A #WorldBookDay Look Back
Here at Encore, we love a good book. What do we love even more? Bringing stories from the page to the stage! Today, in celebration of #WorldBookDay, we’ll be taking a look back at just a few of the most recent Encore shows that originally found their roots in a book. Read on!
Madeline’s Christmas (2017)
A double–cast production of this childhood classic jumped off the page to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Sherlock Holmes (2018)
This clever detective returned to the Encore stage to solve another case with the help of his loyal friend Watson, thwarting the infamous Moriarty once again.
Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (2018)
While this beloved animated classic may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of books, upon further inspection, one will find striking similarities to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
James and the Giant Peach (2018)
This quirky childhood favorite came to life in this larger than life production, complete with a giant book!
Pinocchio (2018)
Encore cut loose our strings in this colorful and energetic production, which even contained a monstrous whale puppet that wowed audiences and cast alike.
Seussical (2018)
Dr. Seuss’s wacky characters took over the Kenmore theatre to show “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
Jingle ARRGH the Way! (2018)
Pirate friends from Jake and the Neverland Pirates sailed into Arlington to get audiences feeling “swell” for the holidays in this festive Christmas musical, a new show for Encore’s repertoire.
The Enchanted Bookshop (2019)
This production featured a who’s who of classic literary characters, including figures such as Dorothy, The Queen of Hearts, Tom Sawyer, and even our old friend Sherlock Holmes.
Robin Hood (2019)
Encore’s most recent production was a new take on a revered tale of old, featuring old favorites such as Friar Tuck and Maid Marion, but adding new faces like Lady Merle and the Sheriff’s Wife.
The Talented Clementine (2019)
Coming up next in Encore’s season: a world premiere musical, based on the cherished children’s book series by Sara Pennypacker! Encore Stage & Studio has been working for over two years in collaboration with Kid Pan Alley, a songwriting residency program that works with elementary students, to bring this book to life.
Clementine gets nervous when her third grade teacher announces that her class will be putting on a talent show to raise money for the spring trip. She can’t sing or dance or play an instrument like her super talented friend Margaret, and what talents she does have would not work on a stage. Clementine must find an act, any act, to perform before the night of the big show. But with only a few days to do so, can she put it together in time?
Get your tickets today to be part of making Encore history!
We recommend this musical for ages 6 and older.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Fridays, May 31 & June 7, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays, June 1 & 8, 2019 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sundays, June 2 & 9, 2019 at 3 pm
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. The Talented Clementine illustration by Marla Frazee. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Sunny Highlights from 2019’s Benefit Breakfast
Greetings, Encore fans! Last week was quite the whirlwind as the 6th annual Encore Benefit Breakfast was prepared and launched. If you weren’t able to join us on April 10th, fear not; we’ve got your Front Row recap covered. Read on to get the highlights of a wonderful morning in support of “Theatre by kids, for kids!”
Characters Gone Rogue
One of our favorite parts of the Breakfast is getting to see talented Encore performers from across the current season share their talents with an excited audience, up close and personal. This year, our characters were on the lose: pirates from Jingle ARRGH the Way, famous literary faces from The Enchanted Bookshop, Robin Hood‘s merry band, even The Talented Clementine herself! Board President Carole Russo called in the Ghostchasers to crash the breakfast and hunt down the missing characters. Fortunately, Sharktooth the Pirate was able to open the Breakfast with the hilarious song “I’m a Star” before Honcho and his gang were able to track down the dancing pirates.
A Presidential Welcome
Board president Carole Russo officially opened the Breakfast with a warm welcome to all those present, with special thanks to the Breakfast planning committee, Board of Directors, and Encore staff. She also highlighted 2019 Celeste Award winner, Melissa Huston, thanking her for all of her hard work and dedication as an Encore volunteer.
An Enchanted Auction
Next, the cast of The Enchanted Bookshop drew attention to some of the excellent prizes up for grabs in the 2019 Encore Silent Auction. These packages included such perks as Washington Nationals tickets, a night at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, tickets to Signature Theatre, and more! What a great way to both treat yourself and support “Theatre by kids, for kids!”
Leading at Encore and Beyond
Breakfast attendees had the pleasure of hearing from student speaker, Caitlyn Knittig, a participant of over 14 Encore productions. Her heartfelt speech shared her personal experience of growth, trust, and the family she found within Encore. She eloquently spoke on how the confidence and leadership skills she gained through participating in theatre prepared her to launch her own non-profit organization, We Support the Girls.
“Daydreaming”
Clementine herself, portrayed by Nyla Elder, shared a song from the upcoming world premiere of The Talented Clementine. The show has been in development for over two years in partnership with Kid Pan Alley and even features songs that were written with the help of local students from Carlin Springs Elementary School. This fun and light-hearted production opens May 31st, so get your tickets today!
The Merriest of Bands
Some key figures of Encore’s recent production of Robin Hood took the makeshift stage to share their point of view.
The Top Ten Reasons You Should Donate to Encore:
10: Encore is growing to serve more kids! Over 275 students will participate in our productions this year – at no cost to them. Ticket sales only cover approximately 40% of our production costs. We rely on donations to help us present high-quality entertainment at affordable prices to our community.
9: We’ve added new education programs and expanded existing ones to engage more kids! We’re in 25 elementary schools across Northern Virginia for after-school classes. We’ve also added a session to our Stage Door summer conservatory program – and it’s sold out. This would not be possible without donors like you!
8: It’s never too early to start thinking about college! The CollegeBoard reports that students who have been part of a play or musical score, on average, 91 points higher than the overall mean SAT score. We like to think of theatre as an important part of college prep!
7: We’re constantly updating our productions with new equipment and technology – remember the crystal-clear audio? We invested in new microphones. Or the impressive stage combat? We have an awesome production team that works with kids onstage and backstage!
6: Encore’s partnership with the Arlington Food Assistance Center is entering its third year. The Healthy Play Initiative provides a creative play class for preschoolers while their parents pick up groceries once a week. Donations support this important outreach initiative.
5: My parents keep asking me “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Regardless of what I choose, the skills I’m learning at Encore will serve me well. Did you know that 72% of business leaders say creativity is the number one skill they seek when hiring?
4: Encore is again partnering with Project Extra Step, Arlington Public School’s Homeless student office, to bring 13 students from Doorways and Bridges to Independence to attend our Spring Break Camp this year. Your donations provide scholarships for students from across Northern Virginia.
3: Participating in live theatre has critically important benefits for young people. I’ve learned teamwork, leadership, creativity, literacy, and problem-solving skills, as well as self-confidence. Encore provides a stage where students like me can use our creativity to discover our potential.
2: Encore has been an important member of the community since 1967. We recently launched an advocacy campaign to save arts funding in Arlington. #ARLSaveOurStage was a success. We made our voices heard. Encore is a leader in the arts community and beyond!
1: The number one reason to give to Encore? Because when I win a Tony award, an Oscar, or the Nobel Prize… You’ll want me to remember you in my acceptance speech, right? In all seriousness, your donation today will make a world of difference to our organization. Your support for Encore students helps us to achieve our dreams, both on and off stage.
“Engaged and ready!”
Following a heartfelt thanks from Executive Director Sara Duke, the Ghostchasers managed to round up all of our runaway characters and send them back to their respective stories. Lucky for us, Miss Clementine managed to hide away, welcoming attendees to join her at the world premiere of The Talented Clementine. With so much warmth and positivity in the room, this year’s Breakfast certainly made our Front Row News(ies)!
We had a wonderful time at this year’s Breakfast. We’re grateful to all of those who were able to attend, perform, and support “Theatre by kids, for kids.” Missed the Breakfast? There is still time to make a meaningful contribution this fiscal year.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Benefit Breakfast script by Sara Strehle Duke. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Blasting Off with the Actors of Rocket Woman
Buckle up for a very special #TechTuesday, Encore fans. On the blog today, we’ve got the cast of Encore’s newest Theatre for the Very Young presentation, Rocket Woman, sharing a bit about the creation of the show, fun moments, and the importance of the arts.
A.K. Nell – Robin, a young girl
Anderson Wells – Jean Pierre, an unhelpful robot
Emily Sucher – Rocket Woman, a space explorer
Encore: What’s the theme of the show?
A.K.: Rocket Woman is about a kid named Robin who uses her imagination and a surplus of boxes to create a rocket ship that takes off on an adventure of its own. While it takes a few tries, Robin and her friends never give up on their mission.
Emily: Finding joy in the process of creating, rather than focusing just on the result.
Anderson: The show focuses on imagination and resilience. When at first you don’t succeed, in the words of Jean Pierre, “Try again!”
Encore: What do you hope young audience members will take away from this experience?
Emily: There are lots of different ways to accomplish your goals and there is magic in teamwork.
A.K.: I hope that audiences will be taken into the world of creation and make believe with Rocket Woman. I want kids to see that anything is possible with a strong imagination, some good friends, and determination.
Anderson: If you use your imagination, you can do anything!
Encore: What’s your favorite moment in the performance?
Anderson: Every time Jean Pierre is unhelpful, which encourages Robin to try a new idea.
A.K.: One of my favorite moments in the show is after the first rocket doesn’t blast off, when Robin keeps trying. She takes a new approach and looks for a way to solve the problem. Her friends encourage her to never give up, which inspires Robin to think creatively.
Emily: Whenever we finish constructing a new rocket shape, I feel the sense of achievement right there with Robin!
Encore: Could you describe the devising process for us?
Emily: The process was play! We played various games that helped us discover these characters, the environment, and how they interacted. By experimenting with voice, movement, improv, and just having fun, all of the pieces came together.
Anderson: We worked with Rachel to create the characters and the environment. It involved a lot of improvisations and games.
Encore: How does performing for the Very Young differ from other types of performance you do?
Anderson: It doesn’t. At its root, you are creating a character with given circumstances and objectives. You commit to the truth of the character and their situation. Every audience and every show is different regardless of the age of the audience and each should be given a generous amount of energy and care.
Emily: TVYA requires a level of specificity in performance that I find exciting. In any performance, I want my work to be truthful, but to keep the story moving with energy and precision, TVYA requires strong, clear character choices that reflect in the vocals, movement, and timing.
Encore: In your opinion, why are the arts important in the lives of children?
A.K.: I think the Theatre For the Very Young performances are so important because they expose young children to theatre in a way that was made just for them. Created with young audiences in mind, these performances bring the stories to life with audience participation, interactive props, and the chance to meet the performers and explore the set after the show.
Encore: Describe Rocket Woman in five words or small phrases.
Anderson: Send it to space! Yeah!
A.K.:
1. Imagination
2. Determination
3. Boxes on boxes
4. Try something new
5. Never give up!
Be sure to catch this imaginative and enterprising crew before they blast off for good. Tickets are on sale now, including discounted rates for groups of 10 or more. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
Thursday, Apr 11th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Friday, Apr 12th, 2019 at 10:00 am and 11:15 am
Thursday, May 9th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Friday, May 10th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Saturday, May 11th, 2019 at 10:00 am and 11:15 am
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Costume design by Caolan Eder. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Thank You from Executive Director Sara Duke
On Tuesday, April 2nd, Encore, along with many other Arlington cultural groups joined together for a Celebration of the Arts prior to the much-anticipated County Board budget hearing. Passersby were entertained by the musical stylings of the Arlingtones and the Potomac Harmony Chorus, as well as hearing testimony from arts representatives on how the proposed budget cuts would impact their organizations. Immediately following the Celebration, many arts supporters attended the budget hearing, with several members of the arts community signing up to speak before the County Manager and Board. While the official budget ruling is not until the end of April, the Board seemed positively receptive to our advocacy efforts. Read on for a celebratory message from Encore Executive Director, Sara Duke:
Thank you! What an amazing show of support from our Encore family [Tuesday] night!
I am deeply grateful to each of you for your energy and dedication to our advocacy efforts. We made our message to the County Board loud and clear – and they heard us! #ArlSaveOurStage was a success. The Celebration of the Arts and our large presence at the FY2020 Budget Hearing showed the strength of the arts community in Arlington and that Encore is a leader among our peers.
A link to the video recording of the budget hearing speakers can be found here. You can hear the County Manager’s updated Arts proposal starting at 11 minutes and 17 seconds. Encore speakers are at the following: Kerstin Fagerstrom & Matthew Bloss-Baum (1:16:20), Sarah Bolles & Ryley Rogers (1:18:40), Evan Holt (2:27:00). You all did an outstanding job representing Encore!
The final vote on the budget will be held on April 23. If you still want to make your opinions known to the County Board, please visit our website for more information.
Thanks again for your support!!
Sincerely,
Sara
We’re so grateful for all of the support that the Encore family has put behind this important issue. Please continue to share the importance of Arlington arts in your social media posts, using the hashtag #ARLSaveOurStage. To check out video from the Celebration of the Arts, follow @EncoreArlington and click here.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Celebrate the Arts with Encore!
Now is the time to seize the day, friends! Tonight, Tuesday, April 2nd, is when the Arlington County Board will vote on the proposed cuts to the FY2020 budget that would so drastically affect the ability of Encore and other local arts groups to put on the excellent programming that this county deserves.
To help share the magic what’s too good to lose, Encore is partnering with Embracing Arlington Arts to host a Celebration of the Arts from 6-7 PM outside the Ellen M Bozman Government Center.
Encore Family Time
One of our favorite things about creating theatre are the friendships that form and come to feel like family. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time together outside the rehearsal room or tech shop.
A Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood
Encore is proud to be part of a vibrant arts community here in Arlington County. Several different arts groups will be joining in the Celebration through performance and participation. Come take in their acts and show what excellent audience members Encore fans can be!
Make Your Voice Heard
This is our final chance to share the impact and importance of the arts with County Board members before their influential vote this evening. Arts opportunities are a vibrant and vital part of life here in Arlington. Come take this chance to share your story and let your voice be heard in local government.
Don your favorite Encore shirt, text your show and camp friends, and come on down to the Celebration of the Arts, this evening starting at 6 PM!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Sarah Strunk. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Much Love, Less Madness: March Highlights
With Daylight Savings in effect and the blush of cherry blossoms starting to bloom, springtime is here and, with it, the passage of another month. Let’s take this time to look back on some of the moments that made March so special and exciting here at Encore.
1) Right on Target
The month began, ironically, with an end. The closing weekend of Robin Hood saw many enthusiastic patrons, as well as several joyful Encore reunions. The closing performance welcomed over 300 patrons into Sherwood Forest for an adventure full of elegant sword fights, cheerful dances, and live on-stage archery. Huzzah!
Ready to channel your own inner hero or dastardly villain? Join us for our spring session of theatre classes, featuring titles such as Classic Villains, Tall Tales, Clowning Around, and more! Classes begin Saturday, April 27th, so don’t delay!
2) Banding Together
Our holiday mini-camp and play in a day participants also got to channel the classic tale of Robin Hood on March 8th. Our campers worked together to create scenes based on the traditional story, encouraged to put their own twist on things, sometimes through song, humor, or, in one case, a particularly dramatic battle sequence.
Ready to try your hand at creative and collaborative storytelling? Join us for one (or all!) of our Spring Break Camps. Enrollment is a la carte; enroll for select days to fit your schedule or the entire week:
Public School Dates and Themes
Private School Dates and Themes
3) The Power of Community
On March 11th, Encore partnered with Embracing Arlington Arts to host an advocacy meeting for local arts groups and supporters. Over 100 people attended to discuss the proposed cuts to facilities and funding for arts organizations in Arlington County. Many shared their stories, as well as creative and meaningful ways to help spread the word and urge the County Board to disapprove the proposed budget cuts. Missed the meeting? Click here for a full recap of the #ARLSaveOurStage meeting.
Join us on Tuesday, April 2nd for a Celebration of the Arts, followed by the County Board’s FY2020 Budget Hearing. Take this chance to make your voices heard and share the power of the arts with our community, as well as with members of the County Board.
4) Robin Gets Moving
The cast of Robin Hood happily reunited to present scenes and battle sequences as part of the annual Move Me Festival. It was wonderful to share this beloved production with the local community and to interact with other local arts groups.
5) Appreciating Heroes
Long-time Encore fans know that our staff loves a theme day. This month’s theme was particularly apt, given that it’s Women’s History Month: Superheroes! Our awesome hero-inspired outfits gave us the chance to consider the real-life heroes in our own lives (and office spaces). Check out what our staff had to share about working in a largely female-driven organization:
6) “X” Marks the Spot
Today is performance day for Encore’s school residency at Ashlawn Elementary. For the last few months, Encore teaching artists have been directing students in a production of the pirate classic Treasure Island, originally written for Encore by Matt Heap in 2016. We wish them much success and a happy opening. Break a (peg) leg!
7) Talents Galore!
This month Encore held auditions for the world premiere of The Talented Clementine. 97 students came out for cast, with 29 participants interviewing for crew. Our enthusiastic cast’s rehearsals are now underway and we can’t wait to see the final production!
We hope you’ve enjoyed these highlights from March. Enjoy this trip around the maypole and we’ll see you again next month!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Alana Gibson, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Scrumptious Reasons to RSVP for the Benefit Breakfast
Spring is here, spring is here! We can hardly believe it. It feels like just yesterday that we were shivering our way through Jingle tech rehearsals and hoping that snow cancellations would be kept at bay. Luckily, the arrival of warmer weather signals something very exciting…Encore’s annual Benefit Breakfast is almost here! We’d love to see your sun-shining faces around our table as we celebrate another year of “Theatre by kids, for kids.” Here’s just a brief overview of all the wonderful things that are in store for you:
1) Breakfast…
Let’s start with the basics: the food! Washington Golf & Country Club always provide the most excellent service, keeping our plates (and coffee mugs) nice and full.
2) …and a show!
The Benefit Breakfast provides a fantastic opportunity to revisit some of your most loved scenes and songs from the season so far, as well as the chance to get a sneak peak of Encore’s upcoming world premiere of The Talented Clementine. If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself sharing a table with some of your favorite pirates, book characters, or ghostchasers!
3) Feeling fancy?
Who doesn’t love a chance to dress up and celebrate? Shine up your shoes, straighten your bow ties, and break out your sundresses, because Encore loves an excuse to get snazzy.
4) #SquadGoals
The best people to get fancy with? Your friends, of course! We love the chance to spend time with our Encore family outside of the (sometimes hectic) world of rehearsals, classes, and productions. Spending some quality time with one another over a delicious meal? Sign us up!
5) Did somebody say prizes?
Attendees will have the chance to participate in our exclusive Benefit Breakfast silent auction. While we can’t give everything away, some special items include: tickets to Signature Theater, a stay at the Ritz Carlton, autographed Washington sports memorabilia, and more. You won’t want to miss out!
6) Encore Stories
Perhaps the most special part of the Breakfast, for those of us here on staff, is the privilege to hear from our students first-hand. Encore participants and alumni will take to the mic to share their journeys and insights, which is such a treat. Come experience the impact and legacy of children’s theatre in Arlington first-hand.
2015-2017 Board Co-President Karol Boudreaux introduces Encore’s “Theatre for All Fund” at the 2017 Benefit Breakfast.
7) To infinity…
Don’t pass up this opportunity to hear from Encore’s Executive Director and President of the Board as they share the vision for Encore moving forward into next season and beyond. Join us as we continue to shape the future of what is means to produce “Theatre by kids, for kids.”
We hope that this brief sampling has whet your appetites and that we’ll see your smiling faces at the 2019 Benefit Breakfast. The gathering is on Wednesday, April 10th, but RSVP today to ensure that you’re on the guest list far before the April 3rd deadline. We cannot wait to join you in celebration of Encore and the amazing students that make our organization and this community so special.
Photos by Clarence Chan, Larry McClemons, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Encore’s Real Life Superheroes
A very lovely #FrontRowFriday to all of you, Encore fam! As the end Women’s History Month draws near, we want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the excellent and wonderful female leaders we have on staff here at Encore Stage & Studio.
Our Heroes
Sara Strehle Duke
Executive Director
Time at Encore: 10 years
I’m proud to work with an amazing group of women leaders at Encore. We take our individuals talents and apply them to our mission every single day.
These are individuals that would be amazing leaders regardless of gender!
Read More: Exec Director Sara Duke is Chosen as an Honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40!
Susan Keady
Artistic Director
Time at Encore: 30 years
One of the highlights of my job is working alongside a smart brilliant team in education, administration, and production. The Encore staff bubble over with creative, imaginative, daring ideas to assert Encore’s mission.
Read More:
Turning the Tables: Hannah and Susan
“A Community Treasure” – Looking Back w/ Susan Keady
Susan Keady Named 2018 Connect with Kids Champion
Aileen Pangan Christian
Director of Marketing
Time at Encore: 8 years
I think representation is vital…
…seeing women take the lead in the arts and other realms, it allows other young girls to dream bigger. When I think of strong women in the arts, I think of Lea Salonga! She’s a true Disney princess — not only is she a musical theatre legend, but she has shed a light on environmental issues around the world.
Madaline Langston
Educational Programs Manager
Time at Encore: 18 years
Since the beginning of time, many artists have referred to a thing of beauty and strength as “she” or “her.” Women bring a natural balance to all things that touch the soul. It is a wonderful time to have our voices heard.
Read More:
Meet Encore’s Education Programs Manager: Madaline Langston
So Much More! #SummerPlanningSunday with Madaline Langston
Rebecca Pfeil
Production Manager
Time at Encore: 5 years
I think it’s important for kids to see all types of people in leadership positions, especially on the tech side of things.
It encourages young girls to explore the world of technical theatre, while allowing young boys to learn from women in the field as well. Working with a group of strong women, at Encore specifically, also fosters a very supportive work environment.
Read More:
Turning the Tables: Isabel and Rebecca
3 Spots & 3 Reasons: Tech Camp w/ Rebecca Pfeil
Carole Russo
Board President
Time Involved with Encore: 5 years
Can we continue to provide kids in northern Virginia with the chance to take a risk, be a part of a team, learn to trust one another and make some great theatre? I suggest a resounding yes. Because Encore provides all of this great inspiration and makes northern Virginia a unique and special place where kids can be kids while stretching their boundaries.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is to include them, and that’s what Encore is all about.
Read More:
A Board President’s Holiday Wish
Here at Encore, we pride ourselves on being a safe space, for our students, for our families, and for our staff. We work hard to create equal opportunities for participants of every gender expression, allowing students to play roles typically cast in another gender, or even bending the traditional casting in our original productions, such as the character of Jemma (Jim) in Matt Heap’s Treasure Island.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Cindy Kane Photography, and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
3 Spots & 3 Reasons: Tech Camp w/ Rebecca Pfeil
Welcome to another #TechTuesday here on The Front Row, Encore fans. Today, we’re excited to touch base with Encore’s Production Manager, Rebecca Pfeil. You may have caught her interview with student editor Isabel a few weeks ago (if not, click here to check it out!). This time, however, she’s talking to us about Tech Camp.Take it away, Rebecca!
I was the first Technical Director of Tech Camp for Willy Wonka Jr, which is coming back this summer! I was also the Technical Director for the first Peter Pan Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Anything Goes, Annie Jr. and more. Every summer, I always stop in and help with an aspect of Tech Camp, such as pulling costumes from storage, teaching a lesson, or assisting with the lighting design. I always look forward to meeting the new tech campers and saying hi to the returners. I hope to see you at Tech Camp this summer! Here are some reasons why you should register today:
If you love painting or the idea of using your creative thinking to imagine what you can make out of cardboard, Tech Camp is the place for you. You get to design all the sets and props for the shows, all while making a show come to life in just three short weeks! It’s always great to see the innovative and unique elements that Tech Camp crew members bring to each production.
2) Learning
Tech Camp is an awesome opportunity to learn more about backstage and booth crew positions in a low-stress environment. If you’ve never tried crew before, this is your chance to get your feet wet before auditioning for crew on an Encore season production. You get the chance to explore lighting design with the light board and other special opportunities that you won’t find at other summer programs.
3) Fun!
Camp is a wonderful place to make new friends. It’s all the fun and bonding of a full-scale show, condensed into three weeks of awesomeness. Many students have made connections that grow into friendships that last far beyond summer, which is always lovely to see.
Thanks for sharing with us, Rebecca! If Tech Camp sounds like the place for you, don’t delay – there are only three remaining spaces in each session of Tech Camp for Summer 2019!
Tech Camp
With just three weeks to bring together all of the technical elements of a show, you’ll be challenged to bring your best, most creative self to camp every day. Each morning, you’ll focus on exploring technical skills including scenic design, costuming, stage management, and more. Afternoons will be spent turning designs into reality by creating set pieces, props, and costumes. By the third week of camp, you’ll be ready to present your designs to the public and run a seamless show backstage. Throughout each session, your work will be supplemented by guest artist-led workshops on topics such as stage combat, sound design, and lighting as you prepare to put your work on display in the final performances.
Photos by Aimee Pangan, Cindy Kane Photography, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Train Like a Lucky Star in New Class for GR 6-12
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Hopefully you’ve had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather we’ve been having the last few days, heralding the fact that spring is near. With this in mind, today we’re delving deeper with a new spring class for our 6th-12th graders, The Actor’s Toolbox. We’ll hear from our Education Programs Manager, Madaline Langston, as well as Patrick McGee, the teaching artist for the program.
As a professional and conservatory-trained actor, I have spent years working constantly on the art of acting. While thinking of a program to assist our Encore actors, I thought about my training and which classes make sense in the development of the craft of acting.
It’s about training…
The Actor’s Toolbox series is a group of classes designed to take our Encore actors to the next level. Actors must consistently develop their instrument so they can create and sustain a believable character using their voice and body. It’s about training, strengthening the brain and body to think like an actor, and producing confidence in the choices made on stage.
Try a class and allow the process to begin.
–Madaline
Stretching is important for all actors. We must stretch our bodies before we perform. We must stretch ourselves as artists in the work that we create, and we must stretch ourselves to tell the most creative story on stage. This is why honing your skills in your actor’s toolbox is vital to the success that is accomplished on stage.
As both a teaching artist and actor, I have had the opportunity to work and train in both New York City for 12 years and a brief time in Los Angeles. I found, as an actor, the work that I did in the audition room or the rehearsal hall was the most vibrant and connected when I was also training my skills in an acting class [on my own time]. When auditioning for a Broadway show or the latest Netflix series, the nerves and self-doubts would start to creep into my audition or performance. However, when I had a strong foundation in my work like stage presence, clear objectives, and developed relationships, my work started to become more grounded and noticed by certain casting directors and directors.
Every actor has the ability to be a star…
This Spring, I am excited to revisit the actor’s toolbox as both as an actor and teaching artist. I always say I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. The class will start by developing our own star power. Every actor has the ability to be a star, but we need to develop the skills to really be seen the minute we walk out on stage or in the room. Once we tap into our stage presence, we explore how clear and concise objectives inform the scene and your work as an actor. Finally, we as actors are telling stories on stage; building relationships between the characters on stage is an important aspect of the storytelling process. I am excited to stretch this Spring and really use the classroom as a “gym for actors” in order stretch, create, and grow.
–Patrick
The Actor’s Toolbox
Have you ever wondered what’s in an Actor’s Toolbox? This four week series of classes guides the actor through the prep work and choices that lead to the development of unique and meaningful characters. Class topics will include: Stage Presence, Articulation, Objectives, and Relationship Building.
Mondays, April 1-29. 2019 (No class April 15)
Four Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 6-12
Fee: $75
Photos by Clarence Chan, Shannon McCarthy, and Alana Gibson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.