More Than the Librarian: Meet Education Intern Gabriel Brown!
Welcome back to the Front Row everyone! Today, we’ll be bringing together the worlds of production and education, as we interview one of this summer’s Education Interns, Gabriel Brown.
Encore: Please introduce yourself. Where do you go to school and what do you study?
GB: Hi, my name is Gabriel Brown! I’m a rising junior at the Catholic University of America where I study musical theatre.
Encore: How are you involved with Encore?
GB: This summer I am performing in Encore’s production of The Music Man, where I play Marian Paroo, and I’m also an Education Intern for many of Encore’s summer camps.
Encore: Have you ever worked with Encore as a participant? What other theatre experiences do you have, if any?
GB: I’ve never been in an Encore camp, but I have been in three Encore productions (The Little Mermaid Jr, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Music Man). At university, I’ve been in Urinetown and a college fringe festival while fulfilling my duties as Videographer for a student theatre group. I also assistant directed Little Women and was a costume crew chief for City of Angels, and want to pursue a performance and directorial career.
Encore: What are some of the things you’re working on for Encore this summer?
GB: I’m really excited to be teaching choreography for the camp Season Sampler, which is a new camp this year, that gives a little taste of the upcoming Encore season.
Encore: Is there something you’re most excited for about this internship?
GB: I am really excited to work with the teachers and meet so many bright young actors!
Encore: Could you describe why you think theatre is important?
GB: Theatre is so important, especially for children, because it’s the most natural and human method of learning. It is allows actors to imitate, create and express themselves in different ways and forms. It is often seen as something easy to do, a waste of time and pointless to society, but it is not. It can be applied to every aspect of life; Science, politics, anthropology, language, etc…
Thanks so much to Gabriel for taking time out of her busy summer schedule to share with us! Keep an eye out for her at our many summer camps throughout July and August.
Photos by: Shannon McCarthy, Madeline Pages, Larry McClemons
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
5-Point Checklist: #RehearsalReady
Hey there, everyone! Your friendly neighborhood Arts Apprentice, Shannon, here. It’s been so fun writing for the Front Row blog and working with our Front of House crews this season.
I’m so excited to cross behind the curtain to join the wonderful cast of The Music Man this summer! We’ve already been in rehearsals for a few weeks at this point, so I wanted to share a bit about the process and how you can prepare for your own rehearsals in the future. [Check out our auditions page for 2017/2018 audition dates!]
- No matter what’s on the rehearsal schedule for the evening, it’s important to have your script on hand, whether to write down your blocking (where and when to move onstage), review your vocal music, or record helpful character notes. And don’t forget a pencil!
- Staying hydrated is always a worthy goal, so bring your water bottle to rehearsal. It’s particularly essential for performers during the summer production because our choreographer Kelsey is certainly putting us through our paces! We’ve already choreographed all of the group dance numbers in The Music Man. I can’t wait for all of you to see our awesome marching in “76 Trombones.” You won’t believe the crazy tricks our Teen Dance Ensemble pulls off!
- Tick-tock, keep an eye on the clock! Being on time makes everything run much more smoothly, in rehearsal and in life. If you think you might be running late, give your stage manager a call so he or she can adjust accordingly.
- You’ve planned so well that you’re actually early to rehearsal? No worries! Now is the perfect time to review your lines and music, to make certain that you’re extra prepared for that evening’s work.
- Perhaps above all else, a positive attitude is a huge rehearsal essential! Even if the dance steps are difficult or the music notes are high, if you show up ready to work and have fun, you’ll surely keep out of “Trouble” and have a wonderful rehearsal.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these rehearsal tips. Stay tuned to Encore’s blog and social media pages for more sneak peaks as we get closer to the show. Share your excitement with us at @EncoreArlington and with #EncoreMusicMan!
Ready to catch a train to River City yourself? Get your tickets and take in all 76 (or so) of our trombones! To learn more about The Music Man, including performance dates, or to purchase tickets, please click here.
Photos by: Aileen Pangan and Madeline Pages
Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
A Jumble of Fun with Actor/Director Rachel Hynes
Greetings, everyone! We are thrilled to share an interview with one of the A Sidewalk Stroll actors who also directed this production. In addition to her wonderful work in our Theatre for the Very Young program, she also serves as one of Encore’s fantastic teaching artists, as well as being an Encore alum herself. Please welcome Rachel Hynes!
Encore: Welcome to Encore’s Front Row blog! We’re so excited to learn more about A Sidewalk Stroll. What was your primary inspiration for the creation of this play?
Rachel: My two-year old nephew, Leon! When he visits, we go to the park; I noticed that we spend just as much time looking at things on the way as we do playing at the park.
Encore: Could you briefly walk us through the process of devising a new piece for the theatre?
Rachel: The point of departure could be anything—a word, an image, an event, a character. Then, you have fun exploring! A Sidewalk Stroll started with an idea about a baby bear who would get frustrated all of the time. As I began to explore what situations Baby Bear might find herself in, I discovered that I was actually interested in was identifying emotions, and acknowledging that lots of different emotions happen over the course of a day—even on a walk to the park! The cast and I improvised different ways to get to the park, things that Arlington kids might see on the way and emotional reactions they might have. From these improvisations, we created the journey that our kids would go on. It’s a little bit like cooking—you have all the ingredients, it’s just a question of how you put them together to make the best play possible.
Encore: Are there any considerations you take into account, given that the target audience includes preschoolers and their families?
Rachel: Absolutely. You always have to think about the world from their perspective, how they experience things; so the size of objects may seem huge to adults, but that may be how a preschooler experiences the object. I also think a lot about time—what’s too long for a preschooler? What is too short? Mostly, I think about whether or not it’s fun. If I’m not having fun, neither will our audiences.
Encore: What’s been the best part of the rehearsal process?
Rachel: Working with Adrian and Ruthie and the staff at Encore! We’ve all laughed a lot.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about performing for young people?
Rachel: They are the best audiences. Young people get involved in the performance and are really invested in the outcome. I also love the post-show time when our audiences get to come on stage and explore the props in the show. It’s amazing to watch them play and explore the colorful pool noodles or work up the bravery to touch the spider puppet, or even make the spider puppet crawl on the web.
Encore: Could you describe A Sidewalk Stroll in five words or short phrases.
Rachel:
1. A colorful jumble of fun
2. Emotions abound
3. Hopping, running, stomping
4. Imagination carries you everywhere
5. Curiosity is the best toy
Encore: Any advice for the parents of first-time theatre-goers?
Rachel: Come and enjoy!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Rachel! If you’ve got little ones in your life, be sure to catch A Sidewalk Stroll at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church before it strolls away for good this weekend! To purchase your tickets, please click here.
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Shannon McCarthy
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Run Wild! An Interview with Jungle Book Director Martha-Grace Moore
Today we’re excited to share an interview with Martha-Grace Moore. You may recognize her from leading Girl Scout or Pre-Audition Workshops, but she’s currently serving as the leader at the helm of our upcoming production of The Jungle Book, opening June 2nd at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
Encore: Welcome to Encore’s Front Row blog! Could you introduce yourself and tell us how you’ve been involved with Encore?
Martha-Grace: Hi! My name is Martha-Grace Moore, and I am the director of Encore’s upcoming production of The Jungle Book. I’m fairly new to town (I’ve been in the area coming up on two years now), and this past year has been a whirlwind of fun working with Encore in a variety of ways. I was in last summer’s production of Mary Poppins, joined up as a teaching artist in the fall, and worked as an assistant director on The Best Haunted House Ever. It has been a blast working with so many aspects of Encore’s theatre outreach.
Encore: How is the plot of this particular production similar to other interpretations of this story that audiences may recognize? Does it differ in any significant ways?
M-G:This version of The Jungle Book focuses on the jungle as Mowgli’s true home, where he feels he is most himself. There are a few retellings of this story that try to steer Mowgli back to human civilization where he supposedly belongs, but what I really like about this Vera Morris adaptation is the idea that anyone can be your family–it’s about who loves and supports you, and who you trust that matters, not necessarily what you look like (or in this case, what species happens to match up with your own).
Encore: We’ve seen you previously in Encore’s production of Mary Poppins. How is this process different? What do you enjoy most about working with young theatre-makers?
M-G: Great question. I was an actor in Mary Poppins, which means most of my work onstage was focused on making character choices for myself and finding ways to interact with the choices of other actors. As a director, I am looking at a much bigger picture and helping guide the choices of all my actors to serve the story we are telling together. My favorite part about working with young artists is the enthusiasm that they bring to the table, and the growth that I get to witness throughout the process. It’s wonderful to see young people grow confident in their choices, and feel empowered to make a character their own.
Encore: If you could turn into any animal, which would it be?
M-G: Oh my goodness, definitely a cat. I’m very Professor McGonagall like that.
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like audiences to know?
M-G: Bring your daring attitudes and let your imaginations run wild! We hope to see you in the jungle!
Thank you so much, Martha-Grace! We hope you all will come adventure with us, June 2-11 at The Jungle Book. If you’re feeling particularly in touch with your wild side, we’d love to see your animal-inspired outfits at the theater!
Photos by: Larry McClemons
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Dreams Come True with Encore Cares’ Director Xander Tilock
Welcome back to Encore’s Front Stage blog! Today we’re excited to share an interview with Xander Tilock, the student director of Just Like Us, the first installment of the new Encore Cares project. This is a community service based program that brings a live theatre experience to kids who may not be able to access the theater. This production will travel to the Culmore Boys and Girls Club to share the joy of theatre with all members of our community, as well as performing at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Encore: Tell us about yourself! How long have you been involved with Encore and how did you come to be a director at such a young age?
Xander: I’ve been involved with Encore since January 2015, first appearing onstage as Guard 1 and Thug 3 in Encore’s The Three Musketeers. However, being a director someday was my first dream, since I was four years old. Once I saw an Encore show for the first time, I also wanted to make the audience laugh and be onstage as an actor. After participating in five shows as a cast member, I am thrilled to fulfill this dream of mine by directing this show.
Encore: What drew you toward the role of director?
Xander: There is nothing like the genuine laughter of a young child who is watching a story come to life on stage. Once the curtain goes down, everyone walks away with something special too. In my littlest brother’s case, he always takes the characters home with him after the show and they live in his imagination for years afterwards! Encore is my family. I love everyone and their unique characteristics. From my view, this passion is one that I want to share with everyone, even if they aren’t able to experience it at a typical Encore performance.
Encore: Could you tell us a bit about Just Like Us? What influenced your choice of this script?
Xander: I chose Just Like Us because right away I knew I wanted a short play with a powerful message. When doing a search and this show came up, I was drawn to it right away. This play is by Craig Sodaro who also wrote Night at The Wax Museum (a recent Encore play I was in) and other great shows. Just Like Us also has a message that most resembles how I feel when I’m at Encore. Anyone can be or do anything they choose, and that is beautiful. This is what Encore means to me.
Encore: What’s been the best part of the rehearsal process?
Xander: Probably that awesome feeling when I arrive at Encore and someone says, “Hi Xander!” To know that I have an important role to play and that I feel I have a family at Encore is a very special to me.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working with other young theatre-makers?
Xander: That it’s easy to have a good chemistry and connect with my fellow Encore family. They truly understand the circumstances that kids my age have and experience every day, which they bring to all of the great work they do.
Encore: What’s been the biggest challenge?
Xander: Probably that kids can be involved in lots of activities and schedules can be hard. Now I see from the director’s point of view what happens when kids miss rehearsals. But, Encore is worth every moment that you put in, which comes across when everyone gives their best on stage.
Encore: Could you describe Just Like Us in just a few short words?
Xander: Life can be hard, but united we win.
Encore: What about anyone who might be considering auditioning for the cast or crew of a show?
Xander: You need to be the right piece of the puzzle the director is looking for – and if it doesn’t fit this time, don’t give up, because there’s always another show!
Thanks so much for discussing the show with us, Xander. We want to say “Break legs!” to you and the whole cast of Just Like Us as you prepare for your performances this week.
If you’re hoping to audition for Encore this coming season, be sure to mark your calendars for our Season Reveal Ice Cream Social on June 4th. It will follow the 3 PM performance of The Jungle Book. We are so excited to share our 50th Anniversary season with you – we guarantee that it will be #SweeterThanEver!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice