Make A Difference With Your Dinner! | July 11 at Lebanese Taverna
Fundraise for Encore Stage & Studio while enjoying a delicious meal! On July 11th, the Westover location of Lebanese Taverna will generously donate 20% of their sales when you mention Encore.
There are three easy ways to participate:
1. Dine-in/Take-Out from the Westover location (5900 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205).
2. Order catering for the office! *Catering Order must be for same day of Fundraiser. Must mention Encore when placing your order.
3. Purchase online gift cards from www.lebanesetaverna.com
and just the code ENCORE17.
We hope our friends and families will enjoy this wonderful opportunity to support two community organizations at once!
“Iconic” Moments with Photographer Larry McClemons
Welcome back to the Front Row blog! Today we are excited and honored to interview an essential member of Encore’s team. Larry McClemons has been capturing memories of Encore’s productions as our staff photographer for years. We are so lucky to have him and happy to speak with him today!
Encore: How did you first get involved?
Larry: When our son was at Washington-Lee High School, I began photographing dress rehearsals. One of his classmates had a mother on the board of what was then The Children’s Theatre of Arlington. When CTA’s photographer moved out of the area, she suggested me to [long time Executive Producer] Celeste Groves. I took some of my show albums, had a lovely visit, and voila! I got the gig.
Encore: Could you share some of your favorite photos with us and tell us why they top your list?
Larry:
1. This photo from Night at the Wax Museum (Lynn Loftus as “Polly Popper,” March 2017) is sort of a quirky choice. I just like photos that make the viewer ask “what is going on here?” I think this one qualifies.
2. West Side Story (July 2000) marked a change in the summer shows being produced. I am fond of this photo because it seems to capture the tension between the two leads, Erin Driscoll (“Maria”) and Alex Pyke (“Tony”).
3. Whenever I photograph a show, I hope to capture an “iconic” moment that perfectly symbolizes the show. This picture of Gabriella Flanagan as “Alice Otterloop” in Cul de Sac does just that. It was a moment I hoped I would be able to capture, and the fact that it came so early in the show helped me relax and just enjoy the rest of the ride.
Encore: What are some of your most memorable moments working with Encore?
Larry: My favorite, most memorable moments aren’t necessarily tied to specific shows. It’s a pleasure to watch the younger performers, playing secondary characters, develop, grow, and end up as main characters and leads. You can almost feel the increased confidence as they continue on.
I also enjoy watching the true teamwork and camaraderie shown by casts and crews. Also just interacting with the performers, parents, staff, and crew. I think I learn something every show.
Encore: What would be your top 3 Encore shows to photograph overall?
Larry:
It’s hard to narrow it down to just three, but I’ll try. In reverse order, Into the Woods, Jr. (March 2004), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (April 2016), and in first place, Cul de Sac (June 2016).
Into the Woods, Jr. because of a great cast and great visuals. I also liked that it showed well-known characters in a different light. I would hope that this sort of production would stimulate the imaginations of the young audience.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, because it was just a fun and entertaining show with a very talented cast. I also found the “black box” theatre allowed for more interesting pictures.
Cul de Sac was a very special experience. I was eagerly awaiting it when I saw it on the schedule. I feared that the production would not live up to my expectations, but instead it went far beyond that. Everything about the production, from the cartoonesque sets and props, to the projections for the Zombie Toads, and the acting made for a terrific (and photogenic) experience. The cast was top-flight all the way through, especially Kostya Cook as “Dill,” Joey Pickel as “Andre,” Xander Tilock as “Petey,” Caitlyn Knittig with a sensitive portray of “Mrs. Otterloop,” and Gabriella Flanagan as the irrepressible “Alice.”
Honorable Mentions include Rebecca’s World (March 1994), The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (February 2014), Disney’s High School Musical (July 2007), Once Upon a Mattress (July 2014), and Hansel and Gretel, (November 1998).
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- The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (2014)
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- The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (2014)
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- The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (2014)
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- High School Musical (2007)
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- Princess Winnifred couldn’t sleep at all with a pea beneath her mattress. (2014)
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- Meghan Mack, Perry Kaufman and Kerry Hackes, Once Upon a Mattress (2014)
Encore: Do you have any wishes for Encore as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary season?
Larry: My hope is that Encore will continue on the paths that have already been started. The casts and crews seem to get better with each passing season, which certainly says a lot about how Encore is run. Obviously, it would be nice to have a dedicated stage to avoid some of the logistics that arise from shared facilities. The various classes and camps are also provide an invaluable experience, whether or not performing is in the future of each student.
Thank you so much, Larry! It was so wonderful to learn about some of your favorite memories from Encore’s many years of history. We are lucky to have on our team to capture such wonderful images!
Want to be a part of the next chapter of Encore’s history? Check out some of the 50th Anniversary special events coming up this year!
Photos by: Larry McClemons
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Hip Hip Hooray! Three Cheers for Our Seniors!
As summer begins, the end-of-year celebrations do too! We wanted to take a moment to honor the Encore students who are graduating this spring. Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and support of Encore throughout the years, onstage, backstage, and beyond! We hope to see you in the audience for years to come (and at summer musical auditions, just saying…).
Malena Davis
Annika Fagerstrom
Sophia Kingsley
Kimmy Lewis
Angus Long
Louisa Martial
Zoe Rocchio
Sarah Strunk
Madeline Wade
Christopher Wagner
Check out some of our seniors’ greatest hits:
Photos by: Aileen Pangan and Larry McClemons
Get Ready to Make Next Season #SweeterThanEver!
Can you believe it? Encore’s production of The Music Man opens in just one month!! We are so excited to share this summer production with you in just a few short weeks. Our cast and crew are hard at work, putting together an amazing show for all of you, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates from rehearsals.
Along with “76 Trombones” (and maybe even a bit of “Trouble”), The Music Man brings the end of Encore’s 2016-17 season of productions. Don’t you fret! We’ve got three awesome ways to prepare and get pumped for our 50th Anniversary season!
1. Don’t let those fantastic seats sneak away from you – order a season subscription today! Now is your opportunity to get your favorite seats for the lowest prices of the season. See all six shows or choose from a package of productions. Order online or call the box office at (703) 548-1154.
2. Peer into the future – audition dates are now available! Be sure to mark your calendars for Encore’s series of 2017-18 auditions. Want to brush up on your skills before the big day? Fear not! Pre-audition workshop dates are available as well.
3. Jump for anniversary joy! Can’t wait until our first production, Madeline’s Christmas, in November? Don’t let the waiting get you down – come join us for Encore’s series of 50th Anniversary special events. Reserve your seat on the bus for our New York City trip to Broadway or lace up to train for the Costume Caper 5K and the time will fly before you know it!
Now that you’re good and ready for the 2017-18 season, be sure to get your Music Man tickets and help us make the final show of this season even more fantastic! Reserve your seats online or by calling the box office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos by: Aileen Pangan
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
5-Point Checklist: #RehearsalReady
Hey there, everyone! Your friendly neighborhood Arts Apprentice, Shannon, here. It’s been so fun writing for the Front Row blog and working with our Front of House crews this season.
I’m so excited to cross behind the curtain to join the wonderful cast of The Music Man this summer! We’ve already been in rehearsals for a few weeks at this point, so I wanted to share a bit about the process and how you can prepare for your own rehearsals in the future. [Check out our auditions page for 2017/2018 audition dates!]
- No matter what’s on the rehearsal schedule for the evening, it’s important to have your script on hand, whether to write down your blocking (where and when to move onstage), review your vocal music, or record helpful character notes. And don’t forget a pencil!
- Staying hydrated is always a worthy goal, so bring your water bottle to rehearsal. It’s particularly essential for performers during the summer production because our choreographer Kelsey is certainly putting us through our paces! We’ve already choreographed all of the group dance numbers in The Music Man. I can’t wait for all of you to see our awesome marching in “76 Trombones.” You won’t believe the crazy tricks our Teen Dance Ensemble pulls off!
- Tick-tock, keep an eye on the clock! Being on time makes everything run much more smoothly, in rehearsal and in life. If you think you might be running late, give your stage manager a call so he or she can adjust accordingly.
- You’ve planned so well that you’re actually early to rehearsal? No worries! Now is the perfect time to review your lines and music, to make certain that you’re extra prepared for that evening’s work.
- Perhaps above all else, a positive attitude is a huge rehearsal essential! Even if the dance steps are difficult or the music notes are high, if you show up ready to work and have fun, you’ll surely keep out of “Trouble” and have a wonderful rehearsal.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these rehearsal tips. Stay tuned to Encore’s blog and social media pages for more sneak peaks as we get closer to the show. Share your excitement with us at @EncoreArlington and with #EncoreMusicMan!
Ready to catch a train to River City yourself? Get your tickets and take in all 76 (or so) of our trombones! To learn more about The Music Man, including performance dates, or to purchase tickets, please click here.
Photos by: Aileen Pangan and Madeline Pages
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Encore’s 2017/18 Season is #SweeterThanEver!
Welcome back to the Front Row blog! We want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate our #SweeterThanEver season reveal with an ice cream social this past weekend. It was wonderful to have our community come together in excitement over our 50th Anniversary season.
If you couldn’t make it, here’s a quick recap of what you missed!
Executive Director Sara Duke welcomed everyone to the social and shared a few of the exciting events we’ve got in the works to highlight our 50th year of creating “theatre by kids, for kids.” These include a Broadway bus trip to go see School of Rock, our second annual Costume Caper 5K, and more!
After much anticipation, Encore’s 2017/18 season was revealed! Here’s what the coming year has in store:
- Warm up your voices and prepare your two lines for a new holiday musical classic, Madeline’s Christmas, based on the classic storybook by Ludwig Bemelmans, playing November 10-19 and December 1-3.
- The game’s afoot with Sherlock Holmes, sneaking into Gunston’s Theatre One January 5-14, 2018.
- Better get workin’ on your roar! Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. takes over the Encore Pridelands February 16-25.
- Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) goes on a wacky adventure with James & the Giant Peach.
- We’ve got no strings to hold us down! Pinocchio takes the stage in June of 2018.
- Who is excited for summer? All of you animals (in the Jungle of Nool, that is). Seussical wraps up the season with some musical flair.
The season was celebrated with selfies and sweet treats that warmed all of our hearts. We are so excited to have our Encore friends and families join us this year – for auditions, performances, special events, and more!
The best way to celebrate Encore’s 50th anniversary season is with a Season Subscription. Subscribe today to get your best price on this season that’s #SweeterThanEver.
For show descriptions, performance dates, locations, and more, please click here!
Photos by: Aileen Pangan and Andrea Lipschitz
Chalk art by: Aimee Pangan
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016/17 Arts Apprentice
Walk on the Wild Side: 3 Easy Ways to Dress for the Jungle
Get excited, Encore family! We can’t wait for our upcoming production of The Jungle Book! As you prepare to join us at the theatre June 2-11, we want to give you a few simple ideas on how to express your inner animal through your fierce outfits! You’ve joined us for Princess Balls and Pirate Parties, so why not show off your jungle style too?
1. Wear your favorite prints or clothing with animals on them. It’s so simple to get in touch with your jungle style, using items already in your closet!
2. Create some simple animal accessories, such as these adorable animal ears from Paging Supermom.
3. Looking for a more subtle approach? Find color and accessory inspiration from your favorite animal characters! The folks over at Disneybound are pros, so feel free to check it out.
No matter how you decide to show your animal spirit, we’re excited to see it! Be sure to get your tickets for The Jungle Book and get ready to show off your style.
Friday, June 2, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 3 pm
Friday, June 9, 20176 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 3 pm
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
A Jumble of Fun with Actor/Director Rachel Hynes
Greetings, everyone! We are thrilled to share an interview with one of the A Sidewalk Stroll actors who also directed this production. In addition to her wonderful work in our Theatre for the Very Young program, she also serves as one of Encore’s fantastic teaching artists, as well as being an Encore alum herself. Please welcome Rachel Hynes!
Encore: Welcome to Encore’s Front Row blog! We’re so excited to learn more about A Sidewalk Stroll. What was your primary inspiration for the creation of this play?
Rachel: My two-year old nephew, Leon! When he visits, we go to the park; I noticed that we spend just as much time looking at things on the way as we do playing at the park.
Encore: Could you briefly walk us through the process of devising a new piece for the theatre?
Rachel: The point of departure could be anything—a word, an image, an event, a character. Then, you have fun exploring! A Sidewalk Stroll started with an idea about a baby bear who would get frustrated all of the time. As I began to explore what situations Baby Bear might find herself in, I discovered that I was actually interested in was identifying emotions, and acknowledging that lots of different emotions happen over the course of a day—even on a walk to the park! The cast and I improvised different ways to get to the park, things that Arlington kids might see on the way and emotional reactions they might have. From these improvisations, we created the journey that our kids would go on. It’s a little bit like cooking—you have all the ingredients, it’s just a question of how you put them together to make the best play possible.
Encore: Are there any considerations you take into account, given that the target audience includes preschoolers and their families?
Rachel: Absolutely. You always have to think about the world from their perspective, how they experience things; so the size of objects may seem huge to adults, but that may be how a preschooler experiences the object. I also think a lot about time—what’s too long for a preschooler? What is too short? Mostly, I think about whether or not it’s fun. If I’m not having fun, neither will our audiences.
Encore: What’s been the best part of the rehearsal process?
Rachel: Working with Adrian and Ruthie and the staff at Encore! We’ve all laughed a lot.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about performing for young people?
Rachel: They are the best audiences. Young people get involved in the performance and are really invested in the outcome. I also love the post-show time when our audiences get to come on stage and explore the props in the show. It’s amazing to watch them play and explore the colorful pool noodles or work up the bravery to touch the spider puppet, or even make the spider puppet crawl on the web.
Encore: Could you describe A Sidewalk Stroll in five words or short phrases.
Rachel:
1. A colorful jumble of fun
2. Emotions abound
3. Hopping, running, stomping
4. Imagination carries you everywhere
5. Curiosity is the best toy
Encore: Any advice for the parents of first-time theatre-goers?
Rachel: Come and enjoy!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Rachel! If you’ve got little ones in your life, be sure to catch A Sidewalk Stroll at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church before it strolls away for good this weekend! To purchase your tickets, please click here.
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Shannon McCarthy
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Run Wild! An Interview with Jungle Book Director Martha-Grace Moore
Today we’re excited to share an interview with Martha-Grace Moore. You may recognize her from leading Girl Scout or Pre-Audition Workshops, but she’s currently serving as the leader at the helm of our upcoming production of The Jungle Book, opening June 2nd at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
Encore: Welcome to Encore’s Front Row blog! Could you introduce yourself and tell us how you’ve been involved with Encore?
Martha-Grace: Hi! My name is Martha-Grace Moore, and I am the director of Encore’s upcoming production of The Jungle Book. I’m fairly new to town (I’ve been in the area coming up on two years now), and this past year has been a whirlwind of fun working with Encore in a variety of ways. I was in last summer’s production of Mary Poppins, joined up as a teaching artist in the fall, and worked as an assistant director on The Best Haunted House Ever. It has been a blast working with so many aspects of Encore’s theatre outreach.
Encore: How is the plot of this particular production similar to other interpretations of this story that audiences may recognize? Does it differ in any significant ways?
M-G:This version of The Jungle Book focuses on the jungle as Mowgli’s true home, where he feels he is most himself. There are a few retellings of this story that try to steer Mowgli back to human civilization where he supposedly belongs, but what I really like about this Vera Morris adaptation is the idea that anyone can be your family–it’s about who loves and supports you, and who you trust that matters, not necessarily what you look like (or in this case, what species happens to match up with your own).
Encore: We’ve seen you previously in Encore’s production of Mary Poppins. How is this process different? What do you enjoy most about working with young theatre-makers?
M-G: Great question. I was an actor in Mary Poppins, which means most of my work onstage was focused on making character choices for myself and finding ways to interact with the choices of other actors. As a director, I am looking at a much bigger picture and helping guide the choices of all my actors to serve the story we are telling together. My favorite part about working with young artists is the enthusiasm that they bring to the table, and the growth that I get to witness throughout the process. It’s wonderful to see young people grow confident in their choices, and feel empowered to make a character their own.
Encore: If you could turn into any animal, which would it be?
M-G: Oh my goodness, definitely a cat. I’m very Professor McGonagall like that.
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like audiences to know?
M-G: Bring your daring attitudes and let your imaginations run wild! We hope to see you in the jungle!
Thank you so much, Martha-Grace! We hope you all will come adventure with us, June 2-11 at The Jungle Book. If you’re feeling particularly in touch with your wild side, we’d love to see your animal-inspired outfits at the theater!
Photos by: Larry McClemons
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Dreams Come True with Encore Cares’ Director Xander Tilock
Welcome back to Encore’s Front Stage blog! Today we’re excited to share an interview with Xander Tilock, the student director of Just Like Us, the first installment of the new Encore Cares project. This is a community service based program that brings a live theatre experience to kids who may not be able to access the theater. This production will travel to the Culmore Boys and Girls Club to share the joy of theatre with all members of our community, as well as performing at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Encore: Tell us about yourself! How long have you been involved with Encore and how did you come to be a director at such a young age?
Xander: I’ve been involved with Encore since January 2015, first appearing onstage as Guard 1 and Thug 3 in Encore’s The Three Musketeers. However, being a director someday was my first dream, since I was four years old. Once I saw an Encore show for the first time, I also wanted to make the audience laugh and be onstage as an actor. After participating in five shows as a cast member, I am thrilled to fulfill this dream of mine by directing this show.
Encore: What drew you toward the role of director?
Xander: There is nothing like the genuine laughter of a young child who is watching a story come to life on stage. Once the curtain goes down, everyone walks away with something special too. In my littlest brother’s case, he always takes the characters home with him after the show and they live in his imagination for years afterwards! Encore is my family. I love everyone and their unique characteristics. From my view, this passion is one that I want to share with everyone, even if they aren’t able to experience it at a typical Encore performance.
Encore: Could you tell us a bit about Just Like Us? What influenced your choice of this script?
Xander: I chose Just Like Us because right away I knew I wanted a short play with a powerful message. When doing a search and this show came up, I was drawn to it right away. This play is by Craig Sodaro who also wrote Night at The Wax Museum (a recent Encore play I was in) and other great shows. Just Like Us also has a message that most resembles how I feel when I’m at Encore. Anyone can be or do anything they choose, and that is beautiful. This is what Encore means to me.
Encore: What’s been the best part of the rehearsal process?
Xander: Probably that awesome feeling when I arrive at Encore and someone says, “Hi Xander!” To know that I have an important role to play and that I feel I have a family at Encore is a very special to me.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working with other young theatre-makers?
Xander: That it’s easy to have a good chemistry and connect with my fellow Encore family. They truly understand the circumstances that kids my age have and experience every day, which they bring to all of the great work they do.
Encore: What’s been the biggest challenge?
Xander: Probably that kids can be involved in lots of activities and schedules can be hard. Now I see from the director’s point of view what happens when kids miss rehearsals. But, Encore is worth every moment that you put in, which comes across when everyone gives their best on stage.
Encore: Could you describe Just Like Us in just a few short words?
Xander: Life can be hard, but united we win.
Encore: What about anyone who might be considering auditioning for the cast or crew of a show?
Xander: You need to be the right piece of the puzzle the director is looking for – and if it doesn’t fit this time, don’t give up, because there’s always another show!
Thanks so much for discussing the show with us, Xander. We want to say “Break legs!” to you and the whole cast of Just Like Us as you prepare for your performances this week.
If you’re hoping to audition for Encore this coming season, be sure to mark your calendars for our Season Reveal Ice Cream Social on June 4th. It will follow the 3 PM performance of The Jungle Book. We are so excited to share our 50th Anniversary season with you – we guarantee that it will be #SweeterThanEver!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice