Yo ho, yo ho, an Encore life for me!
A happy holiday #FrontRowFriday from Encore to all of you! We hope everyone is enjoying themselves over the holiday weekend, surrounded by loved ones and seasonal cheer. To help you stay in the mood, check out our interview with a few of the cast members from the good ship Jingle ARRGH the Way!
Encore: Introduce yourself! Who do you play in Jingle? How long have you been involved in theatre? In what other Encore shows or programs have you participated?
Bridget: Hi, I am Bridget! I play Swill the Pirate. I have been involved in theatre for about six years now. This is my first Encore show, but I have been in Encore’s Scenes for Tweens As You Like It as Phebe.
Kate: Hello! I’m Kate, and I play the role of Sharktooth. He is the fiercest pirate of the seven seas, and also has a secret Broadway aspiration. I have been involved in theatre for around a year now. My first musical was [Disney’s] The Lion King, Jr. with Encore in February, 2018. I have been in three shows since: Pinocchio as sassy Contessa Natasha the cat, a school production of Treasure Island, and Shrek, Jr. with Stage Door [Summer Camp] as Papa Ogre and then Fiona in later performance.
Vivien: Hi, my name is Vivien; I am an 8th grader from Arlington, but on the stage I am Pierre, French pirate chef! I have loved theater spectating and acting for as long as I can remember! My first role with Encore was Little Wolf in A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol and then last year as one of the 12 girls in Madeline’s Christmas. I’ve also participated in the Encore’s Stage Door camps the last several summers. I had a lot of fun playing Harry Macafee in Bye Bye Birdie this summer!
Encore: What’s your favorite memory from the Jingle audition process?
Vivien: My favorite part of the Jingle audition process was definitely getting to see all of my Encore friends at the auditions.
Bridget: My favorite memory is when I was in callbacks with Lily (Jeremy Jacob), when she was Black Beard and I was a pirate wanting to be on her crew.
Kate: My favorite memory from the Jingle audition process was realizing how silly this show was truly going to be! I went in expecting some hardcore singing because of the musical aspect of the show, but when I entered the audition room we started singing showtunes with pirate twists. I thought to myself, “This is gonna be a fun show regardless if I participate.”
Encore: Tell us a pirate joke?
Bridget: What is a pirate’s favorite letter? You would think it’s “R,” right? Wrong, it’s “C;” get it?
Vivien: Why did the pirates go to jail? They got arrrrrrested.
Kate: Where does a one legged pirate go to breakfast: IHOP!
Encore: What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Kate: My favorite part of the holiday season is the time spent with family. I have a great family, and when we all come together to spend time without the distractions of ordinary life, it’s a hoot.
Vivien: The food! 🙂
Bridget: My favorite part of the holiday season is seeing all my family that I rarely ever see.
Encore: Is your character on the “Naughty” or “Nice” list? Why?
Vivien: My character is on the naughty list because Santa tried to hire him as his chef but he turned him down to work for Braid Beard (he never liked the cold).
Bridget: My character would probably fit on both: He would fit on the nice list because he helps all of his pirate friends better understand things. He would fit on the naughty list because he can’t really drive that well (he tends to run away with the wheel in his hands.)
Kate: Sharktooth is a really tough guy on the outside, but take off the eye patch and he truly is a “sensitive guy.” He is on the nice list; Santa has been a bit forgiving this year. Sometimes, when Sharktooth gets a bit carried away in show business, his kindnesses get put on hold.
Encore: Why should everyone come see the show?
Bridget: Everyone should come see the show because it’s all about the holidays. You learn the true meaning of Christmas, and, I mean, who doesn’t love pirates?
Kate: Everyone should definitely come see the show! There is something for everyone. The show is jam packed full of funny references. We even have a few special guests from the North Pole if you wanna put your Christmas list in early this year (maybe get in a good word with the big guy!).
Vivien: Come see the show because you will never see anything else that’s quite as festive.
Thanks so much for sharing your holiday memories, ladies! You’ve certainly gotten us in the mood for fun songs, charming hijinks, and, of course, pirates! Come join us in the audience of Jingle ARRGH the Way by purchasing your tickets online or by calling our Box Office at (703) 548-1154. Please note that we won’t be back to port until Monday, November 26th, after the holiday.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Alana Gibson. Graphic design by Aileen Christian Pangan and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
“X” Marks the Spot! Jingle Opens Tonight
Today is the day – our holiday production of Jingle ARRGH the Way! sets sail tonight at Gunston’s Theatre One! Like Grandma’s cookie recipe, many components go into bringing this fun story to life. Read on to learn more about just a few of the awesome elements of the show:
1) Set sail on the Melinda and chase down the thrill of adventure!
Join our fearless and festive crew as they band together to solve the holiday mystery. Will you crack the code before our seafarers? Come test your wit and skill!
2) The Gift of Friendship
From our merry crew to the band of helpful elves they encounter, this show’s characters know a thing or two about friendship and sticking together. Being able to depend on a buddy to have your back is the best gift of all!
3) You-Know-Ho-Ho-Ho
Our cheerful comrades run into some familiar holiday faces in their travels. I wonder who it could be…
4) Take a chance at the treasure!
Be sure to visit the Info Table in the lobby to participate in Encore’s Jingle ARRGH the Way! holiday raffle. Enter to win four tickets to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, valued at $200. Raffle tickets are available for $3 or three for $6.
5) Kick Off the Holiday Season
With three weekends of performances, Jingle ARRGH the Way! is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Join us for opening weekend, then bring visiting family or friends back for even more holiday fun!
We look forward to seeing many of you at the theatre tonight to share in the opening night magic! Can’t make it tonight? Save your spot on the ship by purchasing your tickets now, online or by calling our Box Office at (703) 548-1154.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Fridays, November 16, 30, & December 7, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays, November 17, December 1 & 8, 2018 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sundays, November 18, December 2 & 9, 2018 at 3 pm
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Alana Gibson. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Welcome to Encore’s New Student Editors!
This #FrontRowFriday we’re thrilled to announce a new program here at Encore. We have students involved in so many aspects of theatre: onstage, backstage, in the booth, on the design team, and at front of house. As of today, we’re welcoming students into the realm of arts administration. Please give a warm welcome to our new team of Encore Student Editors!
Pranav C.
Grade: 9th
Past Encore roles/shows: Pinocchio (Coachman), Seussical (Front of House), Ghostchasers! (Horace)
Favorite Encore memory in five words: Relationships I built in Pinocchio
Dream role onstage and/or behind the scenes: JD in Heathers
When I grow up… I want to be a lot of things: a theatre teacher/children’s theatre director, a math teacher, a foreign language teacher, or a school board member.
Hannah K.
Grade: 10th
Past Encore roles/shows: I started working with Encore in 2014 playing Citizen #1 in Cinderella. Then I went on to play Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland that same year. The next season, I was part of the Animal Chorus in Snow White. Then I was in Mary Poppins over the summer as Mr. Punch/Ensemble. The following year, I played Lavinia in A Little Princess. After that, I appeared as Jolene Fairchild in [Night at the] Wax Museum. Then I was Mrs. Murphy in Madeline’s Christmas. In that February, I was in The Lion King Jr. as Scar. Then, most recently, I was an ensemble Jungle Creature in Seussical this summer. I’ve been in a few crew shows here and there like Treasure Island, The Jungle Book, and not too long ago I was Sound for Ghostchasers.
Encore classes or camps: A couple years ago I attended Broadway Bootcamp learning how to sing and dance to “Food Glorious Food” from the musical Oliver!. And I’ve also volunteered at a couple day camps over the years. This summer I was the production assistant for Encore’s [Stage Door] Shrek Jr. camp. I got to be the stage manager and learn a lot more about tech in the process.
Favorite Encore memory in five words: My very first opening night.
Dream role onstage and/or behind the scenes: I’ve always admired the character Eponine from Les Miserables and have been in love with her songs for a long time. Getting to play her would be an amazing experience.
When I grow up… I want to be involved in performing arts in some shape or form. Whether that be onstage singing and dancing or behind the scenes designing all sorts of stuff.
Xander T.
Grade: 9th grade
Past Encore shows/roles: The Three Musketeers (Guard 1, Thug 3), Hansel and Gretel (Fredrick), Cul de Sac (Petey Otterloop), The Best Haunted House Ever (Knightfal), Night at the Wax Museum (King Henry VIII), Just Like Us (Director), Madeline’s Christmas (Front of House Crew), Sherlock Holmes (Skeleton II Puppeteer), Fairytale Network (Jimmy Links/Papa Bear), Pinocchio (Spruce), and Seussical (backstage crew).
Encore Classes or camps: Arabian Nights (class), Incredible Improv (class)
Favorite Encore memory in 5 words: Opening Nights with Encore family
Dream role onstage or backstage: My dream role onstage would be PT Barnum from The Greatest Showman.
When I grow up… I want to be an actor or maybe a director in the film business. I like using my imagination to bring characters to life onstage. I love the bond the cast always has and it is truly a family.
Welcome, once again, to our Student Editors. Plan to see their smiling faces and wise words on the blog and Instagram in the coming months. We can’t wait to see what this new perspective on the student experience will bring!
Come visit many of our awesome student volunteers tomorrow, Saturday, October 27th, at Encore’s 3rd Annual Costume Caper 5K and 1K Kids’ Fun Run! Our volunteers do a marvelous job entertaining our young Encore fans with themed games and crafts that you won’t want to miss. Register today to save yourself time on race day!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Christian, Cindy Kane Photography Student head shots provided. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Climb Aboard and Join the Crew!
Ahoy, #TechTuesday mateys! In two short weeks, Captain Kristen Jepperson will be recruiting brave souls to sail on the SS Jingle Crew and, oh buoy, we can’t wait. Why should you leave your landlubbing ways behind and interview to join the crew? Keep yer eyes here and there may be tech treasure to be found!
Still feeling un-shore? Check out the antics of our jolly Crewtons on Instagram and read some of their “swell” responses below:
- Building stuff!
- Getting to see what’s going on behind the scenes.
- Opening night! (It’s even better with M&Ms!)
- Working with awesome teachers like Kristen and Rebecca!
- Seeing the finished product. It is so cool to know that I helped build that [set] and now it’s on stage.
If you’re ready to climb on board, come out to auditions for Jingle ARRGH the Way, September 10th and 11th at Encore’s Main Campus. You’ll have the chance to meet with Captain Kristen and interview for a chance to serve on her crew. Don’t worry – we won’t let anyone walk the plank…unless it’s to the moving truck!
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Reasons to Apply for the Encore Cares Student Project
Our past Encore Cares Student Directors, Sam Regardie and Xander Tilock had a blast working on our awesome program the past two seasons and are sharing 5 reasons to apply for the Encore Cares Student Project!
# 1 – Explore more of the Encore experience
Directing a show teaches you important skills in the theater such as costume and set design. Since every script has to be adjusted for a different cast, Encore Cares teaches you how to select, cut, and manage a script. Being a student leader also gives you a chance to see the entire spectrum of Encore, and what the roles of different positions in a play are.
# 2 – Chance to practice your adaptability skills.
Changing your tactics when things don’t go your way is an important life skill to have. And since Encore Cares is a traveling show, students leaders will have to adapt their show to be able to work in other theater spaces. In addition, for the question and answer session you must adapt to answering a variety of different questions. Because you will need to adapt to many things throughout your life, Encore Cares gives you good practice.
#3 – Opportunity to perform at other venues.
Encore Cares allows you to travel to creative spaces unlike typical theater locations. Both directors have held a question and answer session after the show, which lets you interact with the kids in audience and teach them about the theater and Encore.
#4 – Great community service opportunity
Since Encore is a non-profit organization, students will be able to earn community service hours for their directing experience. It is a unique and special opportunity because there are very few programs like it. It can be used for high school community service hours, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah project, or any other community service opportunity.
#5 – Improve your theater abilities outside of directing
You get to work hands-on with other Encore directors. Since holding an audition is one part of the experience, you get to look at the audition process from the other side of the table. By working with people your age, you will learn how to become a better actor and director.
The Ca(s)t in the Hat!
Welcome back to the Front Row blog, Encore friends! We hope you’ve been spreading the word about next season’s shows that were revealed on Sunday. Before we can take in those exciting productions, we have more of this summer’s Seussical to share with all of you.
Though some of you weren’t able to join us for our season reveal scavenger hunt, we have a fun new Instagram segment to share. As we continue through the rehearsal process keep an eye out at @EncoreArlington for more behind-the-scenes peeks, including this series:
You’ve heard of the Cat in the Hat, but now it’s time to give some other Seussians a turn! Here are some of the questions we’ve been asking our cast members:
2. What is/was your favorite Seuss book or story?
3. What’s the most challenging song in the show?
4. Give us your best jungle animal noise and/or Who battle cry.
5. Why will audiences love the show?
Here are the responses of just a few of our talented performers:
Click here to check out the Cast in the Hat IG story.
Enjoying these sneak peeks? Follow us at @EncoreArlington on Instagram for more fun as we get closer to the opening of Seussical. Be sure to purchase your tickets today – you won’t want to miss this show!
Photo by: Larry McClemons. Graphic by: Aileen Pangan. Instagram stories by: Shannon McCarthy. Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy.
Announcing the 2017/18 STAR Award Winners!
On this joyous #FrontRowFriday, we’re happy to announce the 2017/18 winners of Encore’s STAR Award! These dedicated Encore students must have participated in at least eight Encore Stage & Studio productions: two onstage, two backstage as a member of tech crew, three in either capacity, and one as part of front of house crew. They join the ranks of many other Encore actors and technicians that have expanded their own boundaries and areas of expertise.
Henry Hubbard
Caitlyn Knittig
Hannah Knittig
Kelly McArdle
Ian Onufrak
Congratulations to all of our STAR Award winners for all of their hard work and accomplishments! We welcome you to celebrate these recipients at their award ceremony on Sunday, June 17th. To add to the fun, be a “star” of your own making by joining in on some Hamil-tunes as we celebrate Encore’s 50th birthday with sweet treats and the sweetest treat of all…our season reveal! You won’t want to “Wait for It,” so don’t throw away “Your Shot” to party with us!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
No Strings Attached! Meet Pinocchio Actress, Ryely R.
Happy Opening Night to Encore’s production of Pinocchio! Today we’re excited to chat with Pinocchio herself, Ryely Rogers. We hope you enjoy the interview and look forward to cheering Ryely and the cast on in person tonight!
Encore: Welcome to the blog! Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you’ve been involved with Encore, including the shows and roles you’ve played in the past?
Ryely: Hi my name is Ryely Rogers and I have been involved with Encore for 2 years now. I have been in 5 productions and have played supporting roles, lead characters and I have even been apart of backstage crew for Madeline’s Christmas this past winter. Some of the characters I’ve played were Professor stitch in The Best Haunted House Ever, Mowgli in The Jungle Book, and most recently as Gas House Gertie in Sherlock Holmes.
Encore: What’s your favorite part about taking on the role of Pinocchio? Can you share any challenges or things you’ve learned in rehearsal?
Ryely: My favorite part about taking on the role of Pinocchio is learning and growing with my fellow cast members and actors. Some of whom I’ve worked with in the past and some that I’ve never worked with before. I really enjoy getting to know everyone and also learning from different directors.
Throughout our rehearsal process, I have come across many challenges while playing such a complex character as Pinocchio. At first I did not know how to express or act out some of my lines so I did a lot of character work with Directors Mara and Amanda. It helped me dig a little deeper into the character of Pinocchio so that I could embody the core of who he really is. I’ve learned a lot during this show and hopefully I can take the audience on Pinocchio’s journey to meet all the interesting characters along the way and all the lessons that he learns.
Encore: What’s your best Encore memory and why?
Ryely: My best Encore memory would have to be during my first Encore show The Best Haunted House Ever. When I saw the set and got to try out the peekaboo picture frame where my actual face was a live painting. It was really exciting and fun for me to be on stage for most scenes as a painting just making facial expressions. I got to experience theatre and it encouraged me to audition for more roles.
Encore: How excited are you about our 2018/2019 season reveal on June 17th? We’ll be celebrating our birthday by singing Hamilton songs and announce the upcoming season and audition dates! Do you have any advice for kids who are thinking of auditioning for an Encore show next season?
Ryely: I cannot wait for 2018/2019 season reveal! I am excited to find out what’s in store for the next season. I know there will be a lot of fun and interesting shows.
My advice to kids auditioning next season is just simply be yourself and have fun! Do your best and let your personality shine through and break a leg!
Encore: In your own words, please describe Encore’s production of Pinocchio in three words or short phrases.
Ryely: The Pinocchio production is a fun, adventurous journey of a really special puppet that would do anything to become real. He is boy that just wants to be loved!
Many thanks to Ryely for sharing about her Encore experiences. “Break a leg” tonight and for the rest of the run! You won’t want to miss Ms. Rogers as Pinocchio, so join her on the adventure today. Buy your tickets online or by calling our Box Office at 703-548-1154.
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Larry McClemons. Graphic design by Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Positive and Professional! Summer Theatre with the Izdepskis
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! We’re less than one week away from auditions for our wacky, hilarious, and fun-filled summer production of Seussical, so dust off your dancing shoes and we’ll see you there. In the meanwhile, we’ve got a double treat of an interview for you today. A father-daughter duo that always leaves us smiling…Erich and Evie Izdepski!
Encore: Welcome to the blog. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Please briefly introduce yourself and tell a bit about how you’ve been involved with Encore.
Evie: My name is Evie Izdepski and I am thirteen years old. I have been in several Encore shows and camps. Most recently, I appeared in Encore’s production of The Lion King Jr.
Erich: I performed in musicals when I was a teenager and took voice and piano. I never gave up music, but didn’t have a chance to do shows again until life settled down a little. 5 or 6 years ago, Evie and I began doing shows with the St. Andrews Players. Jane Massant runs the Players and is on the Encore board and I believe she told us about the shows. I have done two shows, Mary Poppins and The Music Man.
Encore: What inspired you to audition for your first Encore summer production?
Erich: I had been doing other shows with Evie and we heard about Mary Poppins, a show she loves, so we auditioned. I thought Admiral Boom or the head banker would be fun roles.
Evie: I was inspired to audition for Encore for the first time when I found out that they were doing Mary Poppins. It is one of my favorite shows and I was so excited that I started checking the website daily to see if kids were allowed to audition.
Encore: What is your favorite summer show memory?
Erich: Singing numbers with Evie on the way to rehearsals.
Evie: My favorite summer show memory is either racing my cast mates through the hallways when we were not rehearsing during Mary Poppins or playing around with the rest of kids’ ensemble during The Music Man. I can not decide.
Encore: What has prompted you to audition for multiple summer show experiences?
Evie: I’ve auditioned for multiple summer shows because it the first one was a really positive experience. Everyone was nice and it was very professional.
Erich: I really like classic musicals and Encore does great summer shows. It is a very professional organization – so enjoyable to work with them. Evie does shows throughout the year, but the summer one are special since you have a full range of ages in the cast. I think that inspires her.
Encore: What’s the best part about acting with your dad/daughter?
Evie: The best part about acting with my dad is that I have someone to go over music and lines with. I also get free rides to rehearsal.
Erich: Watching and helping Evie grow as a singer/actor/dancer. Well, I don’t help with the dancing (except I sometimes drive her to lessons!).
How wonderful to hear about your awesome summer theatre experiences, Evie and Erich! We love that you’re a part of our Encore production family. We hope that many friends, old and new, will be joining the ranks by auditioning for Seussical cast and crew next Monday and Tuesday!
Click here for more information and to download the audition forms.
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Part of the Family with Rebecca Blacksten and David Lopez
-
Happy #FrontRowFriday, everyone! As the weather gets warmer, we can’t help but dream of poolside fun, ice cold treats, and, of course…our Encore summer! Today we’re psyched to chat with two alumni of Encore’s summer productions: Rebecca Blacksten and David Lopez. Let’s hear what they have to share!
Encore: Welcome to the blog. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Please briefly introduce yourself and tell a bit about how you’ve been involved with Encore.
David: Hi, I’m David! I’ve worked with Encore for the last five summers; I played Emmett in Legally Blonde, Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, Humpty Dumpty in Shrek the Musical, and Charlie Cowell/Jacey Squires in The Music Man. I was also a member of the crew for Mary Poppins. I’m a graduating theatre major from VCU and in August I’m moving to Ohio for an acting Internship.
Rebecca: Hello! I’m Rebecca Blacksten, a sophomore at McLean High School! I have done two productions at Encore Stage and Studio: Mary Poppins (Featured Ensemble) and Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn).
Encore: What inspired you to audition for your first Encore summer production?
David: I auditioned for Legally Blonde because a lot of my friends were auditioning for it and they said I should too. Going into auditions, I was hoping to be cast as Warner because I’d never played a mean character before then, but I’m happy with how things played out!
Rebecca: I have done many productions in and out of school, I love to be a part of my community through theater! My dad started doing Encore when it was still CTA (Children’s Theatre of Arlington) in the early ’80s, and he inspired me to begin auditioning for Encore. I also went to almost every Encore show when I was younger, and I am still an avid fan! I was so excited to hear that Encore was doing a childhood favorite of Mary Poppins, so I decided to go and give it a shot!
Encore: What is your favorite summer show memory?
Rebecca: My favorite memory might be having my wonderful Music Man family, as we became so tightly knit and I felt like we had a familial relationship! It was always so wonderful to walk into rehearsal and gossip with my ”mom” and joke around with my “dad” (not to mention ooh over my precious “sister”!!).
David: Can I say two? The first one are all of the inside jokes the cast of Once Upon a Mattress came up with during the run of the show (#cocoa #sparkle). The second is more of a tradition: Every year since Mattress Liam Clancy, Paddy Clancy, and I all bring in our instruments during the runs of our shows and find time to have jam sessions on the stage. We usually play the same songs from Once every year, but nonetheless it’s one of the things I always look forward to with every show we work on together.
Encore: What has prompted you to audition for multiple summer show experiences?
Rebecca: I wanted to go ahead and continue to audition so I can see my Encore family again and again, and hopefully for many more shows to come!
David: What keeps me coming back are the people I’ve met working with Encore. I’ve made some good friends here and I love working with the creative team. I have nothing but great memories from working with Encore so I’m always delighted to get the chance to work with you guys again.
Encore: Will we be seeing you at Seussical auditions on May 14th or 15th?
David: Should time permit, definitely!
Rebecca: I will certainly be coming out to get Seuss-ed up this summer, and I encourage many people to join me!
Thank you so much for sharing about your summer Encore experiences, friends! We hope to see the rest of our Encore family at auditions for Seussical in just one month – May 14th & 15th at Encore’s Main Campus. Click here for more information on what to prepare and what to expect. We can’t wait to get Seuss-ed with you!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.