#FridayFive 2022 Encore New Year Resolutions
It’s the first Friday of 2022 and we’ve got our #FridayFive New Year Resolutions for you at Encore!
#1 – Be a Part of Something New – Audition for our World Premier of Riley O’Brien and the Lost Leprechaun!
This world premier will be a memorable experience! Fully vaccinated students aged 9 and older are invited to audition for the cast and students 12 and older can interview for crew positions.
Audition: January 18, 2022 | 5-7 pm. Click here to sign up for an audition slot.
Production runs March 4 – 13, 2022
#2 – Exercise Your Creativity!
Our in-person summer camps cover a plethora of themes and titles you’re gonna love! Themes include Encore’s School of Wizardry, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and The Nifty Fifties. Be sure to take advantage of the Early Bird Sale running now through January 31st!
View all camp themes and titles here.
Looking to challenge your creative soul sooner? Check out our winter classes!
#3 – Plan Your Holidays with Days of Theatre!
Our popular Mini Camps continue into the new year! Discover the world of theatre through popular stories from the page and screen. 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 time with friends and activate their creativity! View our upcoming holiday camp dates:
January 17, 2022 – Soul
January 31, 2022 – Treasure Planet
February 21, 2022 – The Sword in the Stone
March 4, 2022 – Trolls
March 16, 2022 – Ratatouille
#4 – Become a Role Model and use your Leadership Skills – Apply for our Camp Counselor Positions!
Camp Counselors help make camp a smooth, successful, and fun experience for campers! Each day, counselors have the opportunity to lead or assist teaching artists with classroom activities including theatre games, warm-ups, and craft projects. Counselors may also help campers to rehearse scenes, learn choreography or movement combinations, or prepare for the final camp performances. Counselors also frequently take on administrative tasks, including helping to run check-in and check-out, preparing class materials, and setting up or cleaning up camp spaces. Counselors are expected to be punctual and fully present for each day of camp, and to model good behavior for campers. This is a very active and hands-on position. Camp counselors at these programs are expected to be proactive and look for ways to use their individual talents to help the camp’s artistic staff and contribute to the camp environment. Apply by February 28 for best consideration.
#5 – Begin the Year with Commedia! Come See Encore’s Commedia Cinderella opening January 14
The It
alian tradition of commedia dell’arte may be centuries old, but it’s alive and well in this rollicking play-within-a-play! The lively commedia troupe spices up the classic Cinderella story with sharp wit, slapstick shenanigans, and endless silly squabbles (including baguette fencing, laugh duels, and slap fights).
Show opens January 14, 2022 at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre One. Buy tickets now.
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
Celebrate World Theatre Day with Encore!
Happy World Theatre Day, everyone! Here at Encore, we’re riding this wave of joy and appreciation for this beautiful art form all the way into another glorious weekend. Before we go, I want to leave you with three easy (and fun!) ways to celebrate World Theatre Day and “Theatre by kids, for kids” at the same time. #MultiTasking!
It’s official! Spring Break Camp is going virtual. Through a combination of live classroom interactions via the Zoom platform and prerecorded instructional videos (for which you’ll have life-long access), you/your students will experience an engaging day of theatre and creativity from the comfort and safety of your own home. There’s lots of room in the Zoom chat, so come join us April 6-10 and 13-17!
2) Work Out the Wiggles w/ Ms. A
This week we hosted our first virtual Encore event with a Parent & Me class hosted by “Ms. A,” A.K. Nell. Through storytelling, movement, and music your child will sharpen critical social and physical skills in a fun and imaginative environment. Geared towards our youngest learners, ages 6 months – 5 years, this charming and engaging class makes for a fun mid-morning break for the whole family!
Free virtual classes will be hosted by Ms. A live on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM on Encore’s Facebook page and Instagram profile.
3) Create an #IndoorEncore Adventure
Our wonderful teaching staff have devised a series of awesome activities and challenges for all of our different student age groups, from early childhood up through age 18. We can’t wait to see your moves, monologues, makings, and more when you tag us on social media with #IndoorEncore and @EncoreArlington!
BONUS! Share on social media what you love about theatre and be sure to tag us so we can join in the fun! #TheatreByKids4Kids @EncoreArlington
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan.
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.
7 Tips for an Awesome Spring Break Camp
During the two weeks of spring break camp, our theme changes daily; it’s like taking five different camps in the span of just one week! Many of the themes focus on beloved books, movies, or fairytales. It can be helpful to revisit the story before you come to camp, so you have the story fresh in your mind. If not, that’s okay too; we create our very own version of the stories too!
2) Put on a Happy Face
A good attitude is essential when it comes to having the best day of camp possible. Our campers work together to choose camp rules, play cooperative games, and even decide certain elements of the final sharing. While it may not always go exactly the way you were thinking, our teaching artists make sure that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and let their voices be heard. The best stories are told with the ideas of many and, who knows? Maybe your fellow storytellers will soon become your new best friends!
3) Stay Fresh
Between awesome theatre games, fun dance practices, and playground silliness at recess, we can definitely get pretty thirsty, so it can be helpful to bring a water bottle with you to camp. Don’t forget to put your name on it!
4) Keep It Closed (Toed)
As mentioned above, we get up to a lot of physical activity throughout the camp day. In order to keep everyone safe and having the best possible experience, we ask campers to put their best foot forward by wearing close-toed shoes to camp.
5) Pack a Snack
All of the activity during the camp day works up quite the appetite. Work with your parent or caregiver to make a morning snack that is both delicious and filling (also peanut-free, please!) so that you can keep on rocking out the whole day through.
6) Bring a Buddy
Camp is always better with friends. Spread the word in the weeks before you come to camp and invite your best buddies to join in on the fun!
7) Make a Plan…
…to do it all again! Whether you join us for next year’s spring break, next season’s holiday mini-camps, summer camps, or spring classes, you’ll definitely have something new and exciting to look forward to once you sign up to come see all of your new Encore friends again!
Public School Dates and Themes
Monday/April 6, 2020: Mary Poppins
Tuesday/April 7, 2020: One Thousand and One Nights
Wednesday/April 8, 2020: Night at the Museum
Thursday/April 9, 2020: The Tale of Despereaux
Friday/April 10, 2020: The Polar Express
Monday/April 13, 2020: Jumanji
Private School Dates and Themes
Monday/April 13, 2020: Jumanji
Tuesday/April 14, 2020: The Sword in the Stone
Wednesday/April 15, 2020: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Thursday/April 16, 2020: The Jungle Book
Friday/April 17, 2020: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution 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.
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.
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.