Clementine Comes Alive – Interview w/ Actress Nyla E.
Today’s the day! You’ve been hearing about Encore’s new world premiere musical for months, and now opening night has finally arrived! We’re very excited to share this quirky and fun new work with all of our Encore family. For today’s #FrontRowFriday, we’ve got a special treat for our readers: an interview with The Talented Clementine herself!
Encore: Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you’ve been involved with Encore, including any shows, camps, or classes you’ve been a part of in the past?
Nyla: Hi, I’m Nyla Elder and I am the role of Clementine in The Talented Clementine. I started with Encore about four years ago. I had just moved here from Alexandria and my parents signed me up for Scenes for Tweens, a Encore summer camp. I didn’t know anyone and I really didn’t have much acting experience. The show we did was Robin Hood and I was Hermès the Hawk. I enjoyed the camp so much I decided, by myself, that next year I would do another camp. And that’s where my journey with Encore started. After that, I did a Shakespeare summer camp at Encore, All’s Well That Ends. We did Richard III, and I was the Duke of Buckingham. The next summer I did All’s Well That Ends again. After the show, our camp director Mr. Seth Rosenke, encouraged me to audition next season for a show. I took his advice and auditioned for Lion King Jr. I was so happy when I found out I made it! Lion King Jr was such a rewarding experience. After doing one show I had caught the theatre bug, and continued to audition in new shows.
Encore: What’s your favorite part about taking on the role of Clementine? Can you share any challenges or things you’ve learned in rehearsal?
Nyla: My favorite part of playing the role Clementine, was freedom I had with the role. Clementine is always moving, constantly fidgeting and playing around. I loved that I could always move around and I was never just standing there. Clementine is always imagining, thinking, and moving. One of the difficulties that came with this role was the responsibility. I had to memorize a lot of lines and songs, and I had to do it myself. I had to write down my cues and entrance and exits, on my own. But in the end everything came together.
Encore: How has working on a world premiere musical differed from other theatre experiences in which you’ve participated?
Nyla: Working on a World Premiere was much different then anything I had ever worked on. For one, no one has ever done The Talented Clementine and the backing tracks were brand new. We had to figure out the harmonies and some of the notes. But, it’s an amazing opportunity to do a show that no one has done before!
Encore: What’s your best Encore memory and why?
Nyla: My best Encore memory was the last show of The Lion King Jr. We had a full house and the audience was really engaged and active! Everyone in the cast gave it their all and we had a great time. That was truly something I will never forget.
Encore: How excited are you about our 2019/2020 season reveal on June 2nd? Do you have any advice for kids who are thinking of auditioning for an Encore show next season?
Nyla: I am so excited for the next season reveal! I am thrilled that new kids in the next season will have the same amazing Encore experience as I had. Some tips for auditions for new kids are to always be confident, and if you’re nervous, take deep breaths. Always be loud! Have a lot of energy! And don’t forget if you don’t make it, keep auditioning!
Encore: In your own words, please describe Encore’s production of The Talented Clementine in three words or short phrases.
Nyla: A cute, amusing and and insightful musical. A classic story brought to life. Sometimes Your Talents Aren’t What You Think.
A big thank you to the very talented Nyla for taking the time out of Encore’s busy tech week schedule to share her experiences with us. Be sure to get your tickets for The Talented Clementine to come cheer on this most excellent cast, crew, and production team. If you join us tonight, you could even meet Sara Pennypacker, the author of the original Clementine series!
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Larry McClemons. Clementine Illustration by Marla Frazee. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
A “Priceless” Experience with Stage Manager Lindsey G.
A glorious #FrontRowFriday to all of you, Encore fans. Ever wonder what it’s like to be one of Encore’s high school stage managers? Today we’re sitting down with Lindsey G. to learn more about her SM experience, including what it’s like to run rehearsals for a world-premiere musical that’s never been performed before.
My first exposure to theatre was with Encore- my sister Lauren did shows before I was old enough to and I grew up going to see her perform. I knew that I wanted to start working with Encore as soon as possible! My very first show was a Stage Door production of Willy Wonka Jr. (I played a squirrel) and I’ve been hooked ever since, doing shows both on stage and behind the scenes. My freshman year of high school, I started stage managing for Encore as well. I love being able to work with both the cast and the crew on a single show, so stage managing is a wonderful fit. Funnily enough though, stage managing had never actually crossed my mind until Susan called me into the conference room one day when I was working as a camp aide and asked if I would be interested. Naturally, I said yes and filled out the application that night.
The most challenging moment I’ve had in over my three years of stage managing was during Lion King, Jr. when the track following “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” began playing over the song during a show. My sound operator hit the “panic” button, which stopped both of the tracks that were playing. Since the program that we were using could not pick up songs in the middle, we tried looking for the iTunes copy of the music but couldn’t find it. I told my ASMs to instruct the actors to keep singing, and they did! The whole cast sang the a-cappella version so well you would think that we did it on purpose. After the show, Rebecca and I went into the sound program and were able to fix the problem. Before the next show we tested it too, just to make sure, and it worked perfectly.
My favorite memory of stage managing was also from Lion King, Jr.; when rehearsals ended ten to fifteen minutes early, Susan would turn the actors over to me and we would play a game. The games in themselves were always enjoyable (we were gifted with a particularly humorous cast), but my favorite story came from what happened before we played one of our games. Before every game I would take suggestions as to what we should play, but would remind the actors that our little circle was not a democracy. It was a monarchy and I was the Queen, because I could veto any game idea if I deemed it too long, too loud, or in any other way not a good fit for that particular day. In response, the actors (of their own volition) by about the third or fourth rehearsal, had taken to calling me “Empress Lindsey.” This proved to be a very beneficial title. On top of it being funny when kids would bow and present me with their phones for the phone box, I found that they were more willing to get quiet, help me carry things, and move quickly when I called places when it was under the premise of it being “for their empress.”
Stage managing has taught me several important skills. For example, stage managing has taught me how to be organized, which comes into play in my day-to-day life all the time- my binders at school are immaculate because of my stage manager “bible.” Perhaps more importantly though, stage managing has taught me how to maintain a balance in everything that I do. Over the past three years, I have learned how to keep things fun and lighthearted while also staying on task and focused, and I have learned when to let the little things go. Also: when to remind someone that if it’s not your prop, don’t touch it!
Stage managing for a world-premiere musical has been both more hectic and more rewarding than both of my previous stage management experiences. The opportunity to do an original show gives the actors and directors near limitless freedom for their creativity, which is an amazing thing to watch unfold. Sometimes that overflowing creativity means that we create four different versions of the same song with minor speed or pitch changes just to see which one fits best, or change the key of a song to better fit the voice of the actor. Normally, such activities lead to me running back and forth with the sound computer or standing over the copier while music packets print, which is what makes the show more hectic. In fact, I don’t think that I’ve sat down during the past three rehearsals! But in the end, the freedom to mold the show any way the directors or actors want in order to make [The Talented] Clementine the best show it can be is priceless. Being able to do that really makes Clementine a special show, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.
Thank you for sharing your Encore story with all of us here on The Front Row, Lindsey! Now that you’ve met the face that’s calling the cues behind the scenes, be sure to scoop up your tickets for The Talented Clementine, opening at the end of this month. Did Lindsey’s story spark your interest? Download the 2019/2020 Stage Manager application today.
Performance Dates and Showtimes for The Talented Clementine
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by student Stage Manager Lindsey Gradowski. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Audition Tips from Newsies Choreographer Anneke Collins
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! Today we’re checking in with the choreographer for this summer’s production of Disney’s Newsies. On the fence about “seizing the day” and joining in on audition because of your dance skills? Anneke Collins is on the blog to quiet your nerves and get you pumped for auditions next week!
Hello! My name is Anneke Collins and I am the choreographer for Newsies! I am so excited to work with all of you in these upcoming weeks. Below are a few tips and tricks to having a great audition:
This is an upbeat show so make sure you show up with your musical game face on!
Bring the right gear!
- Wear comfy clothes you can move in.
- Bring your jazz shoes or dance sneakers (No ballet shoes please!)
- Got taps? Bring them! (There is a lot of tapping in this show.)
Just keep swimming!
- During the dance portion of the audition, if you get confused or lost while the choreography is being taught, ask questions.
- If you are performing in the audition and you get lost, just keep moving, even if you have to make something up!
If you are a tapper, I want to see your best skills and tricks!
Just make sure you can perform them consistently.
Auditions for Disney’s Newsies
For Cast – Ages 15+ (Including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9 pm
Youth Audition (Ages 11-14): May 14, 2019 | 5-7 pm
For Crew – Ages 12+ (Including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9 pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Anneke Collins. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Coming to Encore: Flip the Script
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Today we’re shining the spotlight on a brand-new Encore program: Flip the Script. Perhaps you’ve heard a bit about our new student-devised project at the Benefit Breakfast or at a County Board meeting during our recent advocacy efforts. Today we’re answering all of your major questions about this awesome new opportunity to bring “Theatre by kids, for kids” to audiences near you:
WHAT: We invite 9th—12th grade students to create an original student-devised play. This project will incorporate both young people and the arts as a medium for preserving, sharing, and learning from local history. Research, create, act, dance, direct, and more through this new program, geared toward bringing untold stories of Arlington’s African American community to light.
WHO: Our program will be headed by Education Programs Director, Madaline Langston, with co-direction by local theatre artist Aakhu Freeman. Between them, these women bring numerous years of professional performance and teaching experience to the devising process.
We are excited to partner with Arlington’s community-wide efforts to examine and promote African American voices, “Changing the Narrative.” Both local and collegiate historians will support the Flip the Script team in the search for resources, testimonies, and valuable on the ground site visits.
Most importantly: YOU! Encore is looking for diverse high school students in Arlington who are interested in acting, dancing, or researching history for our Flip the Script production. Whether you love the History Channel or the Tony Awards, prefer Twitter debates or dance class, there is spot for you on our team!
WHEN: The fun kicks off with our first introductory meeting on Monday, June 10th, 2019. Research and site visits will occur periodically throughout the summer, with rehearsals and performances ramping up in the fall. Visit our landing page for a full proposed rehearsal schedule.
WHERE: While Flip the Script will utilize Encore’s Main Campus as a primary rehearsal space, this devising project will take you all over Arlington for site visits and research opportunities. The program will culminate in a final public performance, as well as tours to schools, civic associations, and more in order to present the work to a diverse audiences in Arlington. The team will also have the opportunity to perform as a part of the 2020 Martin Luther King Day celebration in Arlington.
HOW: We plan to use first person accounts from locals who experienced the desegregation of Arlington County Schools and utilize Arlington County Library’s recorded histories, in addition to site visits and support from historians. In rehearsals, actors will implement the technique of Moment Work, originally introduced by the Tectonic Theater Project.
WHY: We are excited to collaborate with students in our community to highlight stories that may not otherwise get told. By bringing “Theatre by kids, for kids” to this new level, we hope to shed light on relevant stories from Arlington’s history to honor and celebrate them through new creative work.
Interested? Visit tinyurl.com/y2h5yfva to complete an interest form, by May 20th. For questions, please contact Madaline Langston, Education Programs Manager, at madaline.langston@encorestage.org or (703) 548-1154.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography. Flier design by Alana Gibson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Let Your Talent Shine in Clementine Auditions
A pleasantly sunny #TechTuesday to all of you, Encore fans! With auditions for The Talented Clementine just a week away, today we have the pleasure of hearing advice from not one, but TWO, music directors who know a thing or two about talent themselves. Sarah Markovits and Astrid Lundberg will be teaming up to music direct our world premiere production and were gracious enough to share some words of wisdom with anyone who may be considering auditioning.
Some helpful steps for any audition (including Encore’s!):
1) Read the instructions carefully while preparing. There may be specific requirements for the types of song you’re allowed to prepare, specific information about yourself you need to provide, or even specific instructions for how to get into the building and find the right room! It would be a shame not to be completely prepared just because you missed a small piece of information.
2) Give yourself plenty of time to get there. You never know what’s going to hold you up on the journey or in the building, and if you’re running in to your audition late and in a panic, you won’t be in the right mindset to do your best.
3) Lots of people get tense while auditioning, but a tense body makes it harder to sing. If you feel yourself getting too anxious, breathe slowly, and try to relax your shoulders, jaw, and stomach muscles. It can also help to picture a place that makes you calm. I like to imagine my grandmother’s garden when I’m anxious, and it always makes me feel better.
4) Stay positive and engaged, even if you feel like you’ve made a mistake. You can politely ask to re-start a monologue or song if you feel really lost, but whatever happens, your confidence is more important than whether you did everything perfectly.
5) Don’t take it personally if you don’t get the part you want. Sometimes, directors are looking for a very specific thing, and you may not be that thing no matter how wonderful you are. If a girl with a beautiful high-pitched voice auditions for a show that only needs a low-pitched voice, the fact that she doesn’t get in doesn’t make her voice any less beautiful. Everyone hosting the audition will be happy to have seen you try your best, and rooting for you in the future!
~ Astrid (Assistant Music Director)
Projection
Teamwork
Creativity
Kindness
Let’s break those down a little bit:
Projection:
It is so important that those on stage are able to be comfortably heard by the audience – even the people sitting at the very back of the theatre. Whether you are singing or speaking, be sure to get a really good, low breath, and use the breath to support your sound. In an audition, you’ll usually be asked to tell us your name and something about yourself – it is important to speak loudly, slowly, and with enthusiastic joy! When you are asked to sing, we usually will sing a phrase and have you repeat it back. In this situation, I like to tell people it is important to not be afraid to make a loud mistake – even if you sing a wrong note, a bold singer is always noticed!
Teamwork:
I like to think of acting and singing as team sports. Everyone pulls together and relies on each other to make a show or a song really great. When everyone brings their very best attitude and hard work to the rehearsal, everyone gets to enjoy the rewards of a fantastic performance. In an audition, we want to see how well you work with others. Rather than trying to show us how great “you” are, can you show us how great “you all” are? Some kids are more comfortable as leaders, and others are more comfortable being led – we want to see you break out of your comfort zone!
Creativity:
This may seem like an obvious one – most theatre folk are creative, right?? If someone were to ask you in an audition to tell them your favorite color, for example, you could say, “My favorite color is blue.” This would be a perfectly fine response (if it had good Projection!) A more creative response might be, “My favorite color is the shade of blue right at the edge of a really puffy cloud, where it seems slightly hazy, but really bright at the same time.” Both responses provided the same basic information, but the second one shows us that you are thinking beyond the obvious!
Kindness:
Encore is a place where all kids are free to express themselves in a safe and fun way, no matter who they are. Bullying is not tolerated in any form. Many fast friendships have been forged in the rehearsal room! This can only happen when everyone treats each other with respect and kindness. In the audition, we look for outward signs of openness and kind behavior between those auditioning.
Can’t wait to see and hear your auditions for The Talented Clementine!
~ Sarah (Music Director)
Photo by Clarence Chan
We look forward to seeing you at auditions for The Talented Clementine on March 11th and 12th from 5 – 7 PM! Questions? Email us at info@encorestage.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, Cindy Kane Photography, and Clarence Chan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
3 Super Reasons to Shine at Clementine Auditions
This #TechTueday, we’re bustling to prepare for the winter wonderland that’s supposed to visit us tomorrow morning. Say you end up with a snow day – what a perfect time to prepare for The Talented Clementine auditions, coming up on March 11th and 12th. Before you run off to make snow angels, take a minute to read these three quick reasons to come out for auditions next month.
Encore Stage & Studio is collaborating with creators from Kid Pan Alley to write this world premiere musical. This could be your chance to be a part of a unique production that has literally never been done before!
Feeling Bookish
The Talented Clementine visits just one of the many stories in Sara Pennypacker’s beloved book series for young readers. If you love Pennypacker’s books, or even just productions based on books, this musical is your opportunity to step into the world the author created.
Final Countdown
As our June production, The Talented Clementine is Encore’s final main stage production of this season. Disney’s Newsies will feature primarily older performers and will count toward next year’s STAR Award participations. Come help us wrap up the year with fun!
Auditions for The Talented Clementine
March 11 & 12, 2019 | 5-7pm
Musical
Optional Pre-Audition Workshop: March 9, 2019
Callbacks: March 14, 2019
Performance Dates: May 31-June 9, 2019 at Gunston Theatre One
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Xander’s Encore Story (Student Editor Takeover)
Hello, Encore community! I’m Xander, one of this year’s student editors. You may have seen me on the blog a while ago with an interview about Encore Cares, or previous student editor articles. I’m here today to share my Encore story – my journey from the first time I saw a show up until the present day. I’ll also share some tips for auditioning, some of my favorite things about Encore, and more!
First, let me take you way back to 2008, when I was just 4 years old. Teachers would ask the kindergarteners what they wanted to be when they grew up, and most answers were along the lines of a firefighter, Batman, an astronaut, or a teacher. However, I already knew what I wanted to be and said, “I want to act and direct films!” This is something to keep in mind as we move through the story.
Now, let’s fast-forward to 2013, the first time I saw an Encore show. The show was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Seeing other kids my age onstage and doing amazing things that transported all of us into their world fascinated me! My family enjoyed the experience so much, we came back to see another show, Honk Jr. After these initial experiences, Encore shows became a regular activity for my family.
In the fall of 2014, two Encore seasons later, we saw the production of Sleepy Hollow. I was nine years old and determined to try to audition myself. To prepare, I signed up for an Encore class and attended the pre-audition workshop for The Three Musketeers. Come auditions, I was slightly nervous, but the wonderful Encore community was so kind and welcoming that I knew that no matter what happened at auditions, my dream of acting and directing would come true, which was a big motivating factor for me. I was thrilled to receive a callback and to be cast in the show! I played Guard 1 and Thug 3.
I had so much fun acting with this amazing group that I couldn’t wait to audition for another show!
Since then, I have participated in 13 Encore shows: 10 on cast, one as backstage crew, one as front of house crew, and one as a student director.
In the fall 2016, I found out that a community service project needed to be part of my preparation for my bar mitzvah. I wasn’t sure which direction I should take with my project. I also knew that I didn’t want to give up theatre to do it; as my mom says, I’m the happiest version of myself when I’m involved in a production. Like always, she had a great idea and said, “Who says you can’t do both? You should give your time and energy to a something you care about.” After a few hours of discussion, an idea was born: Encore Cares.
The goal of Encore Cares is to bring a live theatre experience to other kids who may not have access to the theatre – so that everyone can enjoy Encore! A student director could direct a short play of their choice and bring it on the road to a different location so that more people can enjoy theatre. We proposed the plan to Encore and worked with them to make it happen!
When I was the student director for Encore Cares, I chose the play Just Like Us, by Craig Sodaro. I chose this particular show because it sent a powerful message about social acceptance and how we can all get along, even if, on the outside, we appear different. Encore Cares is a program that Encore ran again last year and is open for other students to apply for next year too! I highly recommend you check it out!
This was one of many great memories with Encore, but I’ll focus on some of the other highlights too that many of you may relate to as well…
First of all, I have to mention the first cast party I ever attended. It was the second Saturday between shows of The Three Musketeers and I didn’t know what to expect. When the cast and crew got together and started to play games, eat great food, and some even wore their pajamas, I knew this was my family! The cast party of every show is still a highlight for me when we get the chance to spend down time with all of the cast and crew and just be ourselves.
Another great Encore memory for me would be on the opening night performance of Just Like Us; after the show ended, we had a Q & A session with the audience. Seeing Encore Cares reach people and unfold right in front of me truly warmed my heart. The cast and the audience were engaging in meaningful conversations about theatre and what makes Encore so special while the kids in the audience got the chance to see the magic of theatre up close!
And lastly, a recent highlight is archery rehearsal for the upcoming show Robin Hood. I won’t give too much away (you really need to see this show!), but there’s an archery scene with real bows and real arrows. The archers practiced every other Saturday to prepare for the show. It was a lot of fun to be outside with bows and quivers and to take turns shooting at a target. Not only was it fun, but it’s also another skill I’ve learned from participating in an Encore show!
Throughout my Encore story, I’ve also picked up some good advice to share with you. First, something very simple yet essential to the rehearsal process is to arrive on time and be ready to work. When you are on time, you honor your commitment with a strong work ethic, show respect for your cast mates and directors, and it builds-up the morale of the entire team.
Next, I highly recommend researching your character. Watching movies, reading books, or doing anything you can to visualize your character from a variety of perspectives will not only improve your understanding of the character you play, but will also improve how your character is seen onstage. Knowing what your character would do in any situation, will lift the show to a whole new level onstage and the audience will believe in your character more too. If finding your character outside of rehearsal is difficult, another good strategy is to write about your character. Creating their backstory can help understand the way your character thinks in their scenes.
Lastly, the most important tip I can share is to listen. Always listen to what the directors are saying. For example, even if they are giving notes that aren’t for you, just listening to how the directors are building the show will help you better create their vision. Listen to your fellow cast mates and crewmates, because theatre is definitely 100% a team activity. Everyone supports each other, every role matters, and listening to your team will improve the quality of the whole show.
Before I leave, I just want to say that Encore is such an amazing place and truly feels like home to me, but the door is open for everyone to join the Encore family! As a cast or crew member, in a class or camp, or in the audience, I hope that you find Encore as special as I do and want to spend your time with us!
Thank you all so much for joining me today on My Encore Story, and don’t forget to come see Robin Hood, running February 22nd through March 3rd. Hope to see you there!
Robin Hood Performance Dates and Showtimes
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by 2018-2019 Student Editor, Xander T.
7 Reasons to Make Headlines in Newsies
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! I hope that you’ve had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather today (it’s almost 70 degrees here at Encore’s Main Campus!). All this sunshine has us dreaming ahead to this summer’s mainstage production of Disney’s Newsies. The rights for this fan(sie) favorite were only recently and Encore is thrilled to produce it for our audience here in the DMV area. Not sure if you’re ready to make headline news as a part of the show? I’m gonna give you seven reasons to “Seize the day!”
1) Irresistible Tunes
With Disney heavy-hitter Alan Menken at the helm, the Newsies score is chock full of catchy songs that are a blast to sing (just ask the people who get to hear me sitting in traffic). Favorites from the 1992 film, like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York,” make energetic reappearances alongside additional songs that were written for the Broadway debut. One listen on Spotify will have you prepping for auditions in no time.
2) Bust a Move
Such an energetic score calls for enthusiastic company dance numbers. From the most experienced dancer to the cautious newbie, Newsies will be a fantastic chance to push yourself and your dance abilities to the next level. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that epic newspaper dance?
3) Stylin’
This production will be a wonderful chance to experience the fun that time period-specific costumes can bring. Channel your inner tiny child and have a blast playing dress-up in types of garments you’d never get the chance to try in real life!
4) Brothers (and Sisters) in Arms
Behind the flashy dances and catchy songs, Newsies is, at its core, a show about sticking together for what’s right. The fellowship found between these characters will surely bind the cast together for an unforgettable experience that will last long after the strike is over.
5) “Watch What Happens”
I try to keep these posts as spoiler-free as I can, so I’ll keep the headline at this: Newsies is an uplifting story about friendship, love, and facing down adversity. Don’t you want to know how it ends?
Source: National Child Labor Committee Collection, The Library of Congress
6) The Real Story
Audiences may be surprised to learn that both iterations of Newsies (the 1992 film and Broadway musical) are based on an actual newsboy strike that took place in 1899 in New York City. The musical contains tidbits to satisfy history buffs in both the cast and the audience. For instance, the character of Katherine is based on a real life female reporter.
Photo by: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
7) Familiar Faces on the Front Page
Participants who joined us for The Music Man (2017) or Seussical (2018) will recognize several faces behind the audition room table.
Encore is excited to welcome back both director Elizabeth Pringle and Music Director Sarah Markovits, who will be joining Stage and Production Manager Rebecca Pfeil for this production!
All fired up and ready to take on Pulitzer with the rest of the Newsies?
Mark your calendar to audition for Disney’s Newsies:
Ages 15+ (Including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9pm
Youth Audition (Ages 11-14): May 14, 2019 | 5-7pm
Crew (Ages 12+, including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Hannah’s Encore Story (Student Editor Takeover)
Hi Encore readers! I’m Hannah, one of this year’s Student Editors. You may have caught my interview with Susan Keady here on the blog a few weeks ago. I’m excited to share my “Encore Story” with you all! Keep reading to learn about my favorite shows, memories, and advice from my experiences at Encore.
I’ll start with where my adventure with Encore began. Way back in 2013, I auditioned for Encore’s musical for that year, The Little Mermaid. I was so nervous; it was my first time trying out for a show. I didn’t make it in that time around, but I made sure to come back the next year to audition again! This time it was for Cinderella. I had learned from what I did in the previous year’s audition and made sure I did my very best this time.
To my surprise, I made it in, and got the role of Citizen # 1! I was overjoyed to be part of my very first musical and had so much fun learning about theatre for the first time. I learned all about stage directions, blocking, and even had a solo at the top of Act 2! Although auditioning for the first time was scary, it was all worthwhile because it set me on the path for five years (and counting!) of awesome theatre experience with Encore.
Since then, I’ve been in 14 more Encore shows and have learned so much. I’ve done six shows on crew and eight on cast. Some of my favorite crew positions have been ASM (assistant stage manager), runner, and house manager. Some of my favorite cast roles were Scar in The Lion King Jr, Lavinia in A Little Princess, and Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland. I started out interested in musicals and singing and have now grown to love acting, dancing, and technical crew just as much!
In my hours of putting shows together, one of my favorite memories was when I was backstage crew last year during tech week for James and the Giant Peach. One of the props for the show was a “motorcycle” with a side car. The bike was actually automated and powered by an engine! This meant that when we transported the contraption from the tech shop to the theatre we got to ride it all the way there. It may have not been the most efficient way of travel but it was definitely the most fun!
Another of my favorite memories was doing Q&As as Scar during The Lion King Jr. For many of the shows, there would be a birthday party of kids coming to see the show. Before the show we would go out and sing and then the kids and their parents would ask questions. It was really fun to see the kids reactions when the whole cast would come out in costume. And being Scar, some of the very young kids would be quite scared to see me standing in front of them. Interacting with the audience, especially the younger viewers is one of my favorite things about theatre because you get to see how they enjoyed the performance.
My final favorite Encore memory was last year’s 50th Birthday Bash. I can’t believe Encore has existed for over three times my life-span. It was an amazing night because tons of people from all the different parts of Encore in one place. I also got to perform, as well as see pictures of the past 50 years of shows. Maybe I’ll be around for the 100th Birthday Bash, who knows? Though I’ve only been around for a small portion of Encore’s timeline I’ve developed so many lifelong memories!
After my experiences with auditioning for Encore and performing I have lots of advice to give for other students interested in theatre. My first piece of advice would be to be yourself! Theatre is all about expressing yourself and directors love to see your personality shine through when you audition.
My second piece of advice would be to follow directions. Whether it be for an audition or once you’re part of a show, the directing staff have a specific vision for the show and following their instructions makes things run much smoother.
My third and final piece of advice would be to have fun! Though there are difficult things about being a part of an ensemble, a very important thing is to enjoy yourself. Theatre should be an exciting way to express yourself and if you love theatre as much as I do all the hard work it totally worth it.
That’s it! Thanks for reading and I’ll catch you all next time.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Aimee Pangan, Andrea Smith, and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Hannah Knitting.
Join the Merry Band!
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans. As one production sets sail, another bands together. We’re excited to welcome Encore students old and new to Robin Hood auditions tonight and tomorrow (December 11 & 12, 2019) from 5-7 PM at Encore’s Main Campus. Not sure if this adventurous tale is for you? Read on to learn six reasons to try out for the cast and/or crew!
With valiant heroes like Robin Hood and Maid Marion, stage combat is surely in the cards. This production is a fantastic opportunity to learn a valuable performance skill from experienced teachers.
2) Work with new directors.
Artistic Director Susan Keady is stepping into the director’s chair for the first time this season, along with Assistant Director Jim Clancy. It’s always exciting to work with new combinations of people, and you never know who else might be in the merry band.
3) Experience a new take on a classic tale.
This fun script puts a new twist on this beloved folk hero’s story. Want to know what’s different? Guess you’ll have to come audition to find out!
4) Build the Sherwood Forest.
There’s adventure in store for those off the stage as well. From forests to castles and everything in between, the crew will have a whole world to create.
5) Audition for the last non-musical of the season.
While we’re super pumped for The Talented Clementine and Disney’s Newsies, if song and dance aren’t necessarily your jam, Robin Hood is your last chance to participate in a straight play this season.
6) Form your own merry band.
Encore productions are a wonderful way to make new friends and strengthen the bonds we have with old friends. In the rehearsal room or in the shop, in the scene or in the wings, our students collaborate as a team that gets stronger with every rehearsal.
We hope this list will help you set your sights, take your shot, and step into the forest for your chance at adventure!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.