Building Leaders Through Theatre
Happy Election Day, Encore fans! Today we welcomed over 50 students to become pirates at our Holiday Mini-Camp/Play in a Day. They worked together to create original stories, perform sketches, and even tell a few sea-riously funny jokes. Our teachers love giving young artists the framework to take chances and grow as collaborates and leaders. Click here to check out more of the awesome skills students gain through Encore’s holiday camp program. But what comes next? Read on this Election Day to learn more about how you can grow as a leader here at Encore:
Many campers start with us in Mini-Camp, which is catered to those in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It’s always a pleasure for us as teachers to see students grow over the years and take on more responsibility when they graduate to the Play in a Day program (for grades 3-5). Check out our remaining Holiday camp dates – the next camp is coming up soon!
2) Give back!
We so appreciate our rock star mini-camp volunteers! We welcome students age 13 and up to come out and join our teaching staff for a day. It’s a great way to spend your day off. You’ll be given more responsibilities and the opportunity to test drive elements of teaching a full camp. Interested? Email madaline.langston@encorestage.org with a brief letter including what’s drawn you to the program, as well as any work experience you may have.
3) Dream of summer!
Perhaps you’ve given volunteering a try and realize that you love working with young artists – would you like to get paid to work at camp? You’re in luck! Camp Aide applications are coming soon. Check out these interviews to learn more about #EncoreSummer!
4) Brush up your tech skills!
If you love the backstage aspect of theatre, the role of Stage Manager may be in your future. Though we’ve already selected our student stage managers for the 2018/19 season, it’s the perfect time to work on your application and discuss your tech options with Encore’s production. Click here to learn more about the process and download the Stage Manager application.
5) Have a Care!
Are you ready to try out life on the other side of the audition table? If leading other actors as a Student Director sounds appealing to you, there’s still time to apply for an Encore Cares project. These projects focus on bringing Encore students together to bring theatre to young people who may never have a chance to experience it.
We are so proud of all of the fine leaders that have participated in Encore’s productions, classes, and camps over the years. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to create an environment that fosters empathetic, kind, and well-spoken leaders. Your whole journey starts with a single step: enroll or audition today!
Photos by Aileen Christian, Larry McClemons, and Rebecca Pfeil. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#TheatreMagicMonday: Minted Fundraiser
Merry Theatre Magic Monday, Encore family! With the spookiness of October and Ghostchasers behind us, we’re looking ahead to the holidays. There’s so much to be thankful for: our awesome casts, our wonderful teaching artists and classes, and our fantastic community. If you’re anything like us, you’re also thankful for a good deal.
You’re in luck! Encore is partnering with minted to start your holidays off right. When you use Encore’s unique promo code, you’ll receive 15% off your holiday card order. Not only that, but Encore will receive a 15% donation from minted!
If you’ve ever wanted to send beautiful holiday cards to your family and friends, this is your chance! Minted offers many varieties of cards for multiple holidays in many different styles. Cards can be personalized and recipient addressing is free; how incredible is that?
Your unique promo code to support Encore Stage & Studio is : FUNDRAISEENCORESS
Spread the holiday cheer this season, all while supporting “Theatre by kids, for kids!” We’re excited to share the holiday season with our Encore family – see you at Jingle ARRGH the Way, starting November 16th.
Photos and Jingle graphic by Aileen Christian. Graphic provided by minted. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
6 Spooky & Splendid Highlights from October
Happy #FrontRowFriday, everyone! This month started with ghosts and ended with costume delights – buckle in for a ride down memory lane as we recap six of Encore’s October highlights:
1) Poltergeists and plotters galore!
The start of October saw the opening of Ghostchasers, the first show of our 2018/19 season. This hilarious romp featured a talented cast, awesome effects, and just enough spookiness to get us excited for the season. Check out these awesome reviews from DC Metro Theatre Arts and The Arlington Sun Gazette. Excited for our next production? Get your tickets for Jingle ARRGH the Way today!
2) We’re…going to the park!
Encore’s latest production has been a walk in the park! We were excited to relaunch A Sidewalk Stroll, one of our favorite pieces in the Theatre for the Very Young series, this time with several new actors. We had the pleasure of taking the show on tour to perform for the Mothers of Northern Arlington group to share the joy of theatre with a whole new audience. The show performs November 3rd, 8th, and 9th, so catch it before it strolls away!
3) We’ve got the magic!
Encore was thrilled to welcome over 75 students at auditions for The Enchanted Bookshop this month. Though such big numbers make choosing our cast and crew super difficult, we’re always excited to see people getting in audition experience! Mark your calendars for our next round of auditions on December 11th and 12th, this time for Robin Hood.
4) We booked a trip to the Hotel Transylvania.
We hosted our first holiday Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Date on the 26th. With such a spooky theme, our students had a blast creating crafts, learning dances, and, of course, collaborating to create short plays. At the end of camp, they got to perform for other campers, as well as their families and friends! This program packs a lot of awesome activity into the camp period – a perfect way to spend the day when school’s out.
Check out our remaining camp dates and themes:
Veterans Day/NOV 12 – Ferdinand
Thanksgiving/NOV 21 – Coco
MLK Day/JAN 21 – Incredibles
Grade Prep/JAN 28 – Wreck it Ralph
Parent/Teach Conf/MAR 8 – Robin Hood
Grade Prep/APR 1 – Paddington
5) We braved the rain…and didn’t melt!
On October 27th, Encore hosted our third annual Costume Caper 5K & 1K Kids Fun Run! The weather was a bit dreary, but that didn’t stop phantoms, witches, and other Stranger Things from braving the elements to support “Theatre by kids, for kids.” We had a great time celebrating the Halloween spirit with our community. Need a rain check for that registration donation? Check out our Support Us page to learn more about how you can be a positive force for arts education in Arlington.
6) We’re so fetch!
As an office full of theatre people, it probably comes as no surprise that we love any excuse to dress up. October offered us two chances for an office Theme Day:
Mean Girls Day…
…and Halloween. DUH.
If you enjoy our office shenanigans, be sure to follow us over on Instagram to see more of the antics!
October was such an amazing month! Sad as we are to hang up our Halloween costumes, we’re already getting jazzed for our holiday production of Jingle ARRGH the Way, a pirate musical spectacular! We’ve already heard the carols drifting down the hall from rehearsal and it’s certainly getting us in the spirit and ready to set sail. Join us and get your tickets today to guarantee your best seats!
Photos by Rebecca Pfeil, Aileen Christian, and Aimee Pangan. Graphic by Aileen Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Three Amazing Moments from the Costume Caper 2018
Hey there, everyone! Rosemarie here, reporting from Encore’s Development team. I’m excited to recap this Saturday’s race with all of you. It was a rainy morning. Brave souls assembled to run, run to support Encore! Thanks to all the volunteers and runners who came out to the Costume Caper 5K. Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite moments from this year’s (rainy) Costume Caper 5K and 1K Fun Run!
1) Seeing Encore Participants Outside of Rehearsal or Class
We love rehearsal time but we love seeing our participants hanging out and having a great time outside of productions. Students volunteered, ran, and some even did both! Plus, they had great costumes. We were happy to see one of our newly announced Encore Student Editors, Hannah K., representing in her costume!
2) The Kids Fun Run
From tenacious tots to electric elementary students, we saw a bunch of speedy kids for our 1K Fun Run! They were so fast that by the time we stopped cheering them on at the starting line they were already turning around to come back. As if running in the rain wasn’t hard enough, they ran in amazing costumes. Our Fun Run winner is in her first Encore show, Jingle ARRGH the Way opening in November!
3) “A Little Fall of Rain” Can Hardly Slow These Runners Down
Yes, that was a Les Mis reference. But really, we had over 25 runners who made great time during their 5K run. We had a Phantom who took time off of haunting their opera house, prisoner 24601, and so many more fabulous costumes.
**Bonus Moment** Prizes!
This is one of the most fun moments at any Costume Caper, but this year it was so much more fun! Because everyone had toughed it out in the rain, it was a great moment of community when we got to the awards.
Thanks again to everyone who came out to support Encore’s 3rd annual 5K! If you missed the race and still show your Encore support, we welcome you can make a gift of the amount of the registration ($35). See you next year or, before that, join us at Jingle ARRGH the Way!
Photos by Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Rosemarie O’Connor.
Make a Difference and Smile this Holiday Season
They’re coming! The holidays are coming!
No need to fret or get freaked.
We’ve got gift ideas that cannot be beat.
This year, get gifts with shipping that won’t take a while.
And select Encore Stage & Studio when you use Amazon Smile.
From October 29 to November 2, Amazon Smile is donating 5% back to the organizations they serve. That’s 10 times the amount of their usual donation! We’ve put together a list of theatre inspired gifts to help your theatre lover live their best life this holiday season. Happy Shopping! And remember to select Encore Stage & Studio as your non-profit organization!
1) Get Off on the Right Foot
Kids in Encore productions know that a pair of black jazz shoes is a must! They help you move around the stage and complete almost any costume. Just make sure you’ve got your name in them!
2) Theatre is a Sport and You’re on the Varsity Team
Being a part of a show is hard work. Whether you’re learning your cues during tech week when you’re on crew, selling concessions during intermission on front of house, or captivating an audience on stage, you know that it takes a team to make a show happen. This t-shirt can show the world just how much work you put in and make a joke at the same time.
3) You Like Hamilton Too?
So there’s this little-known musical that’s causing quite a fuss these days. Don’t know if you’ve heard of Hamilton? Just kidding! We love it too! We even hosted a Hamilton sing-a-long this past June. There are loads of gifts for the Hamilton fan in your life. There are coloring pages with crayon colors named after the music, necklaces with lyrics from the show, and even an annotated version of the libretto with notes from Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.
4) Shows Become Memories
Whether from a show your theatre lover was in or a performance from your favorite actor, ticket stubs can become keepsakes from a memorable moment. This ticket holder will help you keep all of your beloved stubs in one place and make it look like art!
5) The History of Theatre
Encore has been around for over 50 years, but we still can use a history lesson every now and then. This beautiful book is full of beautiful pictures through the years of glitz and glamour of musical theatre. Maybe you’ll learn about a show that would be perfect for Encore to perform!
Put a smile on your theatre lover’s face and support Encore at the same time. Remember that if you shop with Amazone Smile between October 29 and November 2, you’ll increase your impact by 10x.
Photos by Larry McClemons, Rosemarie O’Connor, and Aileen Christian. Blog contribution by Rosemarie O’Connor.
Welcome to Encore’s New Student Editors!
This #FrontRowFriday we’re thrilled to announce a new program here at Encore. We have students involved in so many aspects of theatre: onstage, backstage, in the booth, on the design team, and at front of house. As of today, we’re welcoming students into the realm of arts administration. Please give a warm welcome to our new team of Encore Student Editors!
Pranav C.
Grade: 9th
Past Encore roles/shows: Pinocchio (Coachman), Seussical (Front of House), Ghostchasers! (Horace)
Favorite Encore memory in five words: Relationships I built in Pinocchio
Dream role onstage and/or behind the scenes: JD in Heathers
When I grow up… I want to be a lot of things: a theatre teacher/children’s theatre director, a math teacher, a foreign language teacher, or a school board member.
Hannah K.
Grade: 10th
Past Encore roles/shows: I started working with Encore in 2014 playing Citizen #1 in Cinderella. Then I went on to play Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland that same year. The next season, I was part of the Animal Chorus in Snow White. Then I was in Mary Poppins over the summer as Mr. Punch/Ensemble. The following year, I played Lavinia in A Little Princess. After that, I appeared as Jolene Fairchild in [Night at the] Wax Museum. Then I was Mrs. Murphy in Madeline’s Christmas. In that February, I was in The Lion King Jr. as Scar. Then, most recently, I was an ensemble Jungle Creature in Seussical this summer. I’ve been in a few crew shows here and there like Treasure Island, The Jungle Book, and not too long ago I was Sound for Ghostchasers.
Encore classes or camps: A couple years ago I attended Broadway Bootcamp learning how to sing and dance to “Food Glorious Food” from the musical Oliver!. And I’ve also volunteered at a couple day camps over the years. This summer I was the production assistant for Encore’s [Stage Door] Shrek Jr. camp. I got to be the stage manager and learn a lot more about tech in the process.
Favorite Encore memory in five words: My very first opening night.
Dream role onstage and/or behind the scenes: I’ve always admired the character Eponine from Les Miserables and have been in love with her songs for a long time. Getting to play her would be an amazing experience.
When I grow up… I want to be involved in performing arts in some shape or form. Whether that be onstage singing and dancing or behind the scenes designing all sorts of stuff.
Xander T.
Grade: 9th grade
Past Encore shows/roles: The Three Musketeers (Guard 1, Thug 3), Hansel and Gretel (Fredrick), Cul de Sac (Petey Otterloop), The Best Haunted House Ever (Knightfal), Night at the Wax Museum (King Henry VIII), Just Like Us (Director), Madeline’s Christmas (Front of House Crew), Sherlock Holmes (Skeleton II Puppeteer), Fairytale Network (Jimmy Links/Papa Bear), Pinocchio (Spruce), and Seussical (backstage crew).
Encore Classes or camps: Arabian Nights (class), Incredible Improv (class)
Favorite Encore memory in 5 words: Opening Nights with Encore family
Dream role onstage or backstage: My dream role onstage would be PT Barnum from The Greatest Showman.
When I grow up… I want to be an actor or maybe a director in the film business. I like using my imagination to bring characters to life onstage. I love the bond the cast always has and it is truly a family.
Welcome, once again, to our Student Editors. Plan to see their smiling faces and wise words on the blog and Instagram in the coming months. We can’t wait to see what this new perspective on the student experience will bring!
Come visit many of our awesome student volunteers tomorrow, Saturday, October 27th, at Encore’s 3rd Annual Costume Caper 5K and 1K Kids’ Fun Run! Our volunteers do a marvelous job entertaining our young Encore fans with themed games and crafts that you won’t want to miss. Register today to save yourself time on race day!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Christian, Cindy Kane Photography Student head shots provided. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Tips for Your Best 5K Costume
Happy #TechTuesday! We’re breaking down 5 tips for your best Costume Caper experience. We’ve had some awesome Encore costumers weigh in with advice in the past – you can check those out here and here. Read on for today’s practical tips to make your costume the best it can be!
Like a delicious dip at a Halloween party, a great costume has many layers. The morning start time of our race might have you shivering, then the sun will come out during your run. Layers help you keep a comfortable temperature throughout all of your capering!
2) Okay, friends, let’s get in formation…
From the Power Rangers to the Beatles, or even the cast of your favorite TV show, a group costume makes an event even more fun! It’s exciting to collaborate with your family and friends to create an iconic group look. #SquadGoals
3) Keep it comfy.
While we love a fierce costume, above all, we want everyone to enjoy themselves – maybe leave the more extreme costumes for Halloween itself.
4) Give it a test run.
If you’re creating a brand-new costume for this year’s Costume Caper, try it out in the days leading up to the race. This way, you’ll have time to add some extra safety pins, superglue, or other important elements (like glitter).
5) Have fun!
As a theatre that champions the growth and experiences of young people, fun is our #1 priority!
We’ll definitely be having fun this Saturday, October 27th at the 3rd Annual Costume Caper 5K. Join us and show off your awesome costuming skills! Register online today and save time on the morning of race day – more time to take awesome group photos with your friends!
Many thanks to our generous sponsors, who are making this exciting event possible for another year of costumes, fitness, and family fun!
Gold Sponsors:
Pediatric Associates of Alexandria
Shephard Fong
Bronze Sponsor:
Iverson Orthodontics
T-shirt Sponsor:
Educational Outfitters
Photos by Aileen Christian and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Theatre Magic Monday: Honoring Fairlington Dental
Welcome back to The Front Row, Encore fans. Today we’re pumped to share a new feature with you: Theatre Magic Mondays. It takes a wonderful group of participants, families, volunteers, and community supporters to bring 50 years of “Theatre by kids, for kids” to Arlington. We want to share some of these awesome people with you!
On Friday, October 5th, Encore was thrilled to honor longtime supporters, Fairlington Dental. Their generous support has brought many Encore productions to the stage, including this season’s Ghostchasers, as well as The Jungle Book (2017), the world premiere of Cul de Sac (2016), and many more.
Development Associate Rosemarie O’Connor and Board President Carole Russo proudly presented the Outstanding Corporate Partner Award to Dr. Michael B. Rogers, DDS before the opening performance of Ghosterchasers! Dr. Rogers was kind enough to share some words about his relationship to theatre:
Dr. Rogers shared that he initially started supporting Encore because he personally knows the benefits of children participating in live theatre. He played the Wizard in his school’s production of The Wizard of Oz, a show that reminds us about courage, heart, and bravery. As he waited backstage for his first entrance, Dr. Rogers was so nervous. His first few lines were fine because he was behind a curtain – then came the reveal scene. Dr. Rogers was anxiously waiting, then the curtain opened and he saw the audience. Instead of running away from his fear, he showed bravery in his performance and had a great time. Dr. Rogers reminded us that theatre makes an impact on the lives of young people and teaches them life skills that carry over into all sorts of careers, even dentistry.
Many thanks to Fairlington Dental for their continued support of “Theatre by kids, for kids” over the years. Their generous sponsorship will bring two of our upcoming productions to life: Jingle ARRGH the Way sets sail November 16th, 2018 and the Sherwood Forest comes to life in Robin Hood, starting February 22nd. These lively tales feature casts of hilarious and wonderful characters, so you won’t want to miss these shows. Act now to purchase your best seats today! Tickets can be purchased online or by calling our Box Office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos and GIF by Aileen Christian. Logo provided by Fairlington Dental. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and Rosemarie O’Connor.
Fill Your Toolbox at Holiday Mini-Camp!
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore family. Can you believe that October is already halfway over?? Our first holiday Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Day camp is next Friday, October 26th. We can’t wait to learn and play with our awesome students! While our first camp’s roster is full, we have a whole gaggle of good times coming up this season – won’t you join us? Read on to learn more about some of the skills our young theatre makers develop through the mini-camp experience!
From coming up with camp rules as a group at the start of the day to playing theatre games and putting together the final sharing, students develop their listening and communication skills with teachers, camp aides, and their peers.
2) Teamwork
It can be scary to step out onto the stage in front of family and friends…luckily, our students work together to create a fun experience for everyone! Camp is a wonderfully supportive place to explore creativity and what it means to be a young artist.
3) Character Creation
Working with the theme of the camp day, students have the opportunity to develop characters within the framework of their production. Our Mini-Campers (in kindergarten through second grade) have the guidance of our camp director to craft a story, often featuring characters from the theme movie. Play in a Day campers (grades 3-5) will collaborate to create a brand-new story full of unique characters.
4) Kinesthetic Learning
Holiday camps offer a hands-on, multi-sensory experience for young learners. What awaits you? Singing, movement, theatre games, crafts, and more!
5) Creative Problem Solving
The length of our camp day lends itself to quick thinking and out-of-the-box ideas. Campers have the chance to create costume pieces, props, and set elements using only basic craft supplies…and their imaginations, of course!
6) Confidence
Whether you dream of the spotlight, dancing in a chorus line, or writing the world’s next great play, Encore’s Mini-Camps give students the opportunity to explore their budding interests in a creatively safe and supportive environment.
Ready to jump aboard and join the fun? Register for Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Day today! Enroll online or by calling our offices at (703) 548-1154.
Holiday Mini Camps – Grades K-2
When school’s out, Encore’s on…onstage, that is! Discover the world of theatre through popular stories from the page and screen. Students in grade Kindergarten – 2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.
Play in a Day – Grades 3-5
Are you ready for a challenge? Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.
Veterans Day/NOV 12 – Ferdinand
Thanksgiving/NOV 21 – Coco
MLK Day/JAN 21 – Incredibles
Grade Prep/JAN 28 – Wreck it Ralph
Parent/Teach Conf/MAR 8 – Robin Hood
Grade Prep/APR 1 – Paddington
Photos by Aileen Christian, Shannon McCarthy, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
“Whimsical Adventure” w/ Sidewalk Stroll Actor Jessi Shull
With the official arrival of fall, we here at Encore have been relishing in the crisp weather and getting outside whenever we can. Apple picking, fireside chats, and even just a quick stroll around our building! The heroes of our latest production for the very young, A Sidewalk Stroll, similarly make an adventure out of their weekly walk to the park.
Photo by Megan Schmitz
Encore fans may remember when we premiered this show back in 2017; it was such a hit that we’re excited to bring it back, this time with several new cast members! You’ve met A.K. Nell here on the blog in the past, so today we’re thrilled to introduce a new face, Ms. Jessi Shull!
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved with Encore?
Jessi: My name is Jessi Shull, I first got involved with Encore this past summer through performing in Seussical. It was such a fun experience that I was excited to have another opportunity to work with this wonderful organization.
Encore: What’s been the most interesting part of the rehearsal process for A Sidewalk Stroll?
Jessi: I think the most interesting part is getting to step outside my normal thought processes and instincts as an actor to think “what would a child do?” It’s a refreshing way to think about the work AND the world that you don’t ordinarily get to in more traditional shows geared toward adult audiences.
Encore: Has there been any aspect that been particularly challenging for you?
Jessi: The most challenging aspect of a show like this is preparing for those “wild card” responses you might get in anything involving young children. There are a lot of possibilities and you have to rehearse expecting the unexpected.
Encore: If you had to describe A Sidewalk Stroll to a child, how would you do it?
Jessi: Three children set off on a whimsical adventure of discovery and feeling on their way to the park.
Encore: Which emotion describes your mood toward the show?
Jessi: Excited!! 😀
If you’re also excited for this production, you’re in luck: A Sidewalk Stroll opens this Saturday, October 20th with two performances, at 10 AM and 11:15 AM. To purchase tickets, head to our website or call the Box Office at (703)548-1154. Tickets are required for patrons 6 months and older.
Saturdays, Oct 20 & Nov 3, 2018 at 10:00 am & 11:15 amThursdays, Nov 1, 8, 2018 at 10:00 amFridays, Nov 2, 2018 at 10:00 amFriday, Nov 9 at 10:00 am & 11:15 am
All performances are held at Encore’s Main Campus, located in the lower level of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207).
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.