Hello, Encore community! I’m Xander, one of this year’s student editors. You may have seen me on the blog a while ago with an interview about Encore Cares, or previous student editor articles. I’m here today to share my Encore story – my journey from the first time I saw a show up until the present day. I’ll also share some tips for auditioning, some of my favorite things about Encore, and more!

First, let me take you way back to 2008, when I was just 4 years old. Teachers would ask the kindergarteners what they wanted to be when they grew up, and most answers were along the lines of a firefighter, Batman, an astronaut, or a teacher. However, I already knew what I wanted to be and said, “I want to act and direct films!” This is something to keep in mind as we move through the story.

Now, let’s fast-forward to 2013, the first time I saw an Encore show. The show was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Seeing other kids my age onstage and doing amazing things that transported all of us into their world fascinated me! My family enjoyed the experience so much, we came back to see another show, Honk Jr. After these initial experiences, Encore shows became a regular activity for my family.

In the fall of 2014, two Encore seasons later, we saw the production of Sleepy Hollow. I was nine years old and determined to try to audition myself. To prepare, I signed up for an Encore class and attended the pre-audition workshop for The Three Musketeers. Come auditions, I was slightly nervous, but the wonderful Encore community was so kind and welcoming that I knew that no matter what happened at auditions, my dream of acting and directing would come true, which was a big motivating factor for me. I was thrilled to receive a callback and to be cast in the show! I played Guard 1 and Thug 3.

I had so much fun acting with this amazing group that I couldn’t wait to audition for another show!

Since then, I have participated in 13 Encore shows: 10 on cast, one as backstage crew, one as front of house crew, and one as a student director.

In the fall 2016, I found out that a community service project needed to be part of my preparation for my bar mitzvah. I wasn’t sure which direction I should take with my project. I also knew that I didn’t want to give up theatre to do it; as my mom says, I’m the happiest version of myself when I’m involved in a production. Like always, she had a great idea and said, “Who says you can’t do both? You should give your time and energy to a something you care about.” After a few hours of discussion, an idea was born: Encore Cares.

The goal of Encore Cares is to bring a live theatre experience to other kids who may not have access to the theatre – so that everyone can enjoy Encore! A student director could direct a short play of their choice and bring it on the road to a different location so that more people can enjoy theatre. We proposed the plan to Encore and worked with them to make it happen!

When I was the student director for Encore Cares, I chose the play Just Like Us, by Craig Sodaro. I chose this particular show because it sent a powerful message about social acceptance and how we can all get along, even if, on the outside, we appear different. Encore Cares is a program that Encore ran again last year and is open for other students to apply for next year too! I highly recommend you check it out!

This was one of many great memories with Encore, but I’ll focus on some of the other highlights too that many of you may relate to as well…

First of all, I have to mention the first cast party I ever attended. It was the second Saturday between shows of The Three Musketeers and I didn’t know what to expect. When the cast and crew got together and started to play games, eat great food, and some even wore their pajamas, I knew this was my family! The cast party of every show is still a highlight for me when we get the chance to spend down time with all of the cast and crew and just be ourselves.

Another great Encore memory for me would be on the opening night performance of Just Like Us; after the show ended, we had a Q & A session with the audience. Seeing Encore Cares reach people and unfold right in front of me truly warmed my heart. The cast and the audience were engaging in meaningful conversations about theatre and what makes Encore so special while the kids in the audience got the chance to see the magic of theatre up close!

And lastly, a recent highlight is archery rehearsal for the upcoming show Robin Hood. I won’t give too much away (you really need to see this show!), but there’s an archery scene with real bows and real arrows. The archers practiced every other Saturday to prepare for the show. It was a lot of fun to be outside with bows and quivers and to take turns shooting at a target. Not only was it fun, but it’s also another skill I’ve learned from participating in an Encore show!

Throughout my Encore story, I’ve also picked up some good advice to share with you. First, something very simple yet essential to the rehearsal process is to arrive on time and be ready to work. When you are on time, you honor your commitment with a strong work ethic, show respect for your cast mates and directors, and it builds-up the morale of the entire team.

Next, I highly recommend researching your character. Watching movies, reading books, or doing anything you can to visualize your character from a variety of perspectives will not only improve your understanding of the character you play, but will also improve how your character is seen onstage. Knowing what your character would do in any situation, will lift the show to a whole new level onstage and the audience will believe in your character more too. If finding your character outside of rehearsal is difficult, another good strategy is to write about your character. Creating their backstory can help understand the way your character thinks in their scenes.

Lastly, the most important tip I can share is to listen. Always listen to what the directors are saying. For example, even if they are giving notes that aren’t for you, just listening to how the directors are building the show will help you better create their vision. Listen to your fellow cast mates and crewmates, because theatre is definitely 100% a team activity. Everyone supports each other, every role matters, and listening to your team will improve the quality of the whole show.

Before I leave, I just want to say that Encore is such an amazing place and truly feels like home to me, but the door is open for everyone to join the Encore family! As a cast or crew member, in a class or camp, or in the audience, I hope that you find Encore as special as I do and want to spend your time with us!

Thank you all so much for joining me today on My Encore Story, and don’t forget to come see Robin Hood, running February 22nd through March 3rd. Hope to see you there!

Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by 2018-2019 Student Editor, Xander T.