Encore Named #OneOfTheBest by Catalogue for Philanthrophy
After a careful vetting process, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington has selected Encore Stage & Studio to be part of the Class of 2019-20. Encore has undergone a rigorous review process conducted by a team of 150+ local experts, and has met the Catalogue’s high standards. Potential donors can be confident that the nonprofits in the Catalogue are worthy of their support. Encore’s mission is to build lifelong appreciation for live theatre by involving young people in all aspects of theatre arts — onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience.
This year the Catalogue celebrates its 17th anniversary: since its inception it has raised $40 million for nonprofits in the region. It also offers trainings and neighborhood-based opportunities for collaboration.
This year, reviewers helped select 78 nonprofits to feature in the print edition, 36 of which are new to the Catalogue this year. It also selected an additional 36 nonprofits to be re-featured on its website. The network now includes 400+ vetted nonprofits working in the arts, education, environment, and human services sectors throughout Greater Washington.
“People want to get involved in their community—they want to make a difference, close to home. Based on our rigorous review process, we believe that Encore [Stage & Studio] is one of the best community-based nonprofits in the region,” says Matt Gayer, Director of Community and Nonprofit Development at the Catalogue for Philanthropy.
Encore’s Executive Director, Sara Strehle Duke, stated, “It is such an honor to be selected for the Catalogue. Inclusion is recognition of our hard work and a seal of approval from the non-profit community. The Catalogue gives us a much larger platform to share the power of ‘theatre by kids, for kids.’ ”
The Catalogue believes in the power of small nonprofits to spark big change. And they believe in Encore to continue to further that positive change, working each day to lift up, strengthen, and enrich our local community.
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and Matt Gayer.
May’s Marvelous Highlights
Spring Classes Took a Bow
After a year of awesome theatre classes here at Encore’s Main Campus, ranging from Broadway to Shakespeare and comedy to play writing, our Spring session wrapped up with many wonderful sharings for families and friends. Our 2019/2020 roster of classes will be announced later this summer, so be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to stay in the loop.
Rocket Woman Blasts Off…Until This Summer
Encore’s newest Theatre for the Very Young production had a fantastic final weekend of shows, closing out to large audiences full of enthusiastic space explorers. Be sure to catch Encore’s Theatre for the Very Young special presentations as part of Lubber Run’s free concert series this summer.
Making Headlines
Last month saw over 90 potential newsies come out to audition for the summer production, with over 20 people auditioning for crew. With such a great selection to choose from, this production is jam packed with talent. Rehearsals are already well underway, so be sure to get your tickets today!
Teachers Gonna Teach
This May, Encore celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with a special ticket offer to honor the educators that brighten all of our lives. Looking for the perfect end of the school year gift for the teachers in your life? Consider giving them the gift of “Theatre by kids, for kids” with an Encore gift certificate!
Celebrating Rosemarie with a Disney Villains theme day!
So Long, Farewell
This month we bid a fond farewell to Encore’s first-ever Development Associate, Rosemarie O’Connor. Starting with Encore as a show participant, learning through a summer internship, and going on to grow Encore’s grant funding and donor relations, Rosemarie has certainly been a vital part of our organization. With her sunshiny smile, love of puns, and flawless sense of style, she will definitely be missed.
We Are the Champions
For the second year in a row, Encore Stage & Studio is honored to be recognized by the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families. Artistic Director Susan Keady was named a Connect with Kids Champion in 2018. This year, Encore as an organization was named a Do for Kids Champion, with Aileen Christian, A.K. Nell, and Sara Duke all receiving notable mentions in the nomination process. We’re so grateful for everyone who supports Encore and allows us to further connect within our community.
Another Opening, Another Show
The last day of May brought a much anticipated moment: the world-premiere opening night of The Talented Clementine! Opening night buzzed with excitement during our pre-show celebration, while author Sara Pennypacker met patrons and graciously signed copies of her books. The cast certainly let their talents shine as they dazzled our enthusiastic crowd. Haven’t seen the show yet? You have one weekend of local performances left, followed by a special touring event, so don’t wait!
Psst…
Although the event technically happened on June 2nd, we just can’t contain our excitement: Encore’s 2019/2020 Homecoming Season has been revealed! Check it out right here on The Front Row, then show some hustle and sign up for an Encore Membership. You’ll be able to choose your seats before anyone else, plus you’ll receive an exclusive Encore tote!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Alana Gibson, and Cindy Kane Photography. Encore jerseys designed and created by 2018/2019 Arts Apprentice Alana Gibson. 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.
So “Satisfied!” 2018/19 Season Reveal Recap
On Sunday evening, Encore Stage & Studio returned to our roots – Lubber Run Amphitheatre – where, in 1967, A Pocketful of Preposterous Poems took the stage. This performance began a legacy of over 50 years of “Theatre by kids, for kids” in the Washington, DC area. It felt only right to return to our artistic home to celebrate during this, our 50th season. The event was jam-packed, so here’s a brief recap of what you missed!
Up first, from the House of Delegates, was Alfonso Lopez, Representative of the 49th District, who presented a Virginia General Assembly Resolution honoring Encore Stage & Studio for its work to bring the arts to children in Arlington, onstage, backstage, and in the audience. It was wonderful to have Delegate Lopez join us for our birthday celebration, especially because he’s also a big fan of Hamilton!
Next, we were excited to honor several of our 2017/18 STAR Award winners. To see our complete list of accomplished winners from this season, check out this blog post!
We were thrilled to honor two of Encore’s long-term staff members as well. First up was Larry McClemons, who has served as Encore’s photographer for many seasons, capturing memories of Encore shows for performers, parents, and audiences alike. We here at the Front Row blog certainly couldn’t do what we do without Larry’s wonderful images.
Debra Leonard was also honored at Sunday’s festivities for her work as costumer on over 100 Encore shows over the years. With casts ranging from 15-40 cast members, her dedication has been enormous and we are so grateful to have her creative mind working on this summer’s Seussical as well!
Then came the big reveal – the 2018/19 season! Complete with sound effects, Sara Strehle Duke and Susan Alison Keady announced next year’s shows:
Jingle ARRGH the Way! A “How I Became a Pirate” Christmas Adventure
Robin Hood
The Talented Clementine
Disney’s Newsies
Then, of course, we rocked out to some Hamil-tunes! Hamiltons, Burrs, and Elizas of all ages took the stage to lay down some quick rhymes and lovely notes. We certainly hope to see many of you young revolutionaries at auditions this coming season.
Thank you to all of our Encore friends who participated in our season reveal, both in person and through our Instagram scavenger hunt. We hope you’re as excited as we are about all of the fantastic productions coming our way in the next year. Why not ensure your best show-going experience by reserving your best seats through a season subscription today?
Photos by: Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Susan Keady Named 2018 Connect with Kids Champion
We’ve got a very exciting #TechTuesday for you today, folks. Whether you’ve auditioned for one of her shows, worked on a monologue with her one-on-one, or been cheered on by her at the Costume Caper 5K, you know that Artistic Director Susan Keady makes every person feel special.
For anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Susan, it will come as no surprise that she has been named a 2018 Connect With Kids Champion by the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families. The APCYF describes this honor in the following manner: “What sets a CWK Champion apart is their intentional and deliberate attentiveness to the needs of young people. In recognizing community Champions, we celebrate adults who make the time to build relationships with children and teens.”
“I love when alumni students come back to see a production and stay to report to Susan about their first speech they gave in a public speaking class, the role they got cast in in their university’s production, or hearing about how their leadership skills from Encore got them a promotion at work,” says Sara Duke, Encore Executive Director. “Susan’s work to create a community with all of her casts shows when kids come back and reunite at the next Encore production or sign-up to audition for the next show.”
We are so lucky and proud to call Susan such an essential part of our Encore family. She has been a crucial creator, a Geppetto to our Pinocchio, if you will, shaping the history of “Theatre by kids, for kids” here in Arlington. Click here to catch up on one of our previous interview with Susan.
The award presentation will be held on Thursday, May 10 from 7:00pm-8:30pm in the lower level Auditorium of Stambaugh Hall, the main DHS building (2100 Washington Blvd). The program will begin at 7:30pm. Please RSVP with Michael Swisher at mswish@arlingtonva.us.
Congratulations again, Susan. To us, you’ll always be the cat’s meow!
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Encore Receives Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award
Encore Stage & Studio to Receive National Theatre Award
Encore Stage & Studio, Inc. of Arlington, Virginia is being honored with the Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award from the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). The award will be presented at an awards ceremony during the AACTFest 2017 national festival in Rochester, Minnesota June 26-July 1, 2017.
The AACT Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award recognizes AACT member theatres for successfully completing major steps in new directions, expanding services to their community, or moving to the next level of organizational development. Visit aact.org/awards for information on all AACT National Awards, 2017 AACT Award winners, and previous honorees.
Encore Stage & Studio, Inc. founded in 1967, is a children’s theatre that creates casts comprised entirely of students ages 9-18. The theatre invites children ages 12-18 to participate as backstage crew members, board operator, house managers, and stage managers. Until 2010, when their first Executive Director was hired, Encore was managed solely by a small team of dedicated volunteers. Since 2012, staffing has expanded to include six full-time and two part-time staff members, an arts administration apprentice, multiple summer interns and hundreds of production and education contractors. In just six short years, the organization’s budget has grown from $225,000 to $750,000, and programming has expanded not only in the number of shows per season, but in various camps, educational, and business partnership activities. The theatre has been recognized for its consistently excellent programs and was featured in a Backstage.com article entitled “12 Great Children’s Theatres across the U.S.”
AACT provides networking, resources, and support for America’s theatres. AACT represents the interests of more than 7,000 theatres across the United States and its territories, as well as theatre companies with the U.S. Armed Services overseas.
Cue the Applause! 2016/2017 Encore Honors
While recent award show broadcasts may have had you in La La Land and bringing out your Hidden Figures, Encore certainly emerged as a huge “People’s Choice” this season.
Several of our Encore actors were honored for their performances in 2016. As the Vixen in Snow White, Belle Perkins was included in DC Metro Theater Arts’ compilation of the “Best Performances in Musicals in Professional Theaters in DC/MD/VA,” as well as Kristen Jepperson and Erich Izdepski as Winnifred and George Banks in Mary Poppins, respectively.
The accolades were not limited to those onstage, however. Encore Stage & Studio was included as part of the list of “Best Direction in Musicals in Professional Theatres in DC/MD/VA” for Snow White. Artistic Director Susan Alison Keady was similarly honored for Mary Poppins. Both productions were also featured on “Best Musicals in Professional Theaters in DC/MD/VA.”
We are honored and thrilled to begin the new year as the top Enrichment Program in Arlington Magazine’s Best of 2017. Many thanks to Lisa Rabasca Roepe for her positive write-up about our programming! To read more of her kind words and to hear about our Executive Director Sara Duke’s humorous Encore journey, click here.
Congratulations to all of Encore’s honorees, and we look forward to a wonderful 2017!
Photos by Larry McClemons.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy, 2016-2017 Arts Apprentice.
Encore Stage & Studio’s shows are honored in DCMTA’s BEST of 2015!
Hooray! 2015 was a fun season for us, and we’ve got great news to share!
Encore’s Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Hansel and Gretel are included in DCMetroTheaterArts Staff’s honorees for Best Children’s Theatre Productions in 2015! Check it out!
See below for the DCMTA reviews:
By Julia L. Exline on January 13, 2015
“The team of directors were able to encourage solid performances from the young cast and they work well together. For fans of the timeless classic, and for youngsters to see their peers pursuing their passions onstage, which I always encourage, Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Cinderella is worthy!”
By Julia L. Exline on June 10, 2015
“Artistic Director Susan Alison Keady and Director Chuck Leonard lead a large group of aspiring young actors (over thirty!) in this production. With so much young energy to guide, this production must have proved to be a gargantuan feat, and as with every Encore Stage show I review, I left impressed.”
By Julia L. Exline on November 10, 2015
“Standout performances are those of Nicholas Boone, Kelly McArdle, and Miranda Tonsetic as the Bandersnatch family, a trio of greedy trolls who demand payment from whomever passes over their bridge. They light up the stage with their humorous energy, and Miranda, while amongst the youngest of the performers, has earned herself perhaps the most memorable performance. Katie Nelson also steals a scene as an Angel who plays a beautiful piece on the harp. There is some interesting movement in this production as well, shown in the modern dance movements of the goblins and the graceful, ballet-style movement of the Dew Princess, amongst others.
Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Hansel & Gretel is a fun option for everyone in the family. Support young, thriving actors…and watch them inspire your own children!”
Exec Director Sara Duke is Chosen as an Honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40!
We are delighted to share exciting news! Encore Stage & Studio’s Executive Director, Sara Duke, has been chosen as an honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40! Today, December 4, 2015, Leadership Arlington celebrates the 40 impressive trailblazers in the 2015 Forty Under 40 honorees at the Army Navy Country Club. Forty Under 40 is an initiative that builds social and intellectual capital for the DC metro community amongst this leadership group as they move into key decision making positions. The under-40 demographic represents a large segment of the area’s population. Leadership Arlington and the community as a whole have the responsibility to empower and celebrate this civically-minded, future leadership. We are proud to honor our Executive Director, a remarkable leader and a great contributor to the youth’s performing arts in Arlington! Congratulations Sara Duke!
“I am so happy that Sara was awarded this honor,” Encore Board member Jerry Gidner stated, “she has not only transformed Encore Stage and Studio, but the world of children’s theater in Northern Virginia. I can’t wait to see where she leads Encore next.”
