Encore Campers Are…
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans. Today we’re hosting the first of the many holiday mini-camps of the 2019/2020 season. Our campers are busy getting in the Halloween spirit creating crafts and props for the skits and scenes they’ve devised, based on the characters or themes of Monsters University. Have I piqued your interest? Not sure if your student would enjoy a theatre-based day camp on those days when school’s out? Let me tell you a bit about the awesome students that join us for Mini-Camp/Play in a Day. Encore campers are…
Creators
Our campers collaborate to put on a final sharing, with just over five hours of devising and rehearsal time. Mini-campers in grades K-2, with the help of our camp volunteers and professional teaching artists, will present a dance combination and some jokes and scenes, in addition to creating a fun craft. Play in a Day students in grades 3-5 will work as a team to write and rehearse scenes of their own creation, while using their imaginations to construct key prop or set pieces from simple materials.
Caring
Research has shown that viewing and participating in theatrical productions aides in the development of empathy and compassion of young people. When they are asked to imagine and step into the metaphorical shoes of another person, creature, or being, students expand their world views and understanding of others, making theatre not only fun, but emotionally impactful in the long-term.
Chance-Takers
One of my favorite things about being an Encore staff member is being allowed the privilege of seeing our students grow in their confidence and abilities over the years. This process, more often than not, begins at mini-camp or in one of our weekly classes. Our teaching artists and educational philosophy encourages kids to take chances, make brave choices, and, most importantly, fail safely. When students are encouraged to try again, go bigger, and take things to the next level, their confidence in both their work and their personal worth continues to grow.
Connected
Here at Encore, we love the friendships that are founded and grown through our programs. It’s wonderful to witness students reunite with their Mini-Camp or Play in a Day buddies after a summer or winter break away. One of our core values is that Encore connects communities. Seeing camp friendships broaden into play dates, class companions, and cast or crew-mates is so fun. We can’t wait to see the new dynamic duos, trios, and more that will form during this season’s series of holiday camps!
Captivating
As any parent or caregiver knows, it’s amazing to see young people create a world of their own imagination. Our staff loves to attend the final sharing on mini-camp days to take in the wave of creativity and hilarity that gets released when so many young theatre-makers come together to create.
Do you know a student that checks all the boxes? Fits the bill? Would be a perfect match? What are you waiting for? Enroll in a Holiday Mini-Camp/Play in a Day program today!
Fall Camp Dates/Themes
November 4 (FCPS Student Holiday) – Coco (Limited space available!)
November 5 (Election Day) – Ralph Breaks the Internet
November 27 (Thanksgiving) – Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Celebrate Read Across America Day with Spring Break Camp
In preparation of Read Across America Day tomorrow, let’s revisit some of Encore’s favorite literary friends from seasons past. They’ll be coming back for another round during our two weeks of Spring Break camp, coming up next month. Public School Week runs April 15-19 with Private School Week following on April 22-26.
Encore last produced this classic tale back in 2012 with The Magical Lamp of Aladdin. Spring break campers will have the chance to hunt down treasure, ask wishes of a genie, and maybe even dream of flying carpet on Monday, April 15th, the first day of Spring Break Camp.
Who knows more about teamwork, friendship, and bravery than Peter Pan and his Lost Boys? Though this childhood favorite hasn’t crossed the Encore main stage since 1992, campers will fly off to Neverland for a magical day of fun on Tuesday, April 16th.
Strike a puppet pose! Last season, Encore audiences learned about honesty, bravery, and the importance of family alongside our intrepid puppet friend Pinocchio. Campers will follow his journey and explore their own dreams in camp on Monday, April 22nd.
Before you log off to dive into a great book, celebrate Read Across America Day by signing up for Encore’s Robin Hood mini-camp/play in a day program, adventuring onto your calendars on Friday, March 8th. This is a wonderful opportunity for young learners to experience Encore’s day-camp model, as well as make lots of new friends before spring break camp! Registration for holiday mini-camps fills up quickly, so channel your inner Richard the Lion Hearted and jump into the fray.
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Reasons to Play the Day (Off) Away at Encore
January is quite the month for mini-camps. We’ve got two awesome camp days planned for when school is out, but your kids are in – engaged, that it! Read on to find out five reasons your kiddos should come play the day away at Encore.
1) All the Fun, None of the Hassle
Mini-camp is essentially a huge play date (see what we did there?) with tons of awesome kids who share your child’s interest in theatre and the arts. Even better? You don’t have to coordinate the car pool!
2) Change the Channel
During the chilly winter months, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of blankets, cocoa, and Netflix on the sofa (believe us, we know). Take this chance to log off and tune into some imagination!
3) A Trial Run
Perhaps you’ve taken one of Encore’s theatre classes in the past or tried out one of our after-school enrichment programs. Maybe you’re brand new – welcome! In any case, mini-camp is an excellent opportunity for your young artist to experience the full-day Encore camp experience for the first time. Bonus: you’re in luck! Early Bird pricing for Encore’s 2019 summer camps ends February 1st, so you’ll still have time to lock in that discount after they’ve had a blast at mini-camp.
4) Buddy Up!
Looking ahead to the sunny days of spring break? Many of our mini-campers also join us for one or more of our a la carte spring break camp days. Break will be here before you know it and it will be great to have some familiar faces to welcome your kids in April.
5) Speaking of Familiar Faces…
Many of our professional teaching artists create and play in both mini-camps and our weekly theatre classes. Our Winter session kicks off on the 26th. Come play the day away at mini-camp, then join your new teaching friends in their classes!
Our list boils down to this: Encore camps are about having fun with friends, old and new. We look forward to spending our holidays with many of you!
Camp Dates and Themes
MLK Day/JAN 21 – Incredibles
Grade Prep/JAN 28 – Wreck It Ralph
Parent/Teach Conf/MAR 8 – Robin Hood
Grade Prep/APR 1 – Paddington
Images by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Rebecca Pfeil. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Building Leaders Through Theatre
Happy Election Day, Encore fans! Today we welcomed over 50 students to become pirates at our Holiday Mini-Camp/Play in a Day. They worked together to create original stories, perform sketches, and even tell a few sea-riously funny jokes. Our teachers love giving young artists the framework to take chances and grow as collaborates and leaders. Click here to check out more of the awesome skills students gain through Encore’s holiday camp program. But what comes next? Read on this Election Day to learn more about how you can grow as a leader here at Encore:
Many campers start with us in Mini-Camp, which is catered to those in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It’s always a pleasure for us as teachers to see students grow over the years and take on more responsibility when they graduate to the Play in a Day program (for grades 3-5). Check out our remaining Holiday camp dates – the next camp is coming up soon!
2) Give back!
We so appreciate our rock star mini-camp volunteers! We welcome students age 13 and up to come out and join our teaching staff for a day. It’s a great way to spend your day off. You’ll be given more responsibilities and the opportunity to test drive elements of teaching a full camp. Interested? Email madaline.langston@encorestage.org with a brief letter including what’s drawn you to the program, as well as any work experience you may have.
3) Dream of summer!
Perhaps you’ve given volunteering a try and realize that you love working with young artists – would you like to get paid to work at camp? You’re in luck! Camp Aide applications are coming soon. Check out these interviews to learn more about #EncoreSummer!
4) Brush up your tech skills!
If you love the backstage aspect of theatre, the role of Stage Manager may be in your future. Though we’ve already selected our student stage managers for the 2018/19 season, it’s the perfect time to work on your application and discuss your tech options with Encore’s production. Click here to learn more about the process and download the Stage Manager application.
5) Have a Care!
Are you ready to try out life on the other side of the audition table? If leading other actors as a Student Director sounds appealing to you, there’s still time to apply for an Encore Cares project. These projects focus on bringing Encore students together to bring theatre to young people who may never have a chance to experience it.
We are so proud of all of the fine leaders that have participated in Encore’s productions, classes, and camps over the years. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to create an environment that fosters empathetic, kind, and well-spoken leaders. Your whole journey starts with a single step: enroll or audition today!
Photos by Aileen Christian, Larry McClemons, and Rebecca Pfeil. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Fill Your Toolbox at Holiday Mini-Camp!
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore family. Can you believe that October is already halfway over?? Our first holiday Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Day camp is next Friday, October 26th. We can’t wait to learn and play with our awesome students! While our first camp’s roster is full, we have a whole gaggle of good times coming up this season – won’t you join us? Read on to learn more about some of the skills our young theatre makers develop through the mini-camp experience!
From coming up with camp rules as a group at the start of the day to playing theatre games and putting together the final sharing, students develop their listening and communication skills with teachers, camp aides, and their peers.
2) Teamwork
It can be scary to step out onto the stage in front of family and friends…luckily, our students work together to create a fun experience for everyone! Camp is a wonderfully supportive place to explore creativity and what it means to be a young artist.
3) Character Creation
Working with the theme of the camp day, students have the opportunity to develop characters within the framework of their production. Our Mini-Campers (in kindergarten through second grade) have the guidance of our camp director to craft a story, often featuring characters from the theme movie. Play in a Day campers (grades 3-5) will collaborate to create a brand-new story full of unique characters.
4) Kinesthetic Learning
Holiday camps offer a hands-on, multi-sensory experience for young learners. What awaits you? Singing, movement, theatre games, crafts, and more!
5) Creative Problem Solving
The length of our camp day lends itself to quick thinking and out-of-the-box ideas. Campers have the chance to create costume pieces, props, and set elements using only basic craft supplies…and their imaginations, of course!
6) Confidence
Whether you dream of the spotlight, dancing in a chorus line, or writing the world’s next great play, Encore’s Mini-Camps give students the opportunity to explore their budding interests in a creatively safe and supportive environment.
Ready to jump aboard and join the fun? Register for Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Day today! Enroll online or by calling our offices at (703) 548-1154.
Holiday Mini Camps – Grades K-2
When school’s out, Encore’s on…onstage, that is! Discover the world of theatre through popular stories from the page and screen. Students in grade Kindergarten – 2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.
Play in a Day – Grades 3-5
Are you ready for a challenge? Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.
Veterans Day/NOV 12 – Ferdinand
Thanksgiving/NOV 21 – Coco
MLK Day/JAN 21 – Incredibles
Grade Prep/JAN 28 – Wreck it Ralph
Parent/Teach Conf/MAR 8 – Robin Hood
Grade Prep/APR 1 – Paddington
Photos by Aileen Christian, Shannon McCarthy, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.