2019 Wrap-Up: November and December Highlights
The beginning of November saw the premiere of Encore’s latest program, Flip the Script. Three packed audiences enjoyed “The Day That Nothing Happened,” a student-devised and performed piece focusing on the historic integration of Arlington County public schools. We look forward to featuring scenes from this work in the MLK Day performance produced by Arlington County.
Ready to tackle your own production experience? Audition for The Three Musketeers on January 14 & 15, 2020!
We Played the Day Away
November brought us several wonderful Holiday Mini Camp days. We had a blast collaborating as a group to create a brand-new final sharing each day, as well as playing games, making crafts, and learning dances.
January is full of new mini-camp opportunities, so now is your chance to join us for an epic day of play and theatre fun whenever school is out for the day. Sign up today to secure your spot – limited space available!
We Welcomed New Friends
This fall we welcomed a new Development Officer, Kelley O’Dell! She has already had an incredible impact on Encore’s individual giving stats, as well as being a joyous addition to Encore’s offices.
Make Kelley’s day and give your 2019 tax refund a boost by placing an end-of-year gift to Encore (a 501c3 organization) by the end of today!
We Sang, Danced, and Performed
Our Late Fall classes covered topics ranging from Shakespeare to Broadway, fairytales to stage combat, and beyond. With so many of our classes running, we were thrilled to present a host of awesome end of session sharings.
Space in Winter classes is limited, so sign up today to join in on the creativity, collaboration, and, of course, fun!
We Investigated
It doesn’t take a detective to realize that Encore’s annual holiday show was a smash-hit. CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators closed out with a second weekend full of sold-out performances! The Clue Club hunted down the missing Santa Claus and the holiday season was saved for all!
Keep the winter magic alive with Encore’s upcoming production of the musical Narnia, playing January 10-19, 2020 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
We Dreamed of Summer
This month we were pumped to announce all of our camp themes for Summer 2020. Lucky for you, registration opened just yesterday. Head over to our summer landing page, check out the dates and themes, then sign up today to lock in your best early bird price and guarantee your spot for your summer theatre adventure!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Top 20 Posts to Prep for 2020
Welcome back to The Front Row, Encore fans! I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. The Encore offices remain closed until January 2nd, 2020, but I wanted to drop in to remind you all of some of the wonderful goings-on that were featured on the blog this year. Grab a mug of cocoa and enjoy this look back at some of the highlights of 2019:
January
1) 7 Terrific Reasons to Come to Tech Camp This Summer
I love featuring aspects of Encore’s programming that may not always find the spotlight. This look at Encore’s summer Tech Camps is timely once again, as registration for Summer 2020 opens on December 30th!
February
2) 7 Reasons to Make Headlines in Newsies
I personally love the summer production, having participated as an actor these past three summers. This blog feature was particularly fun because I got to dive into some of the history of the real-life newies. Keep an eye out for more summer-related content in the new year and mark your calendars for West Side Story auditions on May 11th & 12nd, 2020.
3) Turning the Tables: Isabel and Rebecca
It’s always fantastic when members of our staff have the opportunity to directly share their experiences with students. As the blog editor, I love to learn more about both our participants and our awesome staff. Check this one out if you’re interested in learning more about Rebecca and the field of production management!
Mean Girls Day, 2019
March
4) Encore’s Real-life Superheroes
I have the great fortune to work alongside and learn from a whole team of theatre professionals that make coming to work each day a blast. If you missed this post when it first went up on the blog, definitely check it out to gain some wisdom in the new year! Searching for your next endeavor? Join our team!
April
5) Thank You from Executive Director Sara Duke
Spring of 2019 was full of some serious questions for Encore and the rest of the Arlington arts community. Proposed budget cuts threatened many of the resources that we depend upon to produce the shows that we love so much. Luckily, our community rallied together to make the #ARLSaveOurStage movement a success. Thank you again!
6) 7 Sunny Highlights from 2019’s Benefit Breakfast
The Benefit Breakfast is always a greatly anticipated event for those of us working in the Encore offices. There’s a buzz of excitement leading up to the event every year. It’s a joy to spend time with our Encore family, hear from volunteers, and view excellent performances from our talented participants.
7) #TechTuesday with Scenes for Tween’s Seth Rosenke
Our students love to work with Mr. Seth, so I was happy to have him on The Front Row for an interview. As the Camp Director for Scenes for Tweens (ages 8-12), Seth oversees week after week of amazing summer programming. Check out his interview while you bide time before registration for Summer 2020 opens on December 30th!
May
8) The Parents Speak: Encore Education
We love receiving feedback! The only thing we love more is probably sharing positive feedback with all of you, our followers. We are proud to brag on our talented participants, engaged teaching artists, and professional staff any day.
9) A Pre-K Q&A w/ Madaline Langston
In 2019 we debuted a brand-new summer camp program, created especially with young learners in mind. We’re pumped to bring back our camp for Ages 3-5 this summer as well, so registered on December 30th to join us!
June
10) Encore Named #OneOfTheBest by Catalogue for Philanthrophy
It was (and continues to be) a true honor to be included in the 2019/2020 Catalogue for Philanthropy under such a prestigious designation. We’re grateful for all of the support, resources, and advocacy that the Catalogue continues to provide to non-profits such as Encore Stage & Studio year in and year out.
11) 5 Life Skills Children Cultivate in the Performing Arts
As a product of arts education myself, I always relish the opportunity to showcase the benefits that spending time and around the arts can have for young people (and adults as well!).
July
12) “An Exercise in Courage” with Emma Kiely-Hampson
Here’s a glimpse behind the curtain for you blog readers: Emma and I are best friends from college, so I was thrilled when she finally came out to audition for an Encore show after supporting me from the audience for the last few years. I loved her insight into the rehearsal and audition processes and was thrilled to share my sweet friend’s interview with all of you!
13) From the Cast: A Newsies Rehearsal Update
The passion and enthusiasm of the Newsies cast this summer was utterly infectious and perfect for sharing. I love when we’re able to draw back the curtain and share some of the behind-the-scenes elements of a production, and the summer show is just perfect for doing so.
August
14) The Parents Speak: #EncoreSummer
The Encore community had an amazing summer in 2019! Not only did we debut two brand-new camp programs to serve additional age groups, but we also mentored dozens of camp aides and interns, produced several camp productions, and shared the magic of theatre with hundreds of young people. Let’s get ready to do it all again!
September
15) Delving Deeper with Patrick McGee
After witnessing his excellent work in both the classroom and rehearsal space, we were thrilled to welcome Mr. Patrick McGee to Encore’s full-time staff. I personally appreciate his teaching mentality and outlook; it was a pleasure to share his interview with Encore readers.
October
16) Audition Advice Round-Up
As an editor, I aim to make The Front Row blog a resource for students, parents, teachers, and beyond. Auditions can be stressful for even more experienced performers (guilty!), so I wanted to share the wealth of advice we’ve accumulated over the years to share with all of you!
November
17) Season of Giving Resource Guide
One of my favorite parts of working in Marketing is getting to assist and facilitate projects in all other departments of the organization. I’m personally proud of this guide, as it can act as a quick and easy resource during this busy season for Development.
18) Capturing Magic with Cindy Kane
Cindy’s photographs have honestly been such a meaningful and significant contribution to Encore’s marketing efforts. It was wonderful to sit down with her and learn more about her process. A definite must-read!
19) An Attitude of Gratitude
It’s always super enjoyable to check in with our staff and hear from them, especially during the happiness of the holiday season!
Photo by Anne Canon Photography
December
20) Alumni Friendship Going Strong: “A Decade and Counting”
We love hearing from our Encore alums and finding out what they’re up to. This month brought us a special BFF double dose of Encore friendship. Heart-warming enough to get you through even the coldest winter day.
Thank you for another wonderful year here on The Front Row blog. I’m excited to share the classes, camps, productions, and more that await us in the next decade!
P.S. Be sure to join us on Monday, December 30th, 2019 for the opening of Summer Camp Registration!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
What to Expect: Your Best Audition
Surprise! We’ve got a special Monday post today to give all of you a sneak peek into one of our brand-new Late Fall classes. In this installment of the What to Expect series, we’ll hear from Education Programs Manager and Teaching Artist, Patrick McGee. Read on to learn more about our new class for Grades 6-12: Your Best Audition!
Auditions?! When you hear this word, do the butterflies start to form in the pit of your stomach? Do your palms become sweaty? This happens to me all the time during the audition process, but here’s the reality: auditioning is a huge part of the acting life. What do you wear? What should you prepare?
In Encore’s new class for grades 6-12, Your Best Audition, we will explore all the various aspects of the audition process. You will leave with the necessary tools to calm those nerves. Whether you are an acting professional or new to the world of auditions, it takes time to build the skills that lead to a successful audition. We will start at the very beginning by examining walking into the room with confidence and making positive impressions on the directing and casting team.
Each actor will have the chance to work on building confidence in the various methods that directors like to use when auditioning actors. These exercises will include cold reading, physical movement, scene work, improvisation, and short monologues.
In the later weeks, we will explore how the callback works and what makes an actor stand out to a director. The class will be exciting and special because it will be tailored to the needs of the actors in the class. Actors are encouraged to bring in their own materials for upcoming auditions at school or in the community. However, it is not a requirement as there will be plenty of audition materials provided. If you are looking to stand out of the auditioning crowd, calm those audition nerves, and build the tools to grab attention in the first minute of your auditions, this is the class for you!
Photos by Connie Polnow, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Patrick McGee.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
7 (Not-So) Spooky October Highlights
Frozen Jr. Iced Out the Competition
This fun and heart-warming Disney musical drew royal fans from far and wide, making it Encore’s highest grossing show ever! Anna and Elsa took the crown from fellow Disney favorite Ariel of The Little Mermaid.
Keep the Homecoming energy coming as we begin rehearsals for Encore’s next production, CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators, premiering December 6th at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two.
Encore Created Some Class Acts
October saw the start (and finish) of Encore’s Early Fall session of Education classes. Some of the biggest hits included Scenes from Encore’s Season, Classic Villains, and Disney Dance.
Sound like fun? There’s still time to get registered for the Late Fall session before classes begin on Saturday!
We Partied Like Royalty
With Encore’s jubilant return to Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre comes fun and fantastical events – like our Frozen Princess Ball! We had the joy of welcoming over 100 guests to our royal gathering which featured themed snacks, crafts, and a dance-along, as well as the chance to meet members of the cast and crew.
Dreaming of brushing elbows with the cast someday? Host your birthday party at an Encore show! Party exclusives may include a backstage tour or a meet-and-greet with the cast, depending on the age of your guest of honor. We’re now accepting bookings for Narnia parties. If you’re interested, please email info@encorestage.org for more information.
Ms. A Rallied the Troops…
…of Girl Scouts, that is! Encore was excited to welcome many Brownies and Daisies to our production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. The troops had the opportunity to work with our professional teaching artists to learn more about the process of creating theatre and even earned a badge in the process!
Do you have a Girl Scout or Cub Scout group that would enjoy a unique theatre experience? Check out our informational flyer to learn more.
We Brought Double the Fun
Encore hosted the first double audition of the season and our students were more than ready to get going. Over 100 students auditioned for cast and over 20 interviewed for crew.
Hoping to feel more prepared for your next audition (for The Three Musketeers, perhaps?)? Encore is proud to offer Pre-Audition Workshops to help our students learn more about our audition process and what to expect once they’re “in the room where it happens.”
Campers Kicked Off the Camp Season
35 enthusiastic campers brought their energy and creativity to Encore while school was out last Friday, making the first Mini-Camp of the season a smashing success! With elements of music, dance, crafting, and scene work the day seemed to fly by and got everyone in the Halloween spirit.
Ready to play the day away with us? We’re thrilled to offer many day-off camps this season, including (for the first time) Fairfax County student holidays.
Flip Moved In
Encore’s newest program, Flip the Script, a student-devised project aiming to amplify and share African-American voices in Arlington has moved into their performance location of Theatre on the Run. They will continue technical rehearsals throughout the week, then perform at last on November 2nd and 3rd. Admission is free, but seats are available to reserve in advance.
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography. ] Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
September Highlights to Get You Jumping for Joy
September is a great month, full of new beginnings, big plans, and the crisp air of autumn. It can also be one of the busiest months for our Encore families, as students get back in a school routine, sports and extracurriculars pick up, and the wonderful laziness of summer drifts away like a leaf on the wind. All this to say: I don’t blame you if you missed out on some of our goings-on here at Encore. Read on to get caught up and get excited for what’s ahead!
ICYMI: Encore has welcomed three new friends to our office staff this past month (+ the lovely Gloria this August!). You’ll be seeing a lot of them, so please head over and get to know them:
Photo by Claire Buffie
Kyla McLaughlin, 2019/2020 Production Apprentice
Jordan Wells, 2019/2020 Education Apprentice
Speaking of lovely faces…did you see Madaline Langston, Encore’s Education Programs Director, in her own Arlington Magazine interview?
Join us on Saturday, October 19th for the Frozen Princess Ball, following the 11 AM performance.
Selling Tickets
When we saw the positive response to our upcoming Frozen Princess Ball, we got chills…of joy! We cannot wait to celebrate this wonderful production with so many of our dear Encore friends. Get your tickets today – we promise not to finish your sandwiches. 🙂
Speaking of tickets – did you realize that single tickets for CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators have been released? This holiday production will be running at Gunston Arts Center’s Theatre Two, which is a delightful black box space. Black boxes mean more intimate performances and, therefore, fewer seats, so be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone!
Getting Prepared
Our fall education season officially began on September 23rd with two Monday evening classes specially designed for our older acting students, Supernatural Shakespeare and Broadway Musicals. Our Monday evening series of Education offerings are ideal options for actors that are constantly seeking to improve their craft and, in doing so, their hopes of being cast in fully staged productions.
Are you feeling prepared? Come out to auditions for Encore’s next two productions, Narnia and CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators, October 22 and 23, between 5-7 PM. Visit our Auditions page for more detailed information by clicking here.
Building Community
Last month, our three new apprentices had the opportunity to join Executive Director Sara Duke at a community event for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This event gathered local non-profits to share more about their organizations with federal employees, who are encouraged to give back and support non-profits by the CFC’s matching program: “The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.”
Are you interested in learning more about Encore’s history, programming, and mission? Please visit the link below to learn more about how your donations help to support “Theatre by kids, for kids” in the DC Metro area.
Opening House
We were delighted to welcome a number of new students and families to our first-ever Fall Open House event. It was a wonderful opportunity to share who we are as an organization and what it’s like to experience an Encore class. Saturday Fall classes begin this week, on Saturday, October 5, so now is the time to get registered, if you haven’t already!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos provided by staff.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
3 Reasons to RSVP for Tomorrow’s Open House
Tomorrow morning marks the official start to Encore’s 2019/2020 Education season with our first-ever Fall Open House event. Join us at Encore’s Main Campus (4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207) for a morning of community, learning, and, above all, fun! What, specifically, do you have to look forward to? Read on to find out!
Come experience 30 minutes samplings of some the classes upcoming in Encore’s Early and Late Fall sessions. The Open House offers selections for ages 3-5, as well as grades K-5, featuring movement and literature themed theatre classes. One of our older theatre students? Feel free to stop by to enjoy some treats, meet our awesome staff, and get registered for your next theatre experience.
Fun and Friendly Faces
The Open House is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with the talented and knowledgeable staff here at Encore Stage & Studio. For this event, we’ve brought on three of Encore’s well-known and beloved teaching artists: Mr. Seth, Ms. Gabe, and Ms. Cici. Members of the full-time staff will also be in attendance to help guide you to the best theatre experience for each participant. Questions about classes, donations, or auditions? Our staff will be happy to help you out!
Creating Community
One of our favorite parts of hosting events like the Open House is seeing how our wonderful theatre community continues to grow. Connect with other parents and caregivers, bonding over commutes to rehearsal, the hunt for the best-fitting jazz shoes, or the hilarity of rehearsing lines with our young participants. Our experienced Encore families make for an excellent resource and are always happy to share the knowledge (and the love)!
Fall Open House Schedule
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Meet and Greet
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5) (9 spots left!)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Disney Dance (Grades K-1) (12 spots left!)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Adventures in Narnia (Grades 2-3)
(Sold Out – Join us to meet our staff!)
10:45 am – 11:15 am: Meet and Greet + Registration
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5) (8 spots left!)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Fairytale Fun (Grades K-1) (10 spots left!)
11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Registration in the Parents’ Lounge
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
What to Expect: Early Childhood
Hello friends! My name is Ms. A and I’d like to personally invite you to come learn and play with me on Tuesday morning in Encore’s Early Childhood theatre classes!
When you first arrive, you can take off your shoes and put them in the shoe cubbies outside the classroom door. When you’re all ready, come inside and sit around our colorful mat on the floor!
I like to start each class with a good morning song and stretch. We might use scarves or batons to help us reach, and the colors are so fun! This way we can all get warmed up and ready for a great day!
To make class fun and exciting, I like to read interactive stories where you can touch an animals fuzzy tail or hear the sound of a train! I like to share my favorite sounds and movements and learn from the class what sounds and sights they enjoy.
It can be fun to create with our hands, so some days we might build a castle out of blocks or do an art project!
Do you like to sing and dance? Me too! I’ll teach you how to use rhythm sticks to tap out the rhythm to some of my favorite songs like “B-I-N-G-O” and “The Wheels on the Bus!”
When class is all finished, we’ll say “see you next time” to each other with a special Encore Goodbye song. I’ll even give you a sticker as a prize to say thank you for coming and spending your Tuesday with me! 🙂
You can sign up for class in advance on our website or in person with our Registrar when you arrive. We have monthly subscriptions and drop-in options available. I can’t wait to see you all on Tuesday mornings!
Early Childhood Classes for Ages 6 months – 2 years
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.
Classes are held Tuesday mornings, 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Monthly registration preferred: $10 per class
Walk in rate: $15
Classes begin Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Note:
In special circumstances, siblings up to the age of 5 may be permitted to join class for the usual walk-in rate of $15.
Location: Encore’s Main Campus
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by A.K. Nell. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Fabulous Fall Festivities Coming to Encore
Auditions “In Summer”
Encore welcomed over 110 students at auditions for Disney’s Frozen Jr, with over 20 coming out to interview for crew. With such a talented pool to choose from, our production team had quite the difficult job in front of them. They managed to narrow down the cast to around 40 participants, with around 15 students banding together to form the backstage and front of house crews.
Do you struggle with audition anxiety and want something to help you “Let it go?” Join us for a Pre-Audition Workshop! You’ll have a chance to meet some of the production team and learn what to expect in the audition room, so that, when the time comes, you’ll be ready to shine like the star you are.
Broadway Comes to Arlington
Encore was thrilled to welcome Angelina Mullins Prattes and Colt Prattes to host a special workshop for students at our Center Stage camp. These professional dancers are currently touring the country with Disney’s production of Aladdin. They took time from their busy schedule at the Kennedy Center to join us in Arlington for the teaching of some intense and fun choreography. Many thanks to both of these wonderful professionals!
Do you dream of strutting your stuff on a Broadway stage or delivering a heartbreaking soliloquy in a Shakespearean classic? No matter where your interests may lead, Encore has a theatre class for you. Fall registration is now open!
Join us at our free Open House event on Saturday, September 21st, 2019 from 10 AM – 12 PM. You’ll have the chance to meet members of Encore’s staff and teaching team, take a sample class, and get registered for the fall.
Making Magic at Stage Door
August brought the second round of Stage Door/Tech Camp productions to the final level: performance! Audiences were treated to several very fine performances of Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr, complete with living statues, flying kites, dancing chimney sweeps, and more! Click here to check out some of the photos from the show.
Join us on Saturday, October 19th for the Frozen Princess Ball, following the 11 AM performance.
Are you ready for even more Disney magic? Single tickets for Disney’s Frozen Jr. are now on sale. With such a popular and beloved title, tickets are sure to go quickly, so be sure to get your best seats today!
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
This week marks the final sessions of #EncoreSummer 2019. From age 3 to 18, it’s been a joy working with each and every one of our summer camp students this year. Visit the blog for some throwback photos and sneak peeks into what a wonderful summer it’s been.
For students in grades K-5, the fun doesn’t have to end! Encore has over 10 holiday mini-camps running during our 2019/2020 season. This year we’ve expanded our offerings to accommodate both Arlington and Fairfax County Public Schools. We can’t wait to play the day away with all of you!
Members Are Worth Melting For
Do you love exclusive swag? Or maybe you’re a fan of getting first dibs on theatre seats and event access? What about saving money? If you said “Yes!” to any of the above, you’re just the right fit to become an Encore Season Member. Act now and receive a Member-exclusive discount to the Frozen Princess Ball!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Caolan Eder. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
You’re Invited to Encore’s 2019 Fall Open House!
Encore Stage & Studio is excited to kick off the 2019/2020 education season with a Fall Open House event on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10 am – 12 pm, at Encore’s Main Campus! Students will experience 30-minute sample sessions of Encore’s various upcoming fall classes. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet teaching artists and Encore staff, as well as register for Early and Late Fall classes. Registration is free and recommended in advance to guarantee a spot in your favorite classes.
“Encore’s teaching artists bring professional excellence and passion for theatre to every class they teach. I love watching the final sharings for our classes because I get to witness the growing self-confidence and joy in each child.” — Sara Duke, Encore Stage & Studio Executive Director
Class sessions include options of either four or six weeks. Encore’s educational programs are designed to provide a fun and safe environment for children to explore theatre arts, from the newest beginner to the more experienced theatre fan.
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Meet and Greet
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Disney Dance (Grades K-1)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Adventures in Narnia (Grades 2-3)
10:45 am – 11:15 am: Meet and Greet + Registration
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Fairytale Fun (Grades K-1)
11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Registration in the Parents’ Lounge
Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5)
“And they lived happily ever after!” But what happened first? This fun class studies a series of favorite fairytale stories chosen especially for our youngest friends, including Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, Jack & the Beanstalk, and more! Develop the confidence of sharing a story with a beginning, middle, and end, while working together as a group.
Disney Dance (K-1)
Get ready for “A Whole New World” as we dance to Disney classics and brand-new hits! From The Lion King to The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast, we invite you to “Be Our Guest” as we learn rhythm and movement through your favorite tunes and tales as old as time!
Adventures in Narnia (2-3)
Step through the wardrobe and explore the thrilling land of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia. Work with your classmates to recreate the fantastical characters, creatures, and conflicts of this imaginary world.
Best of Broadway (4-5)
Do you adore a kick-line, dance in your seat, or dream of tapping up 42nd Street? Lace up your dancing shoes and sashay your way onto the stage with Encore! Students will learn fun combinations, as well as basic dance terminology, to set the foundation for years of dance and movement appreciation.
Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
Follow us through a series of adventure stories, designed for our youngest friends, with our trusty companion Clifford the Big Red Dog. Develop the confidence of sharing a story with a beginning, middle, and end, while learning valuable lessons about friendship and working together as a group.
Fairytale Fun (K-1)
Live like a King, Queen, Prince, Princess, or Court Jester for an hour each week with this engaging fairytale-themed class. Slay dragons, break magic spells, and live happily ever after as you and your classmates act out classic stories and even create your own!
Fall for Encore’s New Theatre Classes
Psst…hey, you. Yes, you! We have a secret for you…it’s almost August. We can hardly believe that our jam-packed summer has been whirling by so quickly. Before we know it, it’ll be time to sharpen our pencils and head back to school. If that thought sends you screaming to the nearest pool, don’t fear! We’ve already got our Education classes posted for the upcoming 2019/2020 season. Use these themes to guide your explorations as you plan for the fall and you’ll certainly have lots to look forward to. Onward!
Epic:
Do you dream of starring in your own comic book series, battling dastardly villains…or even becoming such a villain yourself? If so, here are just a few of the upcoming adventure-themed theatre courses we’ve got coming your way this fall.
Scenes from Encore’s Season (Grades 4-5)
Can’t get enough of Encore from the audience? Here’s your chance to get in on the action! Students will explore characters and themes using scenes from shows being performed as part of Encore’s 2019/2020 season, including Frozen Jr, Narnia, The Three Musketeers, and more. This session is the perfect opportunity for budding actors and eager audience members alike!
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee: $75
Skills: Storytelling, Confidence, Stage Presence, Collaboration
Fantastic Voyage (Grades K-1)
Each week, travel to lands unknown in this fantasy-themed class. Live like royalty, slay dragons, break magic spells, sail the seven seas, blast off to the moon, and live happily ever after as you and your classmates create and act out riveting stories, old and new, working together as a Fantastic crew.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Storytelling, Character Creation, Imaginative Thinking, Confidence
Classic Villains (Grades 6-8)
Delve into the mind and dastardly deeds of a villain! Actors will inhabit some of the most nefarious villains in theatrical history or those of your own creation. Discover how much fun it can be to play a literary bad guy as you develop backstories, hatch scandalous schemes, and don disguises. This class offers even the most experienced actors the chance to break the mold and create fun and interesting characters.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Staging, Acting Motivation
Ensemble
For every performer who longs to belt out powerful songs like Queen Elsa, leap through the air like a Newsie, and ace their next audition like a pro, we’ve created a series of fun and informative musical theatre classes to help grow your love while improving your dance and vocal technique.
Disney Dance (Grades K-1)
Get ready for “A Whole New World” as we dance to Disney classics and brand-new hits! From The Lion King to The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast, we invite you to “Be Our Guest” as we learn rhythm and movement through your favorite tunes and tales as old as time! This class may be repeated, as different songs are learned each session.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee: $75
Skills: Choreography, Spacial Awareness, Confidence, Stage Presence
Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5)
Do you adore a kickline, dance in your seat, or dream of tapping up 42nd Street? Lace up your dancing shoes and sashay your way onto the stage with Encore! Students will learn fun combinations, as well as basic dance terminology, to set the foundation for years of dance and movement appreciation. With new songs and dance styles taught each session, students are encouraged to repeat this class for new learning opportunities.
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Choreography, Spacial Awareness, Confidence, Stage Presence
Broadway Musicals (Grades 6-12)
This high-energy class will enhance and refine your singing, dancing, and acting skills to get you ready for any audition, performance, or class. Working with classic musical theatre songs, this class will help both beginning and experienced students to focus on vocals, choreography, and ensemble work as we build toward a theatrical final sharing.
Mondays, September 23–November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee: $115
Skills: Choreography, Projection, Stage Presence, Healthy Self-Image
Enchanted
As a children’s theatre, we love stories, big and small, realistic and wildly imaginative. Here’s a brief selection of some of the more magical adventures we have in store this fall.
Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
Follow us through a series of adventure stories, designed for our youngest friends, with our trusty companion Clifford the Big Red Dog. Develop the confidence of sharing a story with a beginning, middle, and end, while learning valuable lessons about friendship and working together as a group.
Saturdays, October 5–26, 2019
Four Class Session
Time: 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Fee: $75
Skills: Confidence, Focus, Listening, Story Telling
Snow Queen Stories (Grades 2-3)
Underneath a cold and snowy exterior lies a heart full of warmth and goodness in Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story of The Snow Queen. We will use this tale and other adaptations, such as Frozen, to develop acting skills. Come prepared to let it go and use your imagination!
Saturdays, October 5-26, 2019
Four Class Session
Times: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Fee: $75
Skills: Storytelling, Imaginative Thinking, Collaboration, Confidence
Supernatural Shakespeare (Grades 6-8)
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.” Love Shakespeare’s ghosts and witches? Things that go bump in the night? Mysterious apparitions? This is the class for you. This fall, we will delve in to the supernatural plays of Shakespeare. We’ll tackle the language of the Bard with easy to understand methods while exploring the eerie and fascinating characters within his plays. Join us…if you dare.
Mondays, September 23-November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $105
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Acting Motivation, Building Repertoire
For every swashbuckler, songbird, and royal persona out there, Encore’s Education program has something to pique your interest and take you on the imaginative and learning adventure of a lifetime. Mark your calendars for Monday, August 12, 2019, when fall registration opens for the first time this season. You won’t want to miss out on your favorite classes, so start planning today!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography, Larry McClemons, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.