5 Life Skills Children Cultivate in the Performing Arts
People join the Encore family through many different avenues. Some come to us first as audience members during our season of shows. Others have a blast during summer camp and decide to come back for more. Still more find Encore through our auditions for cast and crew throughout the year. There’s yet another path that perhaps you haven’t considered: after-school enrichment. Encore partners with PTAs and enrichment partners to bring fun and creative theatre-based classes to students grades K-8 across several counties. Read on to learn how bringing theatre into your school can benefit the young learners in your life.
Photo by Clarence Chan
#1 – Empathy
Theatre allows children to imagine themselves, however briefly, in the story of someone oftentimes very different from them. This act helps young people relate to others and to value differences in experience, opinion, and circumstances.
#2 – Confidence
Creative spaces offer children a place to take big risks and fail safely. This helps kids grow confidence in their abilities and ideas, both in the classroom and out in the world.
#3 – Teamwork
Theatre is most definitely a team sport. Drama classes help children develop effective and kind communication methods by cultivating positive working relationships: between actors in a scene, between actor and director, between director and creative team, and more!
Photo by Clarence Chan
#4 – Creative Problem Solving
Theatre enrichment sets the stage for imagination and creative problem solving. Students ask, “How can we create a castle or a spaceship here in our classroom?” They achieve their goals by working and learning together.
#5 – Leadership
Theatre transforms students into leaders. When challenges arise, students use their collection of skills to keep the show moving forward. Students learn how to empower their peers and be positive role models onstage and off!
Ready to roll out the purple carpet and bring Encore Stage & Studio into your school for after-school enrichment? Interested in Encore facilitating your school play? Contact Education Programs Director, Madaline Langston, to get started: madaline.langston@encorestage.org.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Clarence Chan, and Connie Polnow. Video edited by Shannon McCarthy. Blog conbribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Train Like a Lucky Star in New Class for GR 6-12
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Hopefully you’ve had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather we’ve been having the last few days, heralding the fact that spring is near. With this in mind, today we’re delving deeper with a new spring class for our 6th-12th graders, The Actor’s Toolbox. We’ll hear from our Education Programs Manager, Madaline Langston, as well as Patrick McGee, the teaching artist for the program.
As a professional and conservatory-trained actor, I have spent years working constantly on the art of acting. While thinking of a program to assist our Encore actors, I thought about my training and which classes make sense in the development of the craft of acting.
It’s about training…
The Actor’s Toolbox series is a group of classes designed to take our Encore actors to the next level. Actors must consistently develop their instrument so they can create and sustain a believable character using their voice and body. It’s about training, strengthening the brain and body to think like an actor, and producing confidence in the choices made on stage.
Try a class and allow the process to begin.
–Madaline
Stretching is important for all actors. We must stretch our bodies before we perform. We must stretch ourselves as artists in the work that we create, and we must stretch ourselves to tell the most creative story on stage. This is why honing your skills in your actor’s toolbox is vital to the success that is accomplished on stage.
As both a teaching artist and actor, I have had the opportunity to work and train in both New York City for 12 years and a brief time in Los Angeles. I found, as an actor, the work that I did in the audition room or the rehearsal hall was the most vibrant and connected when I was also training my skills in an acting class [on my own time]. When auditioning for a Broadway show or the latest Netflix series, the nerves and self-doubts would start to creep into my audition or performance. However, when I had a strong foundation in my work like stage presence, clear objectives, and developed relationships, my work started to become more grounded and noticed by certain casting directors and directors.
Every actor has the ability to be a star…
This Spring, I am excited to revisit the actor’s toolbox as both as an actor and teaching artist. I always say I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. The class will start by developing our own star power. Every actor has the ability to be a star, but we need to develop the skills to really be seen the minute we walk out on stage or in the room. Once we tap into our stage presence, we explore how clear and concise objectives inform the scene and your work as an actor. Finally, we as actors are telling stories on stage; building relationships between the characters on stage is an important aspect of the storytelling process. I am excited to stretch this Spring and really use the classroom as a “gym for actors” in order stretch, create, and grow.
–Patrick
The Actor’s Toolbox
Have you ever wondered what’s in an Actor’s Toolbox? This four week series of classes guides the actor through the prep work and choices that lead to the development of unique and meaningful characters. Class topics will include: Stage Presence, Articulation, Objectives, and Relationship Building.
Mondays, April 1-29. 2019 (No class April 15)
Four Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 6-12
Fee: $75
Photos by Clarence Chan, Shannon McCarthy, and Alana Gibson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Rad Reflections from January
With a new year come new opportunities, a clean slate, and an excited outlook. Our January at Encore has certainly lived up to (and even exceeded) our great expectations. Read on for just a taste of the awesome buzz that’s been humming around Encore since the start of 2019.
1) We Flew into the New Year…
…with our first-ever Early Bird sale for Encore summer camps! Prices go up this Friday, February 1st, so enroll today to save some dough.
2) We Opened Our House
At the beginning of January, Encore hosted our inaugural Summer Camp Open House event. With six classes running and over 100 visitors, it was a wonderful way to get excited for #EncoreSummer!
3) We Sparked Joy
Like many others, this month we organized our spaces, organizing, sorting, and generally tidying up. Our conference room is like our laboratory – we want to keep it clean and ready for groundbreaking ideas!
4) We Sold Out the Shop
Thanks to an unexpected snow day earlier in the run, the closing performance of The Enchanted Bookshop was attended by over 400 patrons, with the final tickets sold just minutes before curtain. What an exciting end to a wonderful and sweet show!
5) We Visited the Haus
Kinder Haus Toys, that is! January brought a new partnership with this local family-owned establishment. Encore now offers an Early Childhood class for students ages 6 months-3 years on Wednesday mornings at Kinder Haus. Fans of our Tuesday morning program will love this continued experience at a new location!
6) We Got Back to Class
Encore’s Winter session of theatre classes began this month, with offerings on Wednesday evenings, Saturday mornings, and an addition to our new Monday evening program: The Actor Creates, specially crafted for students in grades 6-12.
7) We Wrecked Two Incredible Camps
Encore hopped back into the school year with two holiday mini-camps this month, themed after fan favorites The Incredibles and Wreck It Ralph. With a whole day of theatre games, crafts, and creative plays, it was a blast!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#StudioSaturday with Patrick McGee
Happy #StudioSaturday, Encore fans. Today we’re thrilled to introduce another one of our newer teaching artists, Patrick McGee! With lots of theatrical and teaching experience under his belt, he is a welcome addition to the Encore family. Read on to learn more about Patrick and the new class he’ll be teaching this Winter session.
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
Patrick: I started working this past summer on comedy and improvisation camps for the teens and tweens. I’ve also been teaching some of Encore’s after-school enrichment classes. I’m excited to take on the new Actor Creates class series, starting this coming Monday.
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
Patrick: It has taught me to be confident in who I am a person.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
Patrick: Arts education is important for young people because it not only teaches the art form, but it also helps differentiate lessons so that all learners can understand concepts and ideas. It helps build social skills while enhancing the artist.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
Patrick: I look forward to teaching The Actor Creates because there are so many tools an actor has to develop and continue to hone in on throughout their career. This class excites me for the different “ah ha!” moments that can occur.
Thank you for sharing, Patrick. We’re excited to explore acting tools and levels with Encore’s new Monday evening class: The Actor Creates. This series of classes are designed to assist in the creativity of designing a character and strengthening the actor’s imagination, making the character believable using our voice and body as instruments.
Mondays, January 14 – February 11, 2019 (No Class January 21)
Four Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 6-12 NEW!
Fee: $75
Photos by Connie Polnow, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Clarence Chan. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Happy Trails to Miss Mara
This #FrontRowFriday, we bid a fond farewell to Encore’s lead teacher, Miss Mara Stewart. From Production to Education, Mara has made an incredible impact on the many students, cast members, theatre patrons, staff members, and community families with whom she’s interacted. While we will certainly feel her absence in the future, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the wonderful presence that is Mara. Read on to read the Encore staff reflections on their time working with Mara:
Rosemarie: Mara brings positivity and to every classroom and rehearsal room she walks into. I had the honor of assisting Mara in a class last spring. Those kids hung on Mara’s every word because they not only respected her, they were inspired by her. All the best to Mara in her new adventures!
Madaline: I will definitely miss Miss Mara as the lead teacher in Education and a friend. Mara is delightful to be around and the kids love her. Mara is a team player and gives her all to assist whenever possible.
I unexpectedly had to teach a Broadway Kids class at the last minute and she took the time to share choreography that was quick and easy for me to pick up. Mara saved the day! The door is always open at Encore. I hope that she will visit us whenever she comes to the DMV. From all the kids at HPI, ¡Hasta luego! 🤗
Sara: Mara is the ultimate renaissance woman – she worked in almost every aspect of our organization and filled many roles. All of us will miss her enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for theatre education.
Shannon: Mara is a light wherever she goes. I loved seeing her work with our HPI and Early Childhood students with such creativity, joy, and kindness. Wherever she lands, they’ll be lucky to have her!
Aileen: Miss Mara is the coolest! Her Zumba warm-ups were always a hit and her choreography always made you want to get up and dance! Thank you for sharing your talent and passion for the arts at Encore.
Susan: Mara is a great person to work alongside. She is funny, thoughtful, creative and compelling. We will all miss her.
Rebecca: I love how Mara always sings her sentences around the theatre – her energy elevates the cast and makes it a fun environment for everyone. We’ll miss her a lot!
A.K.: Where do I even begin? Mara is what you’d call “one of the good ones” and it is very tough to say goodbye.
I have had the great pleasure of working with Mara in just about every capacity you can imagine, and I can truly say that she inspires me every day. From teaching together at HPI, working on productions, and sharing classes at summer camp, she has shown me that being a teacher is not a job, but a way of being.
She has taught me that the little steps are more important than where you end up. Nothing happens overnight. Looking back and seeing where you have come from is so fulfilling. I have learned from her that the end goal is only as important as the process it takes to get there. She has taught me to meet students where they are instead of expecting things from them. She has shown me how to challenge students in ways that make them feel comfortable. I have seen her work miracles with students that otherwise might not have shown up on day two.
I will miss her smile at the door, her puppy socks on Tuesdays, and her singing just about everything she says. Mara, you have become an incredibly important and influential person to me since I’ve been at Encore, and I will miss you very much as a teaching partner, fellow artist, and even more so as a friend. Thank you for all that you have shared and I hope that wherever you end up next, they know how lucky they are to have you.
*music note emoji* Goodbye to my friend Miss Mara. We hope to see you soon! *music note emoji*
While Miss Mara will be moving away, her lasting impact on Encore’s programs is undeniable, from the Healthy Play Initiative, Stage Door summer camp, Early Childhood classes, and beyond. Celebrate her contributions by joining Ms. A in our Early Childhood classes:
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Encore’s Main Campus
4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207
Wednesday mornings
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Kinder Haus Toys
1220 N Fillmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and the Encore staff.
#StudioSaturday with Julie Britt
Spring classes are coming up soon, Encore fans! Today we’re excited to check in with new teaching artist Julie Britt. Read on to learn more about Julie’s experience and her passion for the arts!
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
Julie: I began teaching musical theatre dance in Fall of 2018, and look forward to teaching more musical theatre dance classes and workshops this spring and at summer camp!
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
Julie: Theatre has helped me find myself and gain confidence in myself, made me able to speak and perform comfortably in front of people, and live my life looking through a creative and outside-of-the-box lens. Theatre has given me an understanding of the world, of different cultures and time periods, and the ability to have empathy for the plight of others by putting myself in their shoes. I have found that the joy of music gives me the ability to take myself out of the every day, and enhance the ordinary moments and experiences of life to make them extraordinary.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
Julie: Arts education gives young people the ability to try things they never knew they could, and teaches them to discover their inner light and inner strength. Music and theatre can help them build confidence in themselves and strengthen their ability to empathize with others. They give young people the opportunity to open their minds to different perspectives and see the world through the eyes of another person, through history and learning how others live through their joys and struggles. Not to mention, it often involves exercise, enhances the brain, relieves anxiety, and brings laughter and joy!
Encore: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
Julie: I’m most looking forward to teaching theatre, music, and dance, because many of my favorite and most influential role models throughout my life have been my music and dance teachers. I’m excited to share the lessons they have taught me, along with my own learnings and experiences, with the young people that I get to work with. Music, dance, and theatre helped me grow into the fullest version of myself, and I look forward to seeing how the process transforms others too!
Are you ready to grow into the fullest version of yourself? Join Encore for a theatre class this spring – register today!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
New Friends and Familiar Faces in Encore’s Winter Session
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! We’re buzzing with the energy that a new year brings. We’re psyched to get started with the Winter session of Encore’s theatre classes. We’ve got so much in store, for old friends and new. Read on to learn just a few fun faces you can expect to see…
Imaginary Friends
Join your teacher and classmates in Let’s Play Pretend as you explore different themes and imagined environments throughout the Winter session. With a new focus and friends each class, this adventure is great for both first-timers and repeat participants.
Harold and His Purple Crayon
Take inspiration from this literary favorite and let your creativity run wild! Branch out to create new stories, characters, and entire worlds. This class is a wonderful first step into theatre for those who are getting familiar with a more structured classroom environment.
Your Favorite Personalit-seas
Who knows which tour guides may lead you through your new underwater home – the Rainbow Fish, Sebastian, or maybe even Nemo! The class will work together to develop plots and scenarios surrounding some of our favorite aquatic characters.
Robin Hood
Already excited for Encore’s upcoming production of Robin Hood? What better way to shorten the wait? Take your acting abilities to the next level as you collaborate with classmates to stage scenes with the help of your teacher as you explore the world of Robin Hood and his merry band.
The Chorus Line
Do you watch The Greatest Showman, So You Think You Can Dance, or classic movie musicals with stars in your eyes? Saturday Showstoppers is your ticket to the top! You’ll work towards joining the chorus line of your dreams in this energetic musical theatre class. A 5, 6, 7, 8!
Your Own Creation
Encore is excited to premiere a brand-new class series on Monday evenings, for grades 6-12: The Actor Creates! Work closely with a professional teaching artist to develop the skills that bring performers success onstage, on screen, and beyond!
Psst… Have you heard? Summer camp registration is now open – with Early Bird pricing!
So we’ve reviewed some familiar faces you may come across in our Winter classes, but we almost forgot the most important one…yours! Will you brighten our day and join us on a theatre adventure? Visit our website or call our offices at 703-548-1154 to register today!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Connie Polnow, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#StudioSaturday: Combat Instructor Ian Claar
Today we’ve got another dose of #StudioSaturday for you, friends! Our Late Fall classes are now underway: We’re chatting with Stage Combat teaching artist Ian Claar about the importance of the arts education for youth.
Encore: How long have you been working with Encore? In which capacities?
Ian: I have worked with Encore since 2 years now! My first show was A Fairytale Christmas Carol, for which I was the lighting designer. I have mainly worked on the Production side either designing lights or assisting in designing lights. [Click here to check out our lighting-focused interview with Ian!]
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
Ian: Theatre teaches so many valuable lessons, but one of my favourite take-aways has been critical thinking and problem solving, and composure under stress. Theatre requires so many things to happen quickly and precisely, with a cast and crew that can adapt just as quickly when things go wrong.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
Ian: Arts education can encompass so many valuable lessons and skills. From communication, to problem solving, to hands on knowledge of building and electricity. The physical awareness of acting and dancing, and the self care that performers learn to take care of their mind and body. The arts provide an insight into our own culture and history and that of those different than us. I can’t think of a reason NOT to expose young people to the arts as much as possible.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
Ian: I’m most looking forward to teaching Stage Combat because it is a valuable acting tool that promotes safety and consent in the artistic world.
Are you itching to put your stage combat skills to the test? Audition for Robin Hood, December 11th & 12th! Not sure how you’ll fit into the Merry band? Shake off your nerves with Encore’s pre-audition workshop on Saturday, December 8th.
Not a fighter? Fear not! Encore’s Winter classes have something for everyone: dance, comedy, adventure, and more! Visit our Class page to check out our offerings and enroll today.
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Outside the Box with Ms. A! #StudioSaturday
Welcome back for another #StudioSaturday, Encore family! Late Fall classes start in just one month, and we can’t wait to see many of you to explore together. Today we’re chatting with A.K. Nell, one of our awesome Teaching Artists, currently teaching several Early Fall classes here at Encore. Let’s see what she has to say about theatre education:
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
A.K.: I started teaching for Encore when I was the Arts Apprentice last season. I’ve had the chance to teach after school enrichment classes, workshops, spring break and summer camps, and even Mommy and Me! I love getting to work with students of all ages in the many different areas of education.
“If you open your mind, oh, the thinks you will find lining up to get loose!”
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
A.K.: I’d have to say that one of the biggest things I have taken from theatre is to think outside the box. Once you can see things from a new perspective and maybe even step just a little bit outside of your everyday comfort zone, a whole new world of ideas and opportunities becomes available to you. In my experience, the thoughts outside of the box are far more fascinating (and fun) than the ones inside.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
A.K.: I think arts education is not only important, but paramount for young people to experience. The arts give children a way to express themselves in creative ways in a safe space. They learn about emotions, communication, team work, leadership, confidence, and even pride. Theatre, specifically, gives kids a hands-on experience of creative thinking and self discovery.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
A.K.: I am most looking forward to teaching Saturday classes because I love seeing my students come together as an ensemble and create such amazing work in just a few short weeks! I can’t wait for their final presentations!
We’re excited to see your Early Fall classes perform next week, Ms. A – and then on to Late Fall classes! To join in the fun, register today online or by calling our office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#StudioSaturday with Ms. “Cici” Allen
Today is the start of our Saturday Early Fall classes! To celebrate, we’re kicking off a new blog series focusing on our fabulous Education department. Welcome to the first installment of #StudioSaturday! Every few weeks, we’ll feature one of our talented teaching artists to get their thoughts on theatre education and give you the chance to get to know them better. This week, we’re kicking it off with an Encore favorite, Ms. Christina “Cici” Allen.
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
Cici: I have been teaching for Encore Stage and Studio for nine years. I have taught Saturday classes, after-school classes, and summer camps, such as It’s Elementary. I have worked the most with preschool and elementary school ages.
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
Cici: Theater has taught me many valuable skills, so it is difficult to choose just one. However, I would say one of the most valuable skills it has taught me is how to adapt to any challenge and situation that I encounter with an open mind and fresh ideas. Theater teaches improvisation and how to think of new ideas in the moment. I think that this inspires innovation within our students that can help them in all sorts of pursuits. I often come up with out-of-the-box ideas and I think I owe a lot of that skill to my theatrical training and teachers.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
Cici: Arts education is so critical for young people’s development. In addition to helping students develop their cultural awareness, confidence, and social-emotional development, it also helps support their overall intelligence. Students make meaningful connections with their classmates and learn to collaborate; these are important life-skills that can help them in any aspect of life. Students also get substantial linguistic development through reading literature and being exposed to new vocabulary. Also, many students will find an interest that is enjoyable that they can continue for their entire lifetimes either as spectators or performers.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
Cici: I’m most looking forward to teaching Saturday theater classes because I love to watch the kids make meaningful connections in class, experiment with new skills, and perform a final showcase in front of their parents. Their faces show how proud of themselves they are once the performance is shared!
Don’t miss your chance to work with Ms. Cici and our other amazing teaching artists! Register for Late Fall classes today to ensure your spot in your preferred class. Check out our Class page for more information on our course offerings, then register online or by calling us at (703) 548-1154. Have a great semester, Early Fall classes; we’ll be back soon with another installment of #StudioSaturday!
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.