5 Favorite Songs from Annie Jr!
Next month Annie Jr is premiering at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. In celebration of this exciting, heartfelt musical, we are highlighting our 5 favorite Annie Jr songs.
#5 – Maybe
The sweetest and saddest song. Little Annie dreaming about what her parents are like is definitely a tear jerker for a few. With Annie’s one and only dream being to have a family, the ending of the show truly makes you happy.
#4 – Easy Street
Who doesn’t love money? Nobody loves it more than Miss. Hannigan and Rooster. Who doesn’t love a brother sister singing duo? Who doesn’t love a good plan? This song has it all and it’s a catchy tune! If you don’t find yourself humming along when you hear it, play it again!
#3 – I Don’t Need Anything But You
The cutest duet! Nothing is better than family, and Annie and Warbucks prove it’s all you need. It turns out Annie was right. The sun will come out tomorrow!
#2 – Tomorrow
The most hopeful song in the entire show. The optimism that Annie has is a reminder that there is a brighter future. If anything bad happens and you’re feeling sad, always hold onto the hope of a better tomorrow. And remember, you learned it from Annie!
#1 – Hard Knock Life
Chores, what a bore! This song has it all! Compelling and clever lyrics, a nice beat, and great choreography. It’s an enjoyable number and a definite crowd pleaser. If you don’t know the lyrics to this song you should check them out.
Be sure to check out these songs before coming to see the show! Buy your tickets to Annie Jr. today!
Blog contributor: Taylor Ballinger.
#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.
Happy International Women’s Day! | Favorite Female Characters
Happy International Women’s Day!
We celebrate today by taking a look at some of our favorite female characters!
#1 – Mary Poppins
“Practically perfect in every way”– Mary Poppins exuded confidence and encouraged the Banks children to use their creativity and imagination. Looking for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious summer? Sign up for Broadway Kids: Classics!
#2 – Princess Fred from Once Upon a Mattress
Princess Winnifred from Once Upon a Mattress portrayed strength and a positive attitude. If you love a challenge like Princess Winnifred or desire a royal adventure, try The Amazing Race or Fairytale Kingdom camp this summer!
#3 – Musketeerettes
Our swashbuckling lady musketeers showed courage and helped saved the day to rescue the king’s dog.
If you’re craving for a swashbuckling time this summer, sign up for our Adventure Acting and Stage Combat camp at Scenes for Tweens!
#4 – Queen Elsa from Disney’s Frozen Jr.
We followed Queen Elsa’s journey to being true to herself and embracing her powers. Looking for a frosty adventure? Try the Sights and Sounds of Winter Wonderland this summer!
#5 – Fiona from Shrek the Musical
Fiona taught us that everyone’s “happily ever after” is unique. Speaking of happily ever after, join us for our summer camp that celebrates different fairytale endings!
Who are some of your favorite female characters?
Ready to explore theatre and new characters this summer? Join us for our in-person camps!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography
“Kindness and Enthusiasm” w/ Alum Wyatt Fenner
Welcome back to the Front Row blog, Encore fans! Today we’re excited to share a new interview with another one of our accomplished alumni. Join us as Wyatt Fenner shares his recent projects, advice to theatre newcomers, and a few of his favorite Encore memories, including…a love story? Read on to learn more!
Encore: Please introduce yourself, what are you up to now (jobs, projects, shows, etc.)?
Wyatt: My name is Wyatt Fenner and I am an actor living in New York City by way of Los Angeles. Most recently I’ve joined the cast of the Amazon Prime Digital series After Forever which was just nominated for six 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards, including outstanding Digital Drama Series, and is available to stream now. I’ve also recently workshopped several new plays which are in development and aimed for production when we are safely able to enjoy theatre again. After I finished up at Yorktown High School in Arlington I moved to Los Angeles where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Southern California. In my career on stage, I’ve worked on world premieres of new plays with amazing directors and writers including the late Terrence McNally, Moisés Kaufman, Darko Tresnjak, Michael Kahn, Samuel D. Hunter, Steve Yockey, Brian Christopher Williams, Bert V. Royal, and many other amazing artists.
Wyatt as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles
Encore: Which years and productions were you involved in Encore?
Wyatt: My first production with Encore, at the time called Children’s Theatre of Arlington (CTA) was Sing Ho For A Prince in the winter of 1994-1995, in which I played one of the fairies. Next, I did just about every play I could for the next few years: Jack and the Magic Beans, Rhumba Tia, Robin Hood, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Jungle Book, Cinderella, and I worked on the technical crew for Snow White, and The Reluctant Dragon. Each of those summers I also attended the Stage Door summer camps in July, which included amazing classes and a huge end of session entire camp performance at the Lubber Run Amphitheater.
Wyatt Fenner (“Mowgli”) and Franny Thomas (“Shere Khan”)
Encore: What was your most memorable moment at Encore and why?
Wyatt: My most memorable experience with CTA would be hard to pinpoint because the organization opened up an entire world to me that fundamentally change my life. My first memory is being in the hallway at the Gunston Arts Center in line to audition for Sing Ho for a Prince next to Katelyn Prominski. I’d never auditioned for a play before. Katelyn and I were the first two kids in line and nobody else was there yet. She’s a ballerina and was already an incredibly talented dancer, and so while we waited Katelyn was doing barre stretches and ballet warm-up exercises. I am not a ballet dancer and I had no idea what she was doing but it seemed as though whatever she was doing was what a person did while they waited for an audition so I just started copying her stretches. Like- as best as I could, I kind of just pretended I also knew exactly what I was doing and that this was very every day for me. I was in an environment I wanted to be a part of and I wasn’t sure exactly how to do that- but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I’m sure I looked ridiculous but Katelyn didn’t make fun of me or tell me to stop copying her- she included me in the process.
Everyone I shared my time with at Children’s Theatre of Arlington operated with that generosity of spirit. That’s why it’s difficult to pinpoint a moment that was most memorable- helping each other do our stage makeup, pizza parties after the show, late-night trampoline parties on the weekends, the organization provided all of us a place to connect with other kids who were interested in being imaginative and open-hearted- and we all embraced and celebrated that about one another.
Encore: What skills or lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?
Wyatt: The biggest lessons I took away from Encore were the value of being myself with confidence and the importance extending the kindness and enthusiasm I appreciate in the world to the people I am working with and encountering day-to-day. Encouragement makes everyone better and kindness is always what matters most.
Wyatt Fenner (“King”) and Jamie Hyder (“Stepsister”).
Jamie now plays Detective Katriona Tamin on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Encore: Were there any friendships or people who resonated with you at Encore?
Wyatt: There were so many friendships that resonate deeply with me from my time creating with the Children’s Theatre, including many who I am still close with now. The one relationship that I am certainly especially grateful for is my partner Andrew. Andrew and I both attended the Stage Door summer camp when we were children and when we serendipitously reconnected at a weekend with a group of friends gathered in the country several years ago we immediately remembered one another from our friendship during our time together at Stage Door. We picked up right where we’d left off back then during those summers together at camp- and not long after that weekend, we fell in love. At Stage Door, we were in an environment where we were taught and given the space to laugh and share and inspire one another to do and be our best, which is how we spend our life together now- all in part thanks to those summers we were creating and using our imaginations together at Camp. We live together in Manhattan where I do my work as an actor and he works as a member of the legal team at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Wyatt Fenner (“Linus”)
Encore: What have you been doing to stay creative at home?
Wyatt: Staying creative for me has involved reading, reading, reading, and more reading. I was already a big reader but now that the projects I had been looking forward to digging into are postponed, I’ve been spending several hours a day with whatever book I’m digging through. I find that reading is like going to the gym and getting a really good workout for my imagination. I’ve kept a journal since I was in middle school so I do that and I’ve also been cooking a lot of good meals for myself and Andrew and I’ve been doing the original 1982 Jane Fonda Workout (Advanced Version) every day- it’s a great workout and it’s fun. It’s important to stay fit in every way you can. Another wonderful creative part of the quarantine for me has been writing to and catching up with friends from a distance.
Wyatt Fenner (“Servant”) and Stefanie Cardillo (“Singing Harp”)
Encore: How has theatre and Encore impacted your life?
Wyatt: Theatre has always enriched my life by teaching me about what I don’t already know and allowing me to share what I’ve learned as well as my heart with the people who come to experience what I’ve created with me. Encore taught me that I have the ability to do so and gave me my first opportunities to discover this about myself.
Wyatt Fenner (“John Arable”)
Encore: Any words and wishes to share with students interested in trying out theatre?
Wyatt: Go for it! Have fun! Be brave and if that means standing up in front of a group of other kids to sing a song or if that means approaching a lunch table of kids you don’t feel like you know very well yet- go for it! You’ll learn so much about yourself by taking chances that might seem scary.
Many thanks to Wyatt for taking the time to share such lovely Encore memories with us! We appreciate you and wish you nothing but the best in all of your future projects.
If you or your family members find yourselves searching for connection and creativity during this uncertain time, please join us for a virtual summer camp program! Our staff has been hard at work developing engaging and unique virtual content since March and we can’t wait to share it with all of YOU!
Join us tomorrow morning (Saturday, May 30) for a fun and informative Open House event via Zoom as we share all about our summer camps both virtual and in-person! Virtually meet the teachers that will be joining us this year and see some of their special talents. Hear from the camp directors and learn their plans for taking summer online if necessary. Experience a sample class to get a taste of what a virtual camp program could look like for your students. Our staff will also be available to answer questions from the audience.
Simply “The Best” with Techie Gabby S.
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! Today we’re excited to chat with one of our Encore “crewtons,” Gabby. We’re excited to learn more about her theatre experiences and what keeps her coming back to participate on our tech crews. Let’s go!
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How did you get involved with Encore?
Gabby: I’m Gabby Simek and I’m in 10th grade at Arlington Tech. I was getting bored with my other activities, so my mom encouraged me to try Encore because she knew that I used to love theatre so much in middle school and still do. I wasn’t sure because I’m not much of an actor, but I tried tech crew and loved it. I did a summer camp last year, then my first official show was Disney’s Frozen Jr. last fall.
Mary Poppins Jr.
Stage Door/Tech Camp 2019
Encore: How long have you been participating in Encore productions and in which capacities?
Gabby: I have been participating in Encore’s productions for only one year. I started with Mary Poppins Jr. Tech Camp last summer. I’ve done three shows so far: Disney’s Frozen Jr, Narnia, and The Three Musketeers. I was planning to do The Frog Prince of Spamalot and West Side Story before the pandemic happened.
Encore: What are the biggest/most significant things you’ve taken away from working on Encore shows?
Gabby: I would say that the biggest thing I have taken away from working on tech crew is being able to trust your team. You have to be able to count on others to do their best and work hard, especially when something doesn’t go according to plan and we have to fix it quickly.
Encore: Do you have a favorite crew-related memory you’d like to share?
Gabby: My favorite memories are the downtime between shows or at rehearsal when we were done setting up and we could hang out and talk. We call it “nap time” because it gets really cold backstage so sometimes so we bring blankets to snuggle in and have “nap time” where no one actually sleeps but we all relax backstage and hang out.
Encore: Do you have any advice you’d give kids who might be interested in trying out for crew in the future?
Gabby: For future Tech kids, I suggest you try to make a healthy balance between the hard work and fun stuff we do. You have to find a way to be organized and stay on task but still can have lots of fun. Also, try out different jobs – I learned sound as well as backstage tasks this year. Next, I want to try out the lighting jobs. Then hopefully one day I can be a stage manager!
Encore: Describe Encore Stage & Studio in five words or short phrases.
Gabby: Wonderful. Loving. Fun. Hard work. Also The Best!!!!!!
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Gabby: Tech crew was like a sanctuary for me because people understand how hard it can be to deal with school and personal problems. In tech, it was easy to make friends and find people who were willing to help and be there for you!
Many thanks to Gabby for taking the time out of her distance learning schedule to talk tech with us. Hopefully, we’ll be back in the shop and the theatre again soon!
If you’re interested in learning more about Tech Camp (as well as what virtual Tech Camp might look like, if need be), be sure to tune into our Instagram Live tomorrow at 1 PM. Production Manager Rebecca Pfeil will be interviewing Tech Camp director Kyla McLaughlin, as well as one of Encore’s tech-iest alums, Luci Harris. You won’t want to miss this shop talk, so follow us on IG today!
To learn more about both our in-person and potentially-virtual summer camp offerings, please join us for a virtual Open House event on Saturday, May 30th. Virtually meet the teachers that will be joining us this year and see some of their special talents. Hear from the camp directors and learn their plans for taking summer online if necessary. Experience a sample class to get a taste of what a virtual camp program could look like for your students. Our staff will also be available to answer questions from the audience. Registration is free and open now!
Additional photos provided by Encore participant Gabby Simek.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
The Easiest Way to Have a Great Encore Audition
Greetings, readers! This #TechTuesday marks less than a week until Encore’s next round of auditions. The Frog Prince of Spamalot auditions next Monday and Tuesday. This “ribbeting” tale is sure to have audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter; don’t you want to be a part of it?
What was that? A bit of stage fright has you on the fence, hmm? Read on for some helpful tips that will have you hopping into the audition circle in no time.
Whether it’s your first audition or your 15th, there are several ways to prepare for the big day. Encore is happy to offer a Pre-Audition Workshop leading up to each of our auditions. You’ll have the chance to work with a member of Encore’s production staff member and work through exercises that will prepare you for the audition room. As of press time, there are only 10 spaces remaining in this Saturday’s workshop for The Frog Prince of Spamalot, so register today!
If you aren’t able to make it to the workshop, you can still practice helpful audition room skills at home. Work in front of a mirror or with a family member to rehearse standing up straight, smiling, introducing yourself clearly, and projecting a confident and positive attitude. You can also visit our Auditions page to download and fill out your audition forms ahead of time!
2) Be on Time
One of the biggest rules of theatre is to be on time: to rehearsals, to show call times, and when it’s your queue to go onstage! Auditions are no exception to this rule. While auditions run from 5 to 7 PM, we recommend arriving no later than 6:30 PM to ensure that you have enough time to complete your audition forms, get your photo taken, and join an audition group without stress. You may have to wait for a bit before you go into the audition room, but, once inside, you should only take around 10-15 minutes.
3) Speak Up
Our creative team needs to hear you in the audition room so they can be confident in the fact that audience members will be able to hear you from the stage! You don’t want to yell or shout, but rather, “project,” as we say in the theatre. It helps to take a deep breath, slow down, and focus on speaking clearly with good diction.
4) Play for the Team
Did you know that when you enter an audition room, you are not alone in your audition? Sure, there are the directors and the stage manager. Maybe a producer. That’s it, right?
Not quite! When you work in an audition room, you are all on the same team! Work together to present a cooperative group to your directors by listening and staying open to feedback. It can be really exciting to work on a scene or a game together but try to let everyone have a turn to speak and share their thoughts. This will show the director that you can be a good scene partner and remain focused during the longer rehearsals you will face if you make it into the show.
5) Be Yourself
Your audition is your time to shine! When it’s your moment to share a fact about yourself or take a turn in a game, let your personality do the work for you. This is the creative team’s chance to get to know you. You only have 10 or 15 minutes in the room, remember? So don’t be shy! Even if you’re feeling a little intimidated, “fake it ’til you make it.” Directors like to get a feel for how you’ll be like to work with and who knows, maybe your personality may inspire how they cast a character in the show.
6) Plug In
Phew! You made it through your audition! Now what? This can be a bit difficult: you wait… Be sure to stay connected in case our team needs to reach you for any reason. Email in any last-minute conflicts that you may have forgotten on your audition form. Keep an eye on email or any missed calls, just in case. Lastly: check the callback list to see if you’re on it! Remember, it’s possible to be cast in a show, even if you’re not called back. Sometimes the director has already seen everything they need to know how they’d like to work with you, now or in the future.
Armed with these tips, you’re set to have an awesome audition experience. We’re so excited to see you at auditions for The Frog Prince of Spamalot next Monday and Tuesday, March 16 & 17, 2020, at 5-7 PM, at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. Break a leg!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography, Clarence Chan, and Aileen Pangan Christian.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
From Backstage to the Booth: Musketeer Reflections w/ Kerstin F.
We’ve got another Musketeers throwback interview for you this #FrontRowFriday, this time with stage manager Kerstin F. Learn more about what a stage manager does throughout the rehearsal and show process, her thoughts on this new production, and more!
What was your position on the last production of The Three Musketeers?
Kerstin: It was my first Encore show on crew at age 12.
Encore: What’s your position on this production?
Kerstin: I’m proud to serve as the Stage Manager on this production of The Three Musketeers.
Encore: What do you remember from the first production?
Kerstin: My first time building in the scene shop! I learned to use power tools, paint sets, and apply lots of glitter! I just remember there being glitters everywhere.
Encore: How is stage managing different from other positions you’ve had on Encore shows?
Kerstin: Good question! I take notes throughout the rehearsal process to keep all of the production staff fully updated on decisions and the support needed [lights, props, etc.] to get the show ready. I make sure that everyone is present and ready for their cues. During the run of the show, I call all of the cues that bring the show together – lights, sound, flies, and set changes.
Encore: What does a typical rehearsal look like for you?
Kerstin: I show up early and set up the room. As I already said I take lots of notes, including blocking notes which are the record of where every actor is placed in the scene and what they should be doing. I always follow the rehearsal closely and have the script handy, ready to prompt an actor that needs my help with lines or stage direction. I also play warmup games and read for absent actors. And, at the end, I return the room to order and ensure that every actor has been picked up safely.
Director Jim Clancy
Encore: How is it working with a director as a stage manager?
Kerstin: I love working with Jim Clancy! I appreciate how intentional he is about the history and character development in this show. Being up close with his creative process has been a real treat.
Encore: What stands out about this rehearsal/production process compared to the first?
Kerstin: It was my first show so really didn’t understand much about what happened for the creative process for the first go ‘round. It’s been really fun doing it again and understanding so much more!
Encore: Has your perspective on The Three Musketeers changed at all? How?
Kerstin: The script is even funnier now that I can see cast re-interpret the same story and add their own talent to every part.
Major thanks to Kerstin for taking time out of a busy school/production week to share her reflections with readers of The Front Row. Come witness the magic that this stage manager facilitates during this production, now playing its final weekend!
Remaining Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, March 6, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 3pm
Photos by Caitlyn Barron and Cindy Kane Photography.
Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan.
Blog contribution by 2019/2020 Production Apprentice Kyla McLaughlin.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
The Lady Returns: Alum Maggie Keane on Musketeers
Happy #FrontRowFriday and opening night to Encore’s production of The Three Musketeers! Today you’re in for a double treat: 1) A wonderful opening night performance (Go get your tickets!) and 2) A throwback interview with the original Milady de Winter from Encore’s 2015 production of Musketeers. With warm Encore memories, insider-peeks behind the curtain, and more, this Friday installment is one you won’t want to miss!
Encore: Please introduce yourself. What are you up to now (classes, jobs, projects, shows, etc)?
Maggie: Hi! My name is Maggie Keane. I am a 20-year-old sophomore at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA (right outside San Jose, and just south of San Francisco). I am a Theatre and Communications double major with an emphasis in Journalism. I participated in 14 (I think? Maybe 15 or 16?) Encore productions between sixth and ninth grade. Since then, I was in two Signature in the Schools plays my junior and senior year of high school and have been in three shows as a lead at SCU so far. The fourth show I’ve been cast in here, Dry Powder by Sarah Burgess, opens tomorrow night actually! This is why I, unfortunately, cannot attend Encore’s current production of The Three Musketeers.
Encore: What was your most memorable moment at Encore?
Maggie: Most memorable moment? Tough to recall because there are so many. I always loved the break time between the two Saturday shows when the entire cast and crew would get up on stage, turn off all of the lights and dance like crazy to “Sandstorm.” The “big” kids–who I greatly looked up to– would always lead us. It was so much fun and a great way to bond and get out our energy.
I also remember getting cast as Princess Briar Rose in Sleeping Beauty when I was in seventh grade. I was absolutely ecstatic because not only was it my first lead role ever, but Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite princess. (I also had my very first kiss in that show so how could I forget that? Hahahaha.)
I always looked forward to the cast parties at The Silver Diner after each closing performance. Again, it was a great way to bond with everyone in the production and celebrate our hard work.
Encore: Which skills or lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?
Maggie: Encore taught me a lot. I didn’t go to the same middle school as all of my elementary school friends, so the beginning of sixth grade was a rocky transition. Luckily, I got cast in an Encore show that same year which gave me a wonderful safe space and creative outlet where the inevitable stresses of middle school no longer seemed to matter. Encore allowed me to become friends with some really wonderful, unique, caring, and talented people of all ages. Encore gave me the opportunity to form strong bonds with people I otherwise would likely have never met. Encore helped me learn how to become comfortable in my own skin, which is something that is especially difficult in middle and high school. I had been in one or two shows during elementary school, but Encore was pretty much my first real experience with theatre. Encore laid all the theatre groundwork that allowed and encouraged me to continue to pursue theatre. It was through performing and working backstage at Encore that I developed such a strong passion for theatre and performing. Theatre is such a blessing in my life, and I owe the discovery of that blessing to Encore.
Encore: Were there any Encore staff members who particularly resonated with you?
Maggie: Every staff member at Encore was always incredibly friendly, understanding, and supportive. But Marji Jepperson and Susan Keady stand out in my mind most. Marji was my first director at Encore. She was so sweet and patient with me as it was my first show and I didn’t really know what I was doing. I remember her incredible, very detailed props and how giddy she got about each one. She always made shirts for each show, too, and she’d wear them so proudly. She was the type of woman whose smile made everyone around her smile too. I was so heartbroken to hear she passed away.
Susan taught me a lot about acting. She really treated all of us like professionals yet also as her friends. She is so unbelievably strong, talented, and such a hard worker. I really really look up to her.
Encore: You played Milady de Winter in our 2015 world premiere production of The Three Musketeers. What was that experience like?
Maggie: Playing Milady de Winter was a blast. I had never played an evil character until that point, so I was so thrilled to get that part. I remember the role and the show as a whole was a lot of work. It was a big cast; there were fight scenes and a lot of lines, and it was a comedy but there was also plenty of drama. But, it was so worth it because I learned so much. I feel like I really grew my acting skills in that show. I was so lucky that a bunch of my friends were in the production with me, and I made a bunch of new ones as well.
Encore: What were challenges or your favorite lines from the show?
Maggie: A challenge was playing someone evil. Again, before that I had only played “nice” roles. So, I had to be OK with scaring audiences or audience members not liking my character. But, I realized if that was the case then that meant I was doing a good job. I don’t remember a ton of the lines, but I do remember Act l closed with me center stage, grabbing the hair of a much younger cast member, glaring at the audience saying “I will destroy them all.” I felt so powerful with that line.
Encore: Any words and wishes to share to our 2020 Three Musketeers cast and crew?
Maggie: Have fun! You all are so lucky to be a part of an original show. Since it hasn’t been done many times before, that means you have the opportunity to create the characters yourselves. The show is really special, so enjoy it. If you enjoy yourselves up there, then the audience will enjoy themselves too. You’re all going to be amazing, I wish I could come see it. Break legs! 🙂
Many thanks to Maggie for taking time out of her own tech week to share her memories and reflections with readers of The Front Row. Come share her well wishes with the cast and crew of The Three Musketeers, opening tonight!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Fridays, February 28 and March 6, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, February 29 and March 7, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, March 1 and 8, 2020 at 3pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian.
Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
First-Timers to Leaders: Oliver & Xander on Musketeers
Feeling a sense of déjà vu this #FrontRowFriday? We don’t blame you – Encore’s next production, The Three Musketeers, last played at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre back in 2015. Several members of that production are back for another turn! Today, we’re chatting with two of the members of the cast, Oliver M. and Xander T. Read on to learn more about their character motivations, lessons learned, and more!
Always on an adventure… Can you spot Oliver and Xander? Robin Hood, 2019. Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
Encore: What was your position on the last production of The Three Musketeers? Which grade were you in? Had you been involved in an Encore show before that point?
Xander: I played Guard 1 and Thug 3 and I was in 5th grade. That was my very first Encore show, and I made great friends I’m still in touch with today!
Oliver: In the last production of The Three Musketeers, I was a Villager and Richelieu’s Scribe. This was my first play with Encore and I was in fourth grade.
Encore: What’s your position on this production? Which grade are you in now?
Oliver: In this production, I am playing the role of Porthos, and I’m in ninth grade at Washington-Liberty.
Xander: This time around, I am playing Older D’Artagnan, and I am a sophomore at Justice High School.
The musketeers are caught in the hands of Captain Rochefort (Angus Long). From left to right: Aramis (Brody Karton), Porthos (Colin Meek), Athos (Zach Longsworth), and D’Artagnan (Christopher Wagner). Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian
Encore: What is your favorite memory from the first production?
Oliver: As my character, I got to take care of the dog on stage! Her name was Piper and I even got to bow at the end of the show with her.
Xander: My favorite memory was opening night, when we had over 400 audience members! It was my first time on stage, and the whole night was special, from the motivational speeches given by some of the older cast members, to the performance itself, and to how much fun it was to bring an amazing story to life!
From left to right, D’Artagnan (Christopher Wagner), Porthos (Colin Meek), Aramis (Brody Karton), Athos (Zach Longsworth). Photo by Larry McClemons
Encore: What was a challenge that you faced in your role during the first production?
Xander: A challenge initially was the stage combat. The sword was almost bigger than 10-year-old me! I also dueled an 18-year old cast member (who I am still friends with today!) who very experienced in stage combat, so I had to learn quickly.
Oliver: Since this was my first production with Encore, I was nervous to perform at a big theatre like Thomas Jefferson. I was nervous that I would forget a line or do something wrong in front of all those people. The hardest part was getting my confidence on opening night.
Milady de Winter (Maggie Keane) and her lady-in-waiting (Adelina Hartley). Photo by Larry McClemons
Encore: What stands out about this process compared to the first?
Xander: While I was one of the youngest cast members last time, I am now the oldest in this production, which is a different experience. It feels like I have come full circle in theatre, as I am now in the same position as my mentors from over five years ago.
Oliver: The biggest difference is that I now get to be a leader. In the first production, I was one of the youngest people in the cast and had so many people to look up to, including my older brother. Now, I can use my experiences from the past to set an example for the younger kids.
Encore: Has your perspective on The Three Musketeers changed at all? How?
Oliver: Now, I have a better understanding of all the jokes and conversations in the show. I also understand that this production of The Three Musketeers is going to be very different (but still awesome) because there is a brand-new cast who will tell the story their own way.
Xander: My perspective has changed, as now I understand more of the comedy in the script and on a bigger scale, I have grown a lot as an actor, leader, and member of the Encore family.
Cardinal Richelieu (Brian Metcalf) and Milady de Winter (Maggie Keane) devise an evil plot. Photo by Larry McClemons
Encore: What’s changed about your role in/on the production between the first and this one?
Oliver: Now, I get to set an example. In the first production, I picked up all the amazing acting strategies that older kids use, and now I can be part of the example for younger ones. In both productions, I get to meet new friends and get to know the people in the cast.
Xander: Being the oldest in the cast now, I like to set an example to make sure everyone involved feels like part of this family, just like older kids did for me last time around.
Older D’Artagnan (Kristopher Heaton) shares his past, untold adventure to the guards. Guards from left to right: Xander Tilock, Jack Beckerman, and Abi Burkholder. Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Encore: What motivated your original character vs. current character? How would you describe the role?
Oliver: My original character mainly interested in the glory of the musketeers as a humble villager. Now, I’m on the opposite side as a musketeer. Porthos is not like most, for he is mainly motivated by food.
Xander: My original character was initially motivated to execute Older D’Artagnan and then became interested in his story, but now, being Older D’Artagnan, my character’s objectives are quite different. Now, my character’s goals are to stall his execution and to tell his story using words, facial expressions, and hand gestures. My mentor, Kris Heaton, was Older D’Artagnan previously and so to prepare for the role, I talked with him about it to build the character.
Encore: How has your view of the rehearsal process and ensemble-building changed as you’ve gotten older and worked on more productions?
Xander: As I’ve worked on more productions over the years, I have learned how to experiment with my character during rehearsal, build relationships onstage with my scene partners, and more! One of my favorite things about Encore is that it is an inclusive family where everyone can be whatever they want to be, so I feel like I’ve found my true self through many hours of rehearsals, cast bonding, and performances.
Oliver: I know how to make my character my own, and I make braver choices on stage. I think experience is the best way to improve acting, and I’m always learning new things from our amazing directors.
A huge thanks to Oliver and Xander for taking time out of busy rehearsals to share their reflections with readers of The Front Row. Come witness the evolution of these actors in this new production, opening next Friday!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Fridays, February 28 and March 6, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, February 29 and March 7, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, March 1 and 8, 2020 at 3pm
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by 2019/2020 Production Apprentice Kyla McLaughlin.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Flip the Script: A Parent’s Perspective
In the spring of 2019, Encore had an idea: what would happen if we brought together local students, professional theatremakers, and historians to learn, discover, and explore to create an original piece of theatre centered around African-American voices right here in Arlington?
The answer: Flip the Script. Through site visits, presentations by historians, and personal research, a group of young people, under the direction of Madaline Langston, spent the summer and early fall learning more about the desegregation of public schools in Virginia; this story began to shape their narrative into a show titled “The Day Nothing Happened.” Today on The Front Row, we’re honored and excited to welcome a parent of one our of Flip students to share her observations on the experience:
Flip the Script actors performed scenes as part of the “Tribute to the Life and Legacy Dr. Martin Luther King” on January 19, 2020.
Photo by Deb Kolt
“The Day Nothing Happened”
and
“Tribute to the Life and Legacy Dr. Martin Luther King”
by Claudine Bostick Sangaré
[View a selection of this essay in ARLNow’s Progressive Voice column]
After a successful first-time run of “The Day Nothing Happened” [in November], the Flip the Script cast, including my daughter Yahney-Marie Sangaré (who portrayed the character “Green”), was invited to perform select scenes of the play at a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA. As a 54-year-old mixed-race, black, self-proclaimed progressive who skipped school in the ’80s to attend a march in Washington, D.C. to advocate for Martin Luther King’s birthday to be recognized as a national holiday, one would expect that I’d be thrilled, right? Well, to the contrary, I privately dreaded having to endure what felt like the redundancy of yet another performance about the Civil Rights movement that I had seen and heard countless times before and had long ago taught my child. I couldn’t help but think, “Here we go again with the only narrative repeatedly being told about the black experience (along with slavery). Isn’t there more to us as a people than our history of enslavement and the Civil Rights era?”
Yahney-Marie Sangaré performed in Flip the Script scenes as part of the “Tribute to the Life and Legacy Dr. Martin Luther King” on January 19, 2020.
Photo by Deb Kolt
Upon further consideration, I reflected on the powerful and emotional impact I had recently witnessed from audience members at Flip the Script’s performances and Q&A sessions: an elderly black man, visibly moved and crying during the show; a middle-aged Latina woman’s shock at learning Stratford Middle School, located in her “backyard,” was the first school to desegregate in the state of Virginia; a young white boy’s curiosity regarding why he was not taught this history at his local Arlington County school; one of the white actors reflecting on how this experience taught them about their own biases; and my 14-year-old daughter’s responses to questions drawing parallels to her character’s experiences and her current school environment.
Students devised scenes based on historical research and interviews to create the script of “The Day Nothing Happened.”
It was then that it dawned on me–since Yahney-Marie’s involvement with Flip the Script, my young teenage child is actually “talking the walk” of an experienced elder of the Civil Rights movement. She had to become emotionally attached to the history to channel feelings of angst, anxiety, and fear to portray her character – one of four teenagers about to enter an all-white school for the first time in Virginia history.
Members of Flip the Script after a community research session in July of 2019.
Not only has my daughter’s life been enriched by her involvement in the Flip the Script production, but she is having active and ongoing conversations about it at school, during cheer practice, on social media, and in other environments, spreading the message of equal rights and justice and influencing her peers to do the same. The experience has a life and is having a ripple effect beyond the theatre performance that is opening a whole new dialogue among young people in her circles. This realization changed the initial feeling of dread I had about the MLK performance to guilt as I reckoned with the shallowness of my reluctance and came to terms with the fact that, somehow, my life experiences desensitized and numbed me to the importance and monumental significance of telling and retelling the story of an individual who lived and died fighting for our Civil Rights. Humbled, I said a prayer of thanks as my daughter accepted the invitation with my full blessings to participate in the Martin Luther King Day tribute.
The cast and crew of Flip the Script, November 2019
After all, I was 15-years-old on that cold, wet winter day on January 15th, 1981 (just one year older than Yahney-Marie) when the foundation of my social justice advocacy was lit on fire as I marched for hours in the snow alongside Stevie Wonder, Jessie Jackson, Gil Scott Heron, and other Civil Rights activists to advocate for Dr. King’s birthday to be recognized as a national holiday. I was inspired by the speakers’ stories of their fight for freedom and equality over the years and the speeches calling for action against the continuing struggles that were before us. There was absolutely nothing redundant about it then nor is there anything redundant about it now. Although we have made tremendous strides, we continue to find ourselves battling for the same issues today (equal rights, access to housing, employment, schools, etc.) that we battled for back then. We must never forget from whence we come and recognize, respect, and always remember, with pride, the people who paved the path before us so we can reach and teach others and further build on our future.
Flip the Script actors performed scenes as part of the “Tribute to the Life and Legacy Dr. Martin Luther King” on January 19, 2020.
Photo by Deb Kolt
Fast forward to the performance day of the “Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” I rocked the most ethnic outfit and accessories I could find in my wardrobe and entered the doors of the theatre with my head held high, a smile on my face feeling extreme pride knowing my child is part of a production that holds countless possibilities of planting a new seed in someone’s mind; changing someone’s life, perspective and vision with the words and voices of everyone onstage, stronger together than when spoken independently. Pride in knowing that every time the Flip the Script cast put on this production, they were part of a mission to create a world that Dr. King envisioned in his dream. As I walked down the aisles searching for my seat, feeling free and grateful to sit anywhere I desired, I stopped and giggled at how cliché it all seemed to observe the diversity of the audience—so many different races, cultures, backgrounds all gathered in this one place to witness yet another play about Civil Rights, but this time I’m humbled and thankful and can’t help but think and feel: “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!” as we are all gathered in this space bearing witness to Martin Luther King’s dream and inspiring a whole new audience of people to keep it alive. Asé!
Encore Stage & Studio is proud to share that Flip the Script has been invited to perform “The Day Nothing Happened” on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Wednesday, February 5th, 2020 (tomorrow!) at 6 PM. This event is free and open to the public.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Jordan Wells, and Deb Kolt. Additional research photo contributed by the Rogers family. Blog contribution by Claudine Bostick Sangaré. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.