What’s New at Encore by the Numbers
It’s a new month and we have new things in store for Encore! From in-person camp to virtual workshops, we’re excited for it all! Check it out by the numbers:
#5 – FIVE Days of Fun for Spring Break Camp!
We’re excited to announce our spring break camp will be outdoors and in-person! This year, spring break camp is inspired by our favorite movies! Small groups of students will enjoy movement, theatre games and crafts led by Encore’s Teaching Artists. We are excited to provide an opportunity for students to spend (socially distanced) time with friends and activate their creativity!
Students and staff must wear masks, practice social distancing and pass a Covid-19 health screening and temperature check daily. Enrollment is a la carte. Enroll for select days to fit your schedule or the entire week.
Spring Break Camp Dates and Themes:
Monday, March 29 – Over the Moon
Tuesday, March 30 – The Sword in the Stone
Wednesday, March 31 – The Emperor’s New Groove
Thursday, April 1 – Tangled
Friday, April 2 – Wonder Park
Morning Camp: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Fee: $70 per day; $315 full week
Afternoon Camp: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Fee: $52 per day; $235 full week
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale UM Church
3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207
#4 – FOUR New Virtual Workshops in February!
Fairytale Action Virtual Workshop for Grades K-3
Friday, February 26
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Fee: $35
Improv for Kids Virtual Workshop for Grades 2-3
Saturday, February 13
Times: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Fee: $35
Myths & Legends Virtual Workshop for Grades 4-5
Saturday, February 13
Times: 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Fee: $35
Modern Dance Virtual Workshop for Grades 6-12
Monday, February 15
Times: 11:15 am-1:15 pm
Fee: $35
#3 – THREE ways to support Encore!
-AmazonSmile
Be sure to select or renewed your AmazonSmile settings to support Encore Stage & Studio Inc in the Amazon shopping app! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations:
-Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
-Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
-Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
-Create a Fundraiser on Facebook
You can raise money on Facebook and select Encore Stage & Studio as your non-profit of choice! This is a great way to spread the word about the organization you love with all of your friends in one place!
Make a Gift on our Website
Your support is vital as we provide theatre arts opportunities to children and youth during the pandemic and as we look toward spring and summer. Help us get ready for the day we can turn on the stage lights!
#2 – TWO-Pack of Encore Face Masks are Available for Purchase!
Rock your Encore spirit while staying safe! Two-pack of 100% cotton antimicrobial reusable face masks are available for $14. A single face mask is available for $8.
#1 – ONE Awesome Summer Ahead!
Save the date: Encore’s Summer Camp Registration Opens on March 1st!
At Encore, we are already hard at work planning our award-winning camp programs! We believe that summer enrichment is essential to the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children in our community. We cannot wait to be back together again onstage.
We are currently planning for a fully in-person summer camp season. Session information will be posted to our website on February 15.
This school year, we have developed thorough COVID-19 procedures for our in-person classes. We will follow all CDC, Virginia and local health guidelines and adapt programming as pandemic conditions dictate, such as holding camp outdoors, adjusting enrollment capacity or adding additional locations. We have also updated our camp refund policy because we understand that all of us will need flexibility this summer!
You are invited to join us for a Summer Camp Parent Q&A session on Saturday, February 20 at 10 am via zoom.
We will share our exciting summer plans and we want to understand your questions and concerns.
That’s the latest on Encore! We can’t wait to see you all in our spring and summer programs!
5 Ways to Celebrate National Dance Day with Encore!
Hello Encore friends! National Dance Day is tomorrow, September 19. We have 5 ways to get moving and celebrate this fun day!
#1 – Enroll in our October Camp – Let’s Get Moving Mondays!
Small groups of students will enjoy movement, theatre games, and crafts led by Encore’s Teaching Artists. We are excited to provide an opportunity for students in grades K-5 to spend (socially distanced) time with friends and activate their creativity!
October Camp – Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 (4 sessions)
Just 16 spots left!
Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fee: $220 – October Camp
#2 – Choreograph your Saturdays with a Theatre Class!
In-Person Outdoor Classes For Grades K-1
Fairytales with a Twist – Saturdays–Just 8 spots left!
Time: 9:30 – 10:45am
Fee: $105
In-Person Outdoor Classes For Grades 2-3
Around the World – Saturdays–Just 10 spots left!
Time: 10:00 – 11:15am
Fee: $105
In-Person Outdoor Classes For Grades 4-5
And… Action! – Saturdays–Just 7 spots left!
Time: 11:00am – 12:15pm
Fee: $105
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
#3 – Step into Something New!
Bring Encore to YOU! Get a group of friends in your neighborhood and bring our class to you for a fun, theatrical, and safe time! Our professional teaching artists will come to your outdoor location and present a session of our Acting is for Everyone classes!
E-mail info@encorstage.org to learn more.
#4 – Extra, Extra, Read all about it!
Check out our past dancers and choreographers featured in our blog’s archives:
-Sisterhood, Choreography, and Fun: Frozen Jr. Director Sarah Conrad
-Wearing Many Hats – Alana Gibson
-Audition Tips from Newsies Choreographer Anneke Collins
-A True Musical Connoisseur Meet Lowry Palmer
#5 – Share Your Favorite Encore Dance Number!
What was your favorite dance number from an Encore production? Was it with Olaf in Disney’s Frozen Jr., did it involve a Who from Seussical the Musical, or a memorable dance from a Stage Door show? Share it with us on social media and be sure to mention @EncoreArlington!
We can’t wait to see how you’ll celebrate National Dance day with us! Dance is a great way to express yourself. Make the arts a part of your every day–Encore’s October in-person and virtual classes will be announced soon, stay tuned!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography
How to Prepare for a Virtual Experience
1) Assemble the Team
The awesome upside of virtual classes and camps is that students can participate from anywhere. If you’ve ever wanted to invite your cousins, neighbors, or faraway BFF’s to experience the Encore magic with you, now is the time! You all will collaborate to create a unique online performance experience.
2) Send [You] to Zoom!
Encore has so far successfully utilized the Zoom platform to offer our online classes, camps, and private lessons. We recommend downloading the platform in advance, to ensure smooth sailing when class time arrives. As a security measure, your account’s display name should be set as the student’s first name and last initial (ex. “Shannon M.”) when you sign up for Zoom. This will allow Encore’s teaching staff to match your Zoom account to the class roster and guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
3) Get Some Space
Find a place in your home that feels like your personal stage. You’ll want room to move around as we warm up, learn more about camera angles, and, in some cases, work on dance or combat choreography. We’ve found that most of our virtual students are most successful in a living or family room type of environment.
4) Find Your Light
Lighting is such as important in online settings as it is when a performer goes on stage. We recommend finding a place to film that faces a source of natural light, such as a window, if possible. If not, try to set up near a light source that will allow the camera to capture all sides and angles of your face as you perform. Don’t worry if it feels a bit confusing; our awesome teaching staff will help you adjust as needed.
5) Check, Check
If you can, try a practice call with a friend or a member of your family before class begins, to make sure that your audio is working well. This way, the teacher and other members of your virtual program will hear your great work perfectly. You’ll also be getting the best experience possible when you’re able to capture all of the instructions that are being said.
6) Prep Your Materials
Some teachers may share script selections (called “sides” or a “cut”), worksheets, or other helpful materials throughout your class or camp. Be sure to print these out ahead of time or have them available to view on another device. This will allow you to fully participate without any scrambling to get ready for class. It’s also helpful to have a pencil and some scrap paper on standby, just in case.
7) A V.I.T. (Very Important Task)
*Drum roll* please… Have fun! Above all, the purpose of Encore’s virtual programming is to engage students in a creative and exciting way, especially during these potentially confusing or grey days. We know that a new format sometimes takes a bit to get used to, but we encourage everyone to shake off the nerves and enjoy the human connection and magic that comes along with creating theatre.
To learn more about how Encore is preparing for the possibility of virtual and combination summer camps, please join us for a virtual Open House event on Saturday, May 30th. Virtually meet the teachers that will be joining us this year and see some of their special talents. Hear from the camp directors and learn their plans for taking summer online if necessary.
Experience a sample class to get a taste of what a virtual camp program could look like for your students. Our staff will also be available to answer questions from the audience. Participants will receive a secure Zoom link via email the day before our event.
10:00 am – 10:45 am – It’s Elementary (Ages 3-9)
11:00 am – 11:45 am – Scenes for Tweens (Ages 8-12)
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm – Stage Door and Center Stage (Ages 11-18)
Registration is free.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Aimee Pangan, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Dramaturgy 101: Going Live w/ Radio Theatre
Welcome back to Dramaturgy 101! As Encore rolls out our line-up of virtual Spring classes and camps, we’re excited to continue to bring creativity and storytelling into the lives of our students, families, friends, and community. This month, we’re excited to debut our Radio Drama classes with our Artistic Director Susan Keady. Susan will be leading an ensemble of performers in a virtual class focusing on the production and performance of radio plays.
Radio drama first started gaining popularity in the 1920s. As more people could afford radios in their living rooms, the demand for programming beyond news announcements grew. In 1922, Station WGY in Schenectady, New York, began producing weekly staged readings of plays. Soon, major radio stations all over the country began producing readings of plays with live music, sound effects, and troupes of actors. Many people who would later be pioneers of film and television, like both Ethel and Lionel Barrymore, Lucille Ball, and Rod Serling, got their start writing, performing, and producing radio plays.
By the early thirties, artists were writing plays specifically for the radio, taking into consideration specific qualities of radio that made it different from live theatre. One such radio drama, the 1924 French play Marémoto (“Seaquake”) by Gabriel Germinet and Pierre Cusy staged a soundscape of a realistic sinking ship before revealing that the characters were all actors in a theatre rehearsing a play. The play ran popularly in Germany and England but was banned in France until 1937 because the government feared ships would mistake the dramatic SOS messages in the opening sequence for actual distress signals. By using sound to set the realistic scene of a sinking ship, Gabriel and Cusy bring the audience into the emotion of that moment and make it real for them. Then, the actors break the audience’s illusion of this heightened moment of danger by bringing them suddenly into a very different space: a rehearsal. Not only was the twist exciting for audiences, who were used to receiving their drama exclusively on stages, but it tells us about the close connection between radio and theatre. Both are largely performed live and radio, unlike theatre at the time, had a unique ability to reach everyone regardless of where they lived or whether they could afford sometimes-expensive live theatre tickets. Radio also allowed artists to present music, stories, poetry, drama, and other work directly to thousands of families and individuals around the country all at once. It was simultaneously able to be mass-marketed and still feel personally moving.
In the late 2000s, the rise of online music streaming services like iTunes, Pandora, and Spotify created a familiar opportunity for writers, comedians, playwrights, and independent producers: the advent of podcasts. These platforms provided a public place where artists could produce their work to a large audience and make an income off of that audience’s engagement with their work. An individual with an idea and a microphone had the same opportunity as established radio stations to share their work with a potential audience consisting of anyone who had an internet connection. As podcasts have entered the mainstream, they’ve grown more diverse than ever and many rely on playwrights and actors who also work in television, films, and theatre to bring stories to life for their audiences. Some dramatic podcasts today revive old radio dramas or recreate them to celebrate the roots of the form.
With Susan Keady, winner of a 1996 Peabody Award for directing the radio show Kinetic City Super Crew, students will have the opportunity to explore a new (old) form of dramatic performance. Together, we’ll explore historical and modern radio drama scripts and build the foundations of vocal performance, script work, storytelling, and audience engagement. We’re so excited to share this opportunity to develop skills in producing and performing in radio.
In addition to Susan’s courses in radio drama, Encore is offering a robust line-up of programming for our Spring session. Classes for Grades 6-8 and 9-12 begin as early as next Thursday, April 16. Classes for Grades K-5 pick up starting in May, so now is the time to get signed up and invite all of your friends to join you before enrollment is full!
Blog contribution by 2019/2020 Production Apprentice Kyla McLaughlin.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Encore Goes Live! Spring Online Classes
Hello Encore friends! So, it’s been a minute since I’ve had the chance to check in with you here on The Front Row. Our staff has been hard at work, crafting new and enriching virtual programming for all of our student participants. Today I’m excited to share just a few of the exciting topics you have to explore with Encore this spring.
Brush Up Your Shakespeare
If the Bard’s wacky words have always been a bit intimidating, this is your chance to delve deeper. Working with teaching artists like Patrick McGee and Susan Keady, you’ll break down the text so that you will not only understand what is being said but be able to perform the words with ease! With classes ranging from monologues to full-length scripts, there’s a sampling of Shakespeare for every actor.
Do a Little Dance
If social distancing has you going crazy inside the house, an Encore movement class sounds like the perfect fit! Get your body moving, learn new steps, sing along to your favorite tunes, and work off some of that pent up energy.
Check out: Creative Dance (GR K-1), Broadway Bound (GR 4-5), and Saturday Showstoppers (GR 6-8).
Bring the House Down
Nowadays, we could all use a good laugh. Bring joy and tears of laughter to your family (and friends over Skype) with the skills you’ll gain in Encore’s spring comedy classes. You’ll learn about different styles of humorous scenes, comedic timing, and how to play off of an audience’s reactions. You’ll have everyone laughing in no time!
Check out: Laugh Out Loud (GR 2-3), Off the Cuff (GR 4-5), and A Comedy Tonight! (GR 6-8 & GR 9-12).
Get Swept Away
Do you love a great story that captures your mind and takes you on a journey to another place and time? You’re in luck! This spring Encore is proud to offer several storytelling-focused classes that will let your imagination soar (or swim, or fly, or…whatever you desire!).
Join Us LIVE!
Encore is excited to bring live interactions to all of our friends and followers. Join Ms. A every Tuesday morning at 10:30 AM for a free virtual class geared toward students ages 6 – 5 years and their caregivers. Work out the wiggles and practice new skills (such as counting, naming colors, and more) through music, movement, and storytelling. Be sure to share it with all your friends!
Graphic by Aimee Pangan
Please note that the above classes are just a brief selection of what Encore has to offer this spring. Full class descriptions and schedules are available on our Class pages. Click here to view a calendar for all of Encore’s online classes.
The best part? Virtual classes can be taken from anywhere! This is your chance to connect with far-away cousins, buddies from other school districts, and your friends who have moved away and create something new and interesting together in the land of virtual theatre!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Video edit by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Make it an #IndoorEncore Adventure!
All the world’s a stage! Many of us are now working and schooling from home. Today we’ve got 15 ways to stay creative at home, courtesy of our awesome Education Team:
Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian
For Ages 6 Months – 2 Years
1. Stretch in the Morning: Reach up high, touch your toes, turn around, step side-to-side, march with high knees, or do some easy yoga moves (ex: cat, downward dog, candlestick).
2. Count Together: Practice counting to 10 using your fingers (like we do in the Speckled Frog song we use in Parent & Me class).
3. Practice the Alphabet Together: Practice singing the alphabet and get your child familiar with the melody and the sounds of the letters.
Challenge: Follow Encore on Facebook and Instagram to participate in Ms. A’s (free!) live Parent & Me class for ages 6 months-5 years at 10:30 AM on Tuesday mornings. Click here to watch today’s class!
Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian
For Ages 3-5
1. Introductions! Have your young person try entering the room, introducing themselves, and saying one thing they like to do. Have them finish their introduction by taking a bow as their audience applauds!
2. Let’s Go to the Zoo: Have your young person use their body, voice, and imagination to transform into different zoo animals! Your family can also visit the farm, beach, or wherever else fun animals can be found!
3. Stuffed Animal Storytime: Read a short story, then have your young person color a background for it. For example, they could draw the castle from Cinderella, or a bus for e Pigeon Drive the Bus. They can then act out the story in front of their background using stuffed animals!
Challenge: Post a video of your young person introducing themselves or a photo of their stuffed animal story, tag @EncoreArlington, and use the tag #IndoorEncore.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
For Grades K-1
1. Read a story and have your young person pick their favorite character. Have them draw a design of a costume for that character using things they can make/find at home!
2. Create a fun indoor obstacle course! Encourage your young person to think of creative uses for everyday objects. For example, use blankets to turn your kitchen table into a tunnel!
3. The Masked Actor: Use materials found at home to make a mask. It can be an animal, superhero, favorite character, or something else! For an added challenge, encourage your young person to pretend to be what their mask is!
Challenge: Post a picture of your young person wearing their costume or mask, tag @EncoreArlington, and use the tag #IndoorEncore.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
For Grades 2-5
1. Draw a cartoon strip of your favorite story or one you’ve made up yourself! Use this storyboard structure to help you design. For an additional challenge, you can write the story underneath your drawings.
2. Make them Laugh! Get your best acts together, whether they be your own jokes or you need help from a friend. Do your best comedy for a group of your favorite audience members.
3. Try these tongue twisters on your own or with a friend! See how many times you can say them correctly going quickly, going slow, or spinning in a circle!
One-One was a racehorse, Two-Two was one too. When One-One won one race Two-Two won one too.
Betty Botter bought some butter, but she said, “The butter’s bitter.
If I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter,
But a bit of better butter will make my batter better.”
So she bought some better butter, better than the bitter butter,
And she put it in her batter and her batter was not bitter,
So ’twas better Betty Botter bought a bit of better butter.
Challenge: Now, create your own tongue twister! With a parent’s help and permission, write it out or post a video of you reciting your tongue twister on social media with the hashtag #IndoorEncore. Be sure to tag us (@EncoreArlington)!
Photo by Clarence Chan
For Grades 6-12
1. Find a camera or phone and take your own headshot. If you are feeling more creative, look at the headshot you took, and draw it out on a canvas or paper. Next, you can color in a makeup design on your headshot for a character in a fun Broadway show, like Seussical, Cats, or Shrek.
2. Getting ready for that next audition. Design your own acting resume with the shows, roles, and companies you have worked for. Need ideas on how to format your resume? Check out these templates.
3. Casting Call: Pick your favorite Broadway musical or play that you want to star in. Next, cast your family, friends, and celebrities in all the other roles in order to make this show shine!
Challenge: 60-second Star Power. Own the space and unleash your star power. You have 60 seconds to shine with a song, monologue, scene, dance, joke, speech, etc. Lights, Camera, Action! Post the video and tag us @EncoreArlington, using the hashtag #IndoorEncore.
Photo by Shannon McCarthy
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contributions by Encore’s Education team and Shannon McCarthy.
Many of you have been following the news about the new coronavirus. We are following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local and state public health authorities, to safeguard our participants’ health and well-being. For more information about Encore’s response to COVID-19, please visit our website.
#IndoorEncore: Fun Ideas for Theatre at Home
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Yes, it’s finally Friday. Does anyone else feel like this last week of working and schooling from home has lasted longer than usual? If you’re already going out of your head with boredom, you’re in the right place. We’ve got seven ideas to keep you in top performance condition, all while having a blast. Let’s go!
Photo by Kyla McLaughlin
Take a stretch break from online homework to turn your bedroom into your very own Broadway stage. Sing along to your favorite musical theatre tunes and dream of seeing your name in lights. Ready to take Center Stage? There are still spaces available in Encore’s production-based summer camps: Stage Door (ages 11-15) and Center Stage (ages 14-18)!
2) Get Crafty
Did you know that Encore has a Pinterest account with recipes, crafts, and activities related to specific shows in our season? Well, now you do! Come check it out and let your creative mind wander.
Are performance arts more your thing? Try creating an Encore theme song, rap, or dance. We’re not on Tik Tok, so we’ll leave the epic dance moves to our participants; tag it #EncoreTikTok and our awesome apprentices will take a look for us. 
We would love to see all of your wonderful creations; tag us @EncoreArlington!
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography.
3) Bust a Move
Release some of that pent-up energy in a way that’s creative, fun, and helpful! Invite your family members to a dance party. You can put on a playlist of your favorite songs or even take it to the next level. Check out some choreography videos on YouTube, like these from Disney on Broadway, and do your best to learn the routines. This will keep your body moving and help you pick up skills that will help you in future auditions!
Encore students at the Celebration of the Arts #ARLSaveOurStage (2019)
Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian
4) Connect with a Board Member
Wondering what to do with your free time? Consider reaching out to the Arlington County Board (please get family help and permission if you’re under 18!). Let them know how much you appreciate their support of the arts in Arlington and how the arts have positively impacted your life. It’s important that Board Members continue to hear from their constituents. You can find a listing of contact information on our #ARLSaveOurStage page; thank you again to all those who came together last spring to celebrate and defend the arts in our county.
The cast of The Enchanted Bookshop performs at the 2019 Benefit Breakfast
Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian
Looking for another way to support Encore’s mission during this period of social distancing? RSVP to our annual Benefit Breakfast, currently scheduled and on-track for April 29, 2020. Spread the word, invite your friends and colleagues, and consider making a gift to safeguard Encore’s important goals in this uncertain time. We thank you in advance for all of your assistance and support!
5) Catch Up on The Front Row
Take a break from streaming to catch up on the awesome interviews, advice, and information that The Front Row blog has to offer. Hear from our students and alumni, learn from our staff, and more. You’re already here; what’s another post or 10… 
Photo by Clarence Chan
6) Run the Rehearsal
Auditions for The Frog Prince of Spamalot got moved to April, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to participate in a production. Now is your chance to assume the role of casting director and choose your cast. Get together with some friends on Zoom or Google Hangouts and put on an informal reading of a script! Unsure how to begin? Try searching for public domain scripts. We’ll give you a great place to start: MIT’s unabridged collection of Shakespeare’s complete works. Start with a scene and watch what happens!
7) Show Us Your Spirit
In case you missed our last post, we’re currently celebrating Encore with a week of spirit days! So far, we’ve seen woodland creatures, villains, and more! Tag us @EncoreArlington and #EncoreSpringSpirit to join in the fun.
We’re excited to announce that there will be another week of themes…decided by YOU! Vote in our poll or send us a message with your theme day suggestion and it might make it into the final round.
Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian
Looking for more tips and activities? Our Education team sent some awesome age-specific suggestions to our mailing list. Want the content? Fear not! Subscribe to our list, then send us an email at info@encorestage.org; we’d be happy to send a copy your way!
We’re grateful to all of our Encore family for all of the love, support, and laughter during this uncertain time. Remember: “We’re all in this together!”
Jimmy Mavrikes (“Troy”), Ellen Chapin (“Gabriella”), and cast. High School Musical, 2007.
Photo by Larry McClemons.
Photos by Kyla McLaughlin, Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Many of you have been following the news about the new coronavirus. We are following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local and state public health authorities, to safeguard our participants’ health and well-being. For more information about Encore’s response to COVID-19, please visit our website.
Working Out the Wiggles w/ Ms. A
Hello everyone! What a wonderful fall we had together in our Parent & Me classes on Tuesday mornings. I can hardly believe that the winter break has come and gone, can you? Due to construction here at Encore’s Main Campus, we haven’t been able to hold class during the month of January.
Don’t worry! I’ve got some tips to share that will help us work out the wiggles and keep cabin fever at bay until our weekly classes resume in February. These activities will help keep your young ones in the rhythms of our class (or get them used to the idea if you’re new to us!), helping them adjust to the break and make it a smoother transition when we return in the new year.
Ms. A’s Winter Break Tips
Count Together
Practice counting to 10 using your fingers (like we do in our “Speckled Frog” song!).
Practice the Alphabet Together
Practice singing the alphabet and get your child familiar with the melody and the sounds of the letters.
Stretch in the Mornings
Reach up high, touch your toes, turn around, step side-to-side, march with high knees, or do some easy yoga moves (ex: cat, downward dog, candlestick).
Practice Transitions
Practice cleaning up by saying “goodbye” to your toys until next time.
Practice Colors
Point to things and ask, “What color is this?” or look out the window together and ask, “Do you see something green?”
Tuesday Morning Classes for Ages 0-2
(Please come join us!)
Share, grow and learn with your child during this special time in their life! Encore’s parent/caregiver classes will promote your child’s development and provide exciting enrichment. Through creative play, movement, and music your child will sharpen critical social and physical skills in a fun and imaginative environment. For ages 6 months – 2 years.
Classes are held Tuesday mornings, 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Monthly registration preferred: $10 per class
Walk-in rate: $15
Classes resume Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
Already registered for classes? Send this blog to a friend for double the fun! I hope you have a wonderful and safe winter season. See you in February!
Warm wishes,
A.K. “Ms. A” Nell,
Education Associate,
Early Childhood Teaching Artist
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by A.K. Nell. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
The “Magic” of Age 10
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans and a very happy opening night to Encore’s production of the musical Narnia, based on the beloved tale by C.S. Lewis. In this blog, I’m excited to share a new view on the value of children’s arts education and exploration. Today we’ll examine some of the key points of Bruce Grierson’s piece, “Here’s Why Living Out Your Dreams from When You Were 10 Is the Key to Happiness” (originally featured in Psychology Today, then expanded upon in Reader’s Digest) and discuss how theatre can help young people during this vital developmental period.
Gone are the helpless infant months, replaced by the wibbly-wobbly toddler years, which have now also passed. By this age, students are more able to put their bodies into action, articulate their interests, and focus on their favored goals. This new-found attention is a big reason that we wait until age 9 before allowing students to audition for full-length productions here at Encore. (Psst…will we see you at auditions for The Three Musketeers next week??)
Empathy plays a huge role (pun intended) in the life of an actor, no matter how young. In order to believably portray another person (or lion, beaver, etc. in the case of Narnia), one must be able to imagine themselves in the shoes (or paws) of another. Theatre camps, classes, and productions that are designed specially for young actors make a point to focus on this essential life and acting skill.
As I’m sure many Encore parents would attest, this age group is not afraid to speak their minds: on how they’re feeling, what they find interesting, and what activities they’d like to pursue. Here at Encore, we understand that no one class will be a perfect fit for every student. We make it a priority to offer varying topics across age groups to appeal to every kind of learner, singer, dancer, and more.
Participating in theatre as an audience member is also a valuable experience for young people. It teaches respect, manners, self-awareness, and even helps train the mind to seek patterns and make predictions. With this in mind, we started our Theatre for the Very Young series which is geared toward our youngest theatre lovers under the age of 5 with relatable characters, engaging colors, and relevant themes. While age 10 may be the start of discerning taste, we offer shows to young viewers to help them develop an early love for storytelling in all its forms.
Theatre creates a family and a community with every production, class, and camp. Encore’s family of theatre lovers (teaching artists, directors, students, parents, volunteers, interns, the list goes on and on) gives young people the opportunity to take big risks and fail safely, knowing that they are supported both creatively and emotionally.
Come witness the magic of this age group for the next two weekends at Narnia: the cast boasts a whopping 27 9-through-11-year-olds out of a cast of 36! Matched up with a magical wardrobe, a brave lion, a medley of talking animals, and a formidable opponent in the White Witch, this musical will surely capture the imaginations of theatre lovers of all ages.
Performance Dates and Showtimes for Narnia
Fridays, January 10 and 17, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, January 11 and 18, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, January 12 and 19, 2020 at 3pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Original article by Bruce Grierson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Seeing Clearly in 2020: Encore Resolutions
Happy New Year, Encore fans! From everyone here at Encore, we hope that you had a wonderful holiday season. As many people do at the start of a new calendar, we’ve created some Encore-specific resolutions to help guide you through the remainder of our 2019/2020 Homecoming Season. Let’s check them out!
From left to right: Aslan (Sean Hackes), Lucy Pevensie (Isabel Tate), Peter Pevensie (Richard Bew) and Susan Pevensie (Lauren Monsivaiz). 2013.
Keep the magic of the holiday season going with Encore’s upcoming production of Narnia. This version of the classic tale is a musical, so you’ll be able to experience the story in a whole new way! The production runs at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre January 10-19, 2020. Tickets are available now, so get them before they melt away!
New Year, New Characters
2020 is the year to overcome your nerves and join us for a fun and easy audition! We’ve got lots of information on what to expect on our Auditions page to help you feel at your most prepared. We look forward to seeing you at auditions for The Three Musketeers on January 14 or 15!
Join the Encore Team
As we continue onward through the chill of winter, it might be hard to think ahead to summer…but not here at Encore! We’re excited to share the paid job opportunities we have available for Summer 2020, as well as season-long apprenticeships for the 2020/2021 season. Interested in working with us this year? Check out the opportunities and send in an application. If you’re under the age of 16, we have unpaid volunteer opportunities available as well!
A Class-y New Year
Registration is currently open for Encore’s Winter session of theatre classes. Space is limited in some instances, so check out the titles and register while there’s still space available!
Lose Yourself in a Summer of Theatre
The Education team here at Encore is pumped to share our 2020 summer camps with all of you. We’ve got brand-new themes and productions in all of our various age groups, so there is certainly a place for you to make your artistic home this summer.
P.S. Interested in meeting some of our summer staff or experiencing a taste of the summer camp experience? Join us tomorrow, Saturday, January 4, 2020 for Encore’s 2020 Summer Camp Open House!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.