7 Spectacular Highlights from September
Halloween will be here in a flash of Floo Powder, but we’re still buzzing with excitement over all that’s happened at Encore this September. Sit back and enjoy these highlights from our eventful month:
1) Early Fall classes! September saw the start of Encore’s theatre education classes for the year. While this session wraps up soon, you’re just in time to enroll for Late Fall classes. Click here to learn more about our offerings and to join in on the fun today!
2) Here comes the jolly crew! We were excited to host the second round of auditions for the 2018/19 season in September – leading to an excellent group including 26 cast members and 12 backstage/front-of-house crew. Come see their work in action during three weekends of Jingle ARRGH the Way, opening Friday, November 16th.
3) Community Day! Our staff, apprentices, and volunteers had a blast sharing the Encore love at Clarendon Day. It’s always wonderful to have a chance to share our positive theatre experiences with curious friends and neighbors here in Arlington. Interested in becoming an Encore volunteer? Email info@encorestage.org to learn more!
4) Keeping it original. As a group of theatre-loving folks, our staff knows how to have a great time…including during office theme days! September’s theme was Netflix original movies or TV shows. Can you figure out who we’re dressed as? Head over to our Insta and comment with your best guesses!
Photo by Nikki Cee
5) New friends! We are overjoyed to have new Arts Apprentices Alana and Caolan with us for the 2018/19 season. Click their names to check out their Front Row interviews and learn more about what brought them to joining the Encore fam!
6) Love is in the air! A contingent of the Encore staff was thrilled to celebrate Marketing Director Aileen’s wedding to her college beau Brandon. We danced, we sang, we cheered in delight. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Christian!
Photo by Clarence Chan
7) Spooks and goofs! The last week of September found our Ghostchasers! cast and crew moving into the theater for tech rehearsals. With a hilarious script, talented cast, and a set full of spooky surprises, you won’t want to miss the final weekend of this Halloween caper. Get your tickets for this weekend, October 12-14, before they’re gone like a ghost!
Encore photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Connie Polnow. Graphic by Aileen Christian Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
A Love of Literature
As Halloween draws nearer, you might be searching for costume ideas (for the 5K, perhaps?). Not only that, but auditions for The Enchanted Bookshop will be here before we know it! Take a break from chasing ghosts to revisit some classic literary characters that have crossed Encore’s stage over the years.
This summer, many of Dr. Seuss’ famous faces found new life in Encore’s production of Seussical. [2018]
From beloved picture books… [Madeline’s Christmas, 2017]
…to classic fairytales, many stories from literature have found their way into Encore seasons across the decades. [Cinderella, 2015]
Favorite childhood chapter books have also gotten the Encore treatment! [James and the Giant Peach, 2018]
Modern fairytales have carried Encore down the Yellow Brick Road… [The Wizard of Oz, 1984]
…into Wonderland and beyond! [Alice in Wonderland, 2015]
Hopefully you’ve been able to deduce how thrilling literary tales can be. [Sherlock Holmes, 2018]
Ready to take on the roles of Dorothy Gale, Tom Sawyer, the Queen of Hearts, and more? Mark your calendars for The Enchanted Bookshop‘s pre-audition workshop on October 20th and auditions on October 22-23. Click here to register for the optional pre-audition workshop to get some tips on how to have your best audition experience!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Connie Polnow. Wizard of Oz photo courtesy Mary Anne Penning. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Outside the Box with Ms. A! #StudioSaturday
Welcome back for another #StudioSaturday, Encore family! Late Fall classes start in just one month, and we can’t wait to see many of you to explore together. Today we’re chatting with A.K. Nell, one of our awesome Teaching Artists, currently teaching several Early Fall classes here at Encore. Let’s see what she has to say about theatre education:
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
A.K.: I started teaching for Encore when I was the Arts Apprentice last season. I’ve had the chance to teach after school enrichment classes, workshops, spring break and summer camps, and even Mommy and Me! I love getting to work with students of all ages in the many different areas of education.
“If you open your mind, oh, the thinks you will find lining up to get loose!”
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
A.K.: I’d have to say that one of the biggest things I have taken from theatre is to think outside the box. Once you can see things from a new perspective and maybe even step just a little bit outside of your everyday comfort zone, a whole new world of ideas and opportunities becomes available to you. In my experience, the thoughts outside of the box are far more fascinating (and fun) than the ones inside.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
A.K.: I think arts education is not only important, but paramount for young people to experience. The arts give children a way to express themselves in creative ways in a safe space. They learn about emotions, communication, team work, leadership, confidence, and even pride. Theatre, specifically, gives kids a hands-on experience of creative thinking and self discovery.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
A.K.: I am most looking forward to teaching Saturday classes because I love seeing my students come together as an ensemble and create such amazing work in just a few short weeks! I can’t wait for their final presentations!
We’re excited to see your Early Fall classes perform next week, Ms. A – and then on to Late Fall classes! To join in the fun, register today online or by calling our office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Early Birds Get the Discount!
October is officially here! Pumpkins are popping up all over, Ghostchasers opens tonight, and the 3rd annual Costume Caper 5K is just three weeks away. Sitting on the fence like an autumn scarecrow regarding registration? We’ve got four reasons to register today and join in the fun:
1) Teamwork, making the dream work!
Time to get the gang together to make a rad group costume. Whether it’s the cast of your favorite TV show, a squad of superheroes, or personified puns, we can’t wait to see what costumes will cross the finish line And, if you’re lucky, you might win some prizes for your creativity!
2) Run, Forest, run! Or jog. Or walk. You can even dance, if you prefer. The Costume Caper is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get up and move on a lovely fall Saturday. Even better, the scenic W&OD Trail is lovely and flatter than a ghost’s shadow.
3) The Great Pumpkin! Our Kids’ Corner will offer fall themed crafts and games for your youngest creatures. Come wind down after the 1 mile Kids’ Fun Run to celebrate the season.
4) Do it for the cause! Your registration goes toward supporting another 50 years of “Theatre by kids, for kids” here in the DMV area. Can’t make it to the 5K? Check out our Donation page!
Today, October 5th is the last day to qualify for Early Bird pricing for the 2018 Costume Caper, so don’t delay! Click here to register today at the best price, then get to work on your costumes!
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Aimee Pangan. Graphic by Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
From Alum to Admin | Meet Encore’s Registrar, Shannon McCarthy
Happy #TechTuesday friends! Today we’d like to give you a backstage pass of Encore’s education department and meet a familiar face. An Encore arts apprentice alum, Shannon McCarthy now joins the Encore team as the Registrar! Shannon shares with us her newest role and what she’s looking forward to this season!
Encore: Share with us the many roles you’ve had with Encore, onstage and off?
Shannon: Hello, Encore fam! Onstage, I’ve participated in several Encore productions. I had a blast as kooky mayoress Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man and loved taking on a new challenge as Mayzie LaBird in this summer’s Seussical.
Offstage, I started working with Encore in 2016 as the first ever Arts Apprentice. I spent the season learning in all of our different departments, but I particularly enjoyed delving into Marketing, as well as working with our awesome Front of House crews. Following the end of my Apprenticeship, I came back part-time to assist Aileen with marketing projects for the 2017/18 season and Encore’s 50th Anniversary events.
Encore: What is your newest role at Encore and what does it entail?
Shannon: I’m excited to be joining Encore’s full-time team as the new Registrar, helping students enroll in our incredible collection of classes and camps and acting as the point person for coordinating our private lesson offerings, which include voice, piano, and acting lessons. I’ll also continue as a member of the marketing team, curating our social media accounts and publishing content here on the Front Row blog!
Encore: What is your greatest Encore memory?
Shannon: Oh, that’s so difficult to choose! So I’m going to cheat and give three:
1) Taking silly “family” photos with my onstage husband and two daughters from The Music Man: We had so much fun working together as a unit and developing those onstage relationships over the rehearsal process. It was hard to say goodbye!
2) Pre-show conversations before Seussical: Because we entered from under the set in the opening number, a group of us had to hide under the central platform before the main curtain opened. David (Horton the Elephant), Sierra (Gertrude McFuzz), and I would get to places early to avoid crawling under in the dark. We shared a lot of great conversations and funny moments in the “dab palace,” so named for the pop culture dance move, which we could perform out of sight of the audience.
3) Post-run staff breakfasts: After both the 2016 and 2017 Costume Capers, I’ve ended up getting breakfast with my fellow Encore staff members. Nothing beats a stack of delicious pancakes after a busy and successful event!
Encore: What are the most valuable skills/lessons you’ve learned in theatre and what do you think students in the classroom will take away?
Shannon: Confidence and collaboration are two of the biggest gifts I’ve gained since beginning theatre in 6th grade. I was a super shy kid who felt awkward in my own skin – I mean, who isn’t, in middle school? But theatre gave me more of an identity to latch onto, as well as a supportive family of castmates and mentors that helped me grow, not only as a performer, but as a person.
I believe that theatre is a valuable experience for anyone, even those who aren’t interested in performing as a career or ever auditioning for a show. The ability to imagine the feelings or circumstances of someone different than yourself can be applied anywhere – on the playground, in sports practice, in the boardroom. Empathy goes a long way in creating meaningful connections with others. I think that might be the most significant takeaway for any of our students.
Encore: What are you looking forward to this season?
Shannon: The Enchanted Bookshop! I loved reading growing up and go to the library weekly to this day, so the idea of so many iconic characters interacting has definitely piqued my interest. I’m looking forward to many laughs as an audience member!
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working at Encore Stage & Studio?
Shannon: I love the community! The staff is so lovely to work alongside (plus, we have awesome theme days), but our wonderful students, parents, and volunteers form such a fantastic community to work with. I still chat with former Front of House students when they come through the office for rehearsal. I love seeing students grow over the course of the seasons, from getting onto their first cast/crew to landing their first big lead or auditioning for their first summer production. It’s so rewarding to literally see Encore’s mission at work and knowing that I’ve been able to play even a small role in each student’s development.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Shannon: The Costume Caper is one of my favorite events to cover on the blog, so y’all better bring it with your costumes this year! #challengeaccepted =)
Photos by Larry McClemons, Connie Polnow, Shannon McCarthy, and Aileen Pangan. Headshot by Kim Kiely Photography. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan.
Top 5 Encore Summer Successes
Wow! The school year is off to a sprint. Encore already has two shows in rehearsal with one opening early next month. As we’re getting ready to settle into fall weather, we wanted to take a moment to share our Top Five Successes from Summer 2018.
#1 – The Musical of the Summer — Seussical
The colorful world of Seussical was the perfect place for us to bring Encore’s 50th anniversary season to a close. The stunning set designed by Kristen Jepperson, the bright costumes by Debra Leonard, and of course the choreography, musical direction, and direction by Kelsey Meiklejohn, Sarah Markovitz, and Elizabeth Pringle respectively took this show off of the page and into the Jungle of Nool and beyond.
#2 – Summer Camp Supporting the Community
Encore’s partnership with Project Extra Step and their affiliate organizations provides the opportunity to participate in drama camp for children who may not be able to otherwise. Project Extra Step, Arlington County School’s office that coordinates a consistent education for homeless students, refers its clients to Encore to ensure a safe, creative, and fun place for these children when school is out. This summer, we provided $15,000 in full and partial scholarship to 30 students at our summer camps.
#3 – Hamiltunes Sing-a-long
This June, we took things back to where Encore began as the Children’s Theatre of Arlington in 1967. We hosted a hot summer evening of fulfilling Encore’s mission, by bringing the kids of the Arlington community together to sing along to the songs from Hamilton. This karaoke style event brought kids of all ages on stage. The evening kicked off with our 2018-2019 Season Reveal and the presentation of a commendation for Encore’s 50th Anniversary from the Virginia’s General Assembly. And of course, all Encore season reveals come with ice cream!
#4 – Seven Summer Camps Sold Out
That’s right! This summer seven of our summer camps sold out. Our It’s Elementary, Scenes for Tweens, and Stagedoor programs all had at least one camp on the list. We served over 637 kids, had 20 different camp themes, and were in four different facilities. It was a fun and exciting camp season.
#5 – Amazing Staff Bringing it All Together
We can create ideas for camp themes all day long, but without staff members to bring the ideas to life, those ideas stay on the page. 30 local teens were hired as aids for the camps. Encore also brought in 27 local teaching artists to lead the classrooms and productions. We are so lucky to have a staff that brought joy to each day of the summer.
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Thank you again to everyone who made this summer possible. We can’t wait to celebrate the fall with our first production of the season Ghostchasers! and the Costume Caper 5K.
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Poltergeists of Encore’s Past
As the end of September draws near, the spirits are stirring. We’re searching for brave souls to join our Ghostchasers to face down the season’s spooks. Are you up to the challenge?
Encore has also tangled with its fair share of witches over the years…
Snow White, 1996
Hansel and Gretel, 1973
Some villains choose to work alone… (Snow White, 2009)
While others prefer to keep some cronies and flunkies on hand. (Disney’s The Lion King, Jr., 2018)
Though not all beasts are necessarily scary. (Reluctant Dragon, 1997)
Cul de Sac, 2016
Sherlock Holmes, 2018
We’ve even had creepy critters and spooky specters show up off the stage…at Encore’s annual Costume Caper, that is!
Come one, come all; we promise to be good hosts. To witches, ghouls, and, of course, ghosts!
If you made it through this menacing menagerie without fear, you might be ready to graduate to the level of the Ghostchasers! Come take in the thrills and chills of poltergeists, ghosts, zombies, and more when the show opens on October 5th. Get your tickets online or by calling our Box Office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan. Graphic by Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Wearing Many Hats – Arts Apprentice Alana Gibson
This #TechTuesday we welcome a new member of Encore’s incredible team. Alana Gibson is serving as one of two Arts Apprentices for the 2018/19 season here at Encore. We’re excited to introduce her to our wonderful Encore family. Without further ado: Ms. Alana!
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or education?
Alana: Hey! I’m Alana Gibson, hailing from Prince George’s County, MD. I’m a recent graduate of Goucher College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts Administration. I’ve been involved the arts (theater and dance) since I was child. My experience with education stems from working at the Youth Center on Joint Base Andrews in Clinton, Maryland. My experience with the arts led me to teaching dance and being a Teaching Assistant for the Being Acting class at Goucher.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Alana: My most memorable theater experience involved being an integral part of my senior project production at Goucher. The R&J Project was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that utilized audience-centered experimental theater. The whole class, including myself, rewrote the entire script, which included sonnets, poems, and songs. I was cast as the Nurse character that would become the radical, yet motherly, bodyguard of Juliet. Not only a writer and cast member, I was also the choreographer for the production. I wore many hats while working on that production and it’s an experience I will forever cherish.
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Alana: What led me to applying for the program was that awkward time of my senior year in college when I knew that I needed to start applying for jobs and the fact that graduation was coming closer than I realized. The theater department chair at Goucher, Becky Free (shout out to her!), forwarded me an email from Sara [Duke] about the program so I took the leap faith.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Alana: I’m most excited about really getting the chance to dive head first into the world of arts administration. I could have taken all the classes in the world, but nothing will beat the reality of experiencing it firsthand.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2018/19 season?
Alana: I’m looking forward to Jingle ARRGH The Way the most! It’ll be the first production that I will see to fruition here at Encore, so that makes it a little extra special. Also pirates plus Christmas equals a match made in heaven to me!!
To meet the lovely Alana in person, be sure to purchase your 2018/19 Season Subscription to guarantee your best seats at all of Encore’s upcoming productions. Stay tuned for next week’s #TechTuesday to meet our other awesome apprentice!
Photos by Nikki Cee and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Visit Encore at Clarendon Day 2018!
With students back to school and the first crunchy leaves on the ground, fall is just around the corner! With fall comes the annual Clarendon Day street festival. This year’s festivities will take place on Saturday, September 22nd and Encore will be there to celebrate! Why should you come join us? We’re so glad you asked!
2) Satisfy your cravings! You might be on your way home from Saturday classes or headed to rehearsal – in any case, the plethora of delicious restaurants at CD will surely have your tummies rumbling, but not for long!
3) Take in a show! From Irish step dancing to ballet and local singer-songwriters, there’s so much to see and hear at Clarendon Day. Perhaps you’ll discover a new favorite band or be inspire to dance a jig yourself!
4) Get crafty! Looking for something to decorate your locker or your desk at work? Maybe shopping for a birthday gift or getting a jump start on the holidays? With over fifty vendors featured, Clarendon Day is a great place to start!
5) Spread the Encore love! We love our Encore family of students, teachers, families, and volunteers – so much that we love watching that family grow! Come visit our booth and share your stories of Encore shows, camps, and other adventures with new friends. Looking to get some volunteer hours in for your organization? If you’re an Encore alum (or current show participant), sign up for a shift at Encore’s booth using our SignUpGenius! Our volunteers are so great at sharing that we won’t have to “chase” anyone down to come see the first show of our season!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Connie Polnow, and Aileen Pangan. Graphic by Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Hands-On Learning w/ Production Arts Apprentice Caolan Eder!
This #TechTuesday, prepare to give a warm welcome to our second Arts Apprentice for the 2018/19 Season, Encore family. Introducing…Caolan Eder!
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or education?
Caolan: I grew up around here and took acting classes when I was young. That really helped me come out of my shell, and in middle school I switched to technical theater. Through my work in college with a multicultural theatre company, I saw how theatre can be used as an educational tool; it was there that I discovered a love of teaching.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Caolan: A few years ago I was props master and ASM for a local theatre festival. One of the shows required me to make a 7-foot-long plush unicorn horn, which I then puppeteered from backstage. Unfortunately the curtains didn’t really hide me from view, so I ended up performing the role of the unicorn’s body for the small section of the audience that could see me.
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Caolan: I was looking for a hands-on job that would help me learn more about theatre as education, so Encore’s apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity!
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Caolan: I look forward to making people smile.
Encore: What do you anticipate to be a challenge you’ll overcome as an Apprentice?
Caolan: I get social anxiety sometimes, but since theatre helped me get through that in the past, I expect that working with Encore will likewise be an opportunity to grow.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2018/19 season?
Caolan: I’m excited about Newsies. I’ve seen and worked on several productions of the show, so I’m interested to see how Encore interprets it.
Welcome aboard, Caolan! We’re excited to see all of the wonderful contributions you’ll make to Encore’s productions this season. To join us in the audience, purchase your season subscription today to guarantee your best seats and theatre experience! Click here to purchase and learn more or reach us in the office at (703) 548-1154.
Production photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.