hardly believe that our jam-packed summer has been whirling by so quickly. Before we know it, it’ll be time to sharpen our pencils and head back to school. If that thought sends you screaming to the nearest pool, don’t fear! We’ve already got our Education classes posted for the upcoming 2019/2020 season. Use these themes to guide your explorations as you plan for the fall and you’ll certainly have lots to look forward to. Onward!
Epic:
Do you dream of starring in your own comic book series, battling dastardly villains…or even becoming such a villain yourself? If so, here are just a few of the upcoming adventure-themed theatre courses we’ve got coming your way this fall.
Scenes from Encore’s Season (Grades 4-5)
Can’t get enough of Encore from the audience? Here’s your chance to get in on the action! Students will explore characters and themes using scenes from shows being performed as part of Encore’s 2019/2020 season, including Frozen Jr, Narnia, The Three Musketeers, and more. This session is the perfect opportunity for budding actors and eager audience members alike!
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee: $75
Skills: Storytelling, Confidence, Stage Presence, Collaboration
Fantastic Voyage (Grades K-1)
Each week, travel to lands unknown in this fantasy-themed class. Live like royalty, slay dragons, break magic spells, sail the seven seas, blast off to the moon, and live happily ever after as you and your classmates create and act out riveting stories, old and new, working together as a Fantastic crew.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Storytelling, Character Creation, Imaginative Thinking, Confidence
Classic Villains (Grades 6-8)
Delve into the mind and dastardly deeds of a villain! Actors will inhabit some of the most nefarious villains in theatrical history or those of your own creation. Discover how much fun it can be to play a literary bad guy as you develop backstories, hatch scandalous schemes, and don disguises. This class offers even the most experienced actors the chance to break the mold and create fun and interesting characters.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Staging, Acting Motivation
Ensemble
For every performer who longs to belt out powerful songs like Queen Elsa, leap through the air like a Newsie, and ace their next audition like a pro, we’ve created a series of fun and informative musical theatre classes to help grow your love while improving your dance and vocal technique.
Disney Dance (Grades 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! This class may be repeated, as different songs are learned each session.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee: $75
Skills: Choreography, Spacial Awareness, Confidence, Stage Presence
Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5)
Do you adore a kickline, 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. With new songs and dance styles taught each session, students are encouraged to repeat this class for new learning opportunities.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Choreography, Spacial Awareness, Confidence, Stage Presence
Broadway Musicals (Grades 6-12)
This high-energy class will enhance and refine your singing, dancing, and acting skills to get you ready for any audition, performance, or class. Working with classic musical theatre songs, this class will help both beginning and experienced students to focus on vocals, choreography, and ensemble work as we build toward a theatrical final sharing.
Mondays, September 23–November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee: $115
Skills: Choreography, Projection, Stage Presence, Healthy Self-Image
Enchanted
As a children’s theatre, we love stories, big and small, realistic and wildly imaginative. Here’s a brief selection of some of the more magical adventures we have in store this fall.
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.
Saturdays, October 5–26, 2019
Four Class Session
Time: 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Fee: $75
Skills: Confidence, Focus, Listening, Story Telling
Snow Queen Stories (Grades 2-3)
Underneath a cold and snowy exterior lies a heart full of warmth and goodness in Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story of The Snow Queen. We will use this tale and other adaptations, such as Frozen, to develop acting skills. Come prepared to let it go and use your imagination!
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Storytelling, Imaginative Thinking, Collaboration, Confidence
Supernatural Shakespeare (Grades 6-8)
“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.
Mondays, September 23-November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $105
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Acting Motivation, Building Repertoire
For every swashbuckler, songbird, and royal persona out there, Encore’s Education program has something to pique your interest and take you on the imaginative and learning adventure of a lifetime. Mark your calendars for Monday, August 12, 2019, when fall registration opens for the first time this season. You won’t want to miss out on your favorite classes, so start planning today!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography, Larry McClemons, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Newsies by the Numbers
1,253 Patrons
Encore had the pleasure of welcoming over one thousand patrons during the opening weekend of Newsies. Crowds left with smiles on their faces and a tap dancing pep in their steps. Come join in on the fun!
44 Cast Members
With one of the largest Encore casts to date, Newsies delivers a powerful punch of energy and joy. From impressive company dance numbers to heart-wrenching solos and duets, this large cast has something to offer every theatre-goer.
22 Songs
We’ll allow a reviewer to describe the music of this Disney musical for us: “Newsies is full of multi-layered harmonies and all the vocals were beautifully done (nod to Music Director, Sarah Markovits) in company numbers like ‘Carrying the Banner,’ ‘Seize the Day,’ and ‘King of New York.’ Coupled with Collins’ challenging choreography, the cast of young artists wowed the audience time and time again” (DC Metro Theater Arts). If you love a catchy musical theatre tunes, Alan Menken’s score of Newsies is waiting for you!
21 Crew-sies
To match the wonderful music and amazing choreography is Kristen Jepperson’s masterful set of New York City. Those city streets won’t move themselves, however! Clad in hats, bow ties, and suspenders of their own, a talented group of “Crewtons” maneuver the sets, balance the microphones, channel the spotlights, and assist patrons at front of house. Sound like something you’d like to try? “Seize the Day” and try out for crew on Frozen Jr, August 5th and 6th.
3 Summers
2019 ushers in the third summer of a magnificent partnership: Elizabeth Pringle (Director) and Sarah Markovits (Musical Director), along with Rebecca Pfeil (Stage Manager), have collaborated for three consecutive Encore summer productions, beginning with The Music Man in 2017, followed by last summer’s Seussical. This trio clearly demonstrates that some things get even better with time; you won’t want to miss out on their most recent fruit of labor!
4 Reviews
Encore has been fortunate to receive several extremely kind reviews during the opening weekend of Newsies. Check out some of the highlights below:
“Musical-theater fans will get a kick out of summer Encore production.”
-Arlington Sun Gazette
“Encore’s production of Newsies is perfect for the whole family and is certainly a show that hits all the right notes!”
-Student Reviewer
“The quality of the show is made all the more remarkable by how much its youthful participants drive the show.”
–The Prince George’s Sentinel
“Newsies is full of multi-layered harmonies and all the vocals were beautifully done […] in company numbers like ‘Carrying the Banner,’ ‘Seize the Day,’ and ‘Kings of New York.’ Coupled with Collins’ challenging choreography, the cast of young artists wowed the audience time and time again.”
–DC Metro Theatre Arts
4 Shows Left
With four final performances selling fast, you will want to get your tickets before they’re gone “Once and For All.” Whether you prefer a matinee or an evening theatre outing, there are multiple offerings for you.
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sun, July 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
“A Veritable Nonstop Delight” – Newsies Guest Reviewer
After a whirlwind opening weekend of Newsies, we’re back on The Front Row today with a special guest reviewer, Mealy Cronin. Please enjoy this “theatre by kids for kids” review…by kids!
Running July 19th-28th at the Kenmore Middle School Theater, you don’t want to miss Encore Stage & Studio’s production of the Walt Disney film musical adaptation, Newsies. Encore is a theatre group “by kids for kids,” full of amazingly talented children and teens; each cast member provides professional level acting, singing, and dancing for your summer entertainment enjoyment!
Now, it’s hard to imagine a time before 24-hour news coverage, but at the turn of the 20th century, this was not the case. Newspaper hawkers, known as “newsies,” were the key to knowing all the happenings in one’s city, state, and world. Newsies, a musical-comedy drama with music by Alan Menken and based on the Walt Disney film, tells the tale of the New York City Newsboys Strike of 1899.
Caught up in the power struggle between two publishing powerhouses, William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, the newsies are forced to pay higher prices for the newspapers they buy from the distribution centers, resulting in a lower return per paper sold. To combat this, Jack Kelly and his rag-tag band of newsies go on strike and, aided by a sympathetic reporter, end up taking on the New York City publishing establishment and, ultimately, exposing the mistreatment of child workers.
Through rousing, motivating, and enthusiastic song and dance numbers like “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “King of New York,” the hardscrabble newsies convey all the youthful exuberance and heartache of the era. The young performers kept the audience – adults and children alike – captivated and thoroughly engaged throughout. They truly transport you back to a time before cell phones, television, and computers – where kids had to literally fight to be noticed and heard, let alone taken seriously.
Special applause goes to the incredible performances by Nasim Abdul Khaaliq (Les), Emma Kiely-Hampson (Katherine Plumber), and Kyle Dalsimer (Jack Kelly). Though the acting, singing, and dancing of the cast was extraordinary, these three conveyed the full range of sorrow, hardship, fun, and hope in a manner which belied their youthful ages.
Encore’s production of Newsies is perfect for the whole family and is certainly a show that hits all the right notes! From tap ensembles to truly professional dancing, choreography, singing, and acting, this is an experience that offers a lasting message of unity, courage, and optimism – a veritable nonstop delight!
The show’s run-time is 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission. Remaining performances run Thursday to Sunday at Kenmore Middle School Theater (202 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204). Tickets are $15 for Adults, and $12 for Children, Students, Military, and Seniors and are available online at www.encorestage.org or by calling the box office at (703) 548-1154.
So take a break from the summer heat, put on your tap shoes and treat yourself to Newsies!
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sun, July 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Meet the Reviewer:
Mealy Cronin is a recent graduate of the Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. A child-performer herself, Mealy is an enthusiastic fan of the theater, especially musical theater! Though headed off to high school at a Connecticut boarding school in the fall, Mealy hopes to come back and have the opportunity to view and review many more of these great Encore Stage and Studio shows upon her return!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by guest reviewer Mealy Cronin. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
A Newsies Headline Round-Up
In this week’s #TechTuesday, we heard from many members of our large cast of 44 actors. It was wonderful to hear about some of their favorite moments in rehearsal, as well as what the show means to them. Check out a few more cast accounts, then read the full report on The Front Row:
Sean Gilley: (Mr. Wiesel and Seitz) My favorite memory of the show was coming into my first rehearsal with the newsies and seeing how much they had accomplished in a short period of time. It got me motivated to step up and shine right along side of them. I am most excited to see the musical numbers and action set-pieces done with the proper set, lighting, and sound. Newsies is perfect for Encore: A newspaper union by kids, for kids.
Ali: (Youth Newsies, Scab) One of my favorite memories is being called a “nouth yewsie” by the director. Now we are just called “nouth yewsies” by everyone! I am excited for people to see the amazing dancing and the set. Encore’s [production of] Newsies is a production filled with character emotion.
Tilli: (Morris Delancey) My favorite memory from the entire rehearsal process was probably the first time we all got the harmonies during the finale. It was so wonderful to see all the pieces come together, especially then, because that was the end of the show. That’s something I’m excited about regarding the musical. The music is just absolutely amazing and to have it all come together with the entire cast is beautiful. Newsies is an inspiring story about perseverance and the power of the written word.
Making Headlines
Encore is thrilled to have been featured by several significant local publications, including MommyNearest, Arlington Magazine, and ARL Now. The cast and creative team welcomed a reporter (how meta!) from The Arlington Connection into the rehearsal room for a behind-the-scenes look in Encore’s production of Newsies.
Extra, Extra!
Haven’t purchased your papes? Looking for a sneak peak of what’s in store? Get hyped reading last week’s #FrontRowFriday:
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Friday, July 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sun, July 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
From the Cast: A Newsies Rehearsal Update
Extra, extra, read all about it! Encore’s production of Disney’s Newsies opens this Friday. The buzz in the office about this show has been steadily growing to an excited roar. Today we’re pumped to check in with a few members of our cast, to learn a bit more about some of the characters that inhabit our streets of New York, as well as what has them amped up for this production run.
Madeleine: (Bowery Beauty, Newsie, Nun) My favorite memory of this show has been meeting a ton of new friends, because I have never been in an Encore show or known anyone from Encore! The thing that I’m most excited for in Newsies is getting to perform on the set, because it is so amazing. I’m also excited to perform the tap number “King Of New York.” Encore’s [production of] Newsies is an enjoyable, well put-together, and upbeat show that has been a great experience to be a part of!
Marz: (Youth Newsies) I am part of the strike and the union that’s been formed. One of my favorite memories during Newsies was when I walked into the theatre and saw the set for the first time. I was in shock of how amazing it looked and what I have the chance to be a part of. Newsies is something so much bigger then me, and I am so excited to see the magic come together onstage! To me, Newsies is about justice, finding your voice, bravery, loyalty, and love. I hope the audience feels the message that’s conveyed, and that they take it and spread it out into the world.
Dahlia: (Nun, Bowery Beauty, Dancer Newsie) My favorite memories from the rehearsal process focus on making new friends and dancing. I’m very excited to be able to share what we’ve worked on to our friends and family. If I could describe Newsies in one word, I would describe it as adventurous.
Emmie: (Nun, Newsies, Bowery Beauty) Newsies is a great musical about the newsboy strike of 1899, when the newsies went on strike for better wages after the politician Joe Pulitzer raises the price on the newspapers that the newsies have to sell, an unfair thing to do because the newsboys don’t get refunded for the papers they don’t sell and they have to eat. My favorite memory from the Newsies rehearsal process was learning the tap number for “King of New York.” I don’t have a whole lot of experience with tap, so at first when I found out I was going to be in the tap number I was a little nervous, but learning it was really fun and after practicing it a lot, I got all the steps and that felt really good. For the show, I think I’m most excited for the dance numbers, specifically the tap number and the dance number with the Bowery Beauties, which is so much fun too (we do a kick line!). It’s going to be a great show and I can’t wait to perform.
Xander: (Youth Newsie, Goon, Bill) The whole rehearsal process was so much fun, but one memory in particular that stands out is when we first started tech week. I enjoyed seeing the amazing sets the crew built for the first time, and it was fun to play games with the cast and try on costumes. It also made the show feel so real, that we were truly standing in Newsies Square and dancing in the streets of New York! I’m most excited for the fight scene at the end of “Seize the Day”; it is an intense all-out brawl filled with punches, kicks, chaos all over the stage, and more! It provides a sharp contrast to the determination the newsies have after singing about standing up to fight for what they believe in. Newsies has something for everyone, whether it’s the stage combat, amazing group numbers, New York accents, or beautiful sets and costumes. This show brings so many awesome talents together to tell the riveting tale of the newsboys strike of 1899.
Matthew: (Bunsen, Youth Newsie) I’ve had such a fun time rehearsing this show; one of my favorite memories of rehearsal was when we did our first full run-through because it was so amazing to see how all of our hard work come together. I’m so excited for the audiences to see this show because it’s a show for the whole family. Everyone will have a character to relate to. Encore’s production of Newsies is a whirlwind of beautiful singing, phenomenal dances, and a story for the ages.
Ben: (Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of The World and villain of the story) I have enjoyed being a part of this production with my son, Will, who plays a Nouth Newsie and the Policeman. My favorite memory of rehearsal was our first “stumble-through” — getting to see and hear our incredible cast do the full show for the first time! I am most excited to see the audience reactions. My brief description of Encore’s Newsies: an exuberantly energetic show with everything you could want in a musical!
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Friday, July 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sun, July 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm
5 Reasons Not to Miss Newsies
The choreography in this production is off the charts! Full of kicks, leaps, and taps that will leave you (and the cast) breathless, the dance numbers of Newsies do not disappoint, from the second number of the show on through to the finale.
The Harmony
Working hand in hand with Anneke Collins’ superb choreography are the gorgeous and catchy songs by Alan Menken. Music Director Sarah Markovits does a beautiful job working with the cast to draw out the emotional, moving, and motivating intricacies in each piece. You’ll definitely be humming all the way home from the theatre.
The Brawl
In contrast to the graceful dance moves and lovely singing, we’ve also got quite the staged brawl in store for our audiences. We won’t give away who wins, but with nearly every member of the cast onstage for the fight, the results are sure to be epic.
The Laughs
This newsboys’ union is chock full of wise-cracking hooligans, so be prepared to crack a smile, if not bust out an outright belly laugh.
The Cast
As so often happens in the making of theatre, life imitates art when it comes to the cast. The onstage bonds create real and meaningful friendships. These connections help actors to give even more of themselves to their characters, creating genuine and well-rounded characters as they support their fellow cast members. Come take in the talent, friendship, and joy that comes bursting out of this cast with each and every performance.
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Friday, July 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sun, July 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Photos by Gemma Roberts. Video edited by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Ways to Style Your Exclusive Encore Tote
Although New York Fashion Week is still a few months away, our staff can’t get over our tote-ally cute new Season Member perk: the handy and versatile Encore tote bag! All dressed up and not sure where to go with your awesome new accessory? You’re in luck, because our staff not only loves a photo shoot, but also loves sharing news about Encore!
Bring your new favorite bag on a sidewalk stroll or even a trip to the farmers’ market – what a classy way to bring a fun pop of color to the world around you, all while being eco-friendly with your reusable tote. Wanting to get Down on the Farm yourself? We’ve got two spaces left in our new camp for 3 to 5-year olds:
Down on the Farm
The pigs “oink,” the cows “moo,” the chickens “cluck,” the ducks “quack,” and the horses “neigh” as the barnyard comes to life as we explore the sights and sounds of living Down on the Farm. Through movement, games, and song, we’ll create our very own barnyard of fun!
Fee: $220
Be Prepared
Encore totes make great rehearsal bags. There’s room for everything you need: your script, water bottle, jazz shoes, pencil, snacks, and more. Show your Encore pride on the way to rehearsal, back home, and everywhere in between! Gearing up for next season’s auditions? Mark down the dates and pack your bags, because it’s going to a wonderful season.
Summer Munchin’
Bring your Encore bag to camp! With room for your lunch, sweatshirt, umbrella, notebook, and snacks galore, you’ll feel like Mary Poppins herself when you roll up to summer camp. We’ve still got camp spaces open from ages 3 to 15, and we would love to have you join us in style!
Props for Days
From piles of Newsies‘ papes to seemingly hundreds of Who-housing clovers, Mr. Wonka’s candy bars to slippers as pure as gold, techies have to haul around some pretty interesting things. A sturdy Encore tote will certainly come in handy on your way to Tech Camp: Mary Poppins Jr. this summer; but quick! We only have one spot left for this summer.
Here’s to the Ladies (and Gents) Who Brunch
Your Encore-purple catch all is lovely for all of your weekend activities: yoga class, a trip to the market or library, brunch, and beyond! Want to be one of the first to know about upcoming Encore events such as the Benefit Breakfast? Make a donation to support “Theatre by kids, for kids” and join our beloved list of donors. We couldn’t make this magic happen without every single one of you!
Hopefully by now we’ve got you tote-ally pumped about our new Season Membership-exclusive bags. But wait! Even more perks await you when you join our Homecoming Season as a Member:
- Receive an exclusive season member tote
- Your choice of package, ranging from three to six shows
- Great savings for the entire family
- Best choice of seats
- Special access to pre-show events
- Easy ticket exchanges and more!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Instagram template by Gemma Roberts. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Frozen Jr. Auditions “In Summer!”
Happy #FrontRowFriday, friends! We hope all of the Encore family had a safe and fantastic 4th of July celebration. Wait – July 4th has come and gone!? Check your calendar…July 5th. That means we’re exactly one month away from auditions for Encore’s production of Disney’s Frozen, Jr. Today we’ve got four reasons to audition, to help you count the four weeks until the big day:
Are you someone who finds that the end of summer seems to drag? Do you get pumped for school supply shopping and the prospect of a new school year? The last month of summer will fly by with auditions and rehearsals that will have you happier than a dancing snowman.
Come Back “For the First Time in Forever”
Have you been missing working on a school with your Encore pals? Our 2019/2020 Homecoming Season is the perfect time to come audition for cast or crew! We’ll be returning to our home of Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. Reconnect with old friends and make some awesome new ones as you work together to put on this popular Disney favorite.
Fear About Auditions? “Let It Go!”
Whether it’s your first time in the audition room or your 40th, it’s natural to feel some nerves (that shows that you really care about what you’re doing – awesome!). Here at Encore, we make every effort to keep our auditions low-key and very fun. You’ll go into the room with a group of students just like you; you’ll play games and get to know the production team. Be loud, energetic, and attentive, and you’re sure to have a fabulous time!
Share “A Little Bit of You”
Our production team loves auditions because they get to work with so many excited and talented young people. Your audition is your chance to share just a glimpse into what a wonderful and interesting person you are; we can’t wait to meet you and see your work!
Auditions for Disney’s Frozen, Jr.
August 5 & 6, 2019
5 -7 PM
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30
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. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.