Learning and Working at Camp: Lauren M.
A lovely #FrontRowFriday to all of you Encore fans out there! Any reader of The Front Row is a Valentine of mine, that’s for sure. As you celebrate this cheerful holiday, we’re happy to share an interview with one of the most cheerful students we know: Lauren Maho has performed in many Encore season productions, participated in numerous summer camp programs, and, as you’ll soon learn, has also played a valuable part of our summer camp team. Welcome Lauren!
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved with Encore in past seasons?
Lauren: I’m Lauren Maho. I’m 17 years old and currently a junior at TC Williams High School in Alexandria. I grew a love for theatre, specifically musical theatre, at Encore’s Stage Door camps from 2015-2018 and Center Stage in 2019, in addition to some seasonal productions.
Encore: Which camps did you work or volunteer for? Which age groups did you work with?
Lauren: I worked the Scenes For Tweens Tragedy vs. Comedy camp for ages 8-12 in summer 2018 and Stage Door in summer 2019 for ages 11-15.
Encore: What is your most memorable camp moment?
Lauren: My most memorable camp moment was finishing the Stage Door production of Mary Poppins Jr. last summer and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they saw the whole show finished with lights, sound, and costumes. It was a beautiful moment of accomplishment for myself and everyone involved in that camp.
Encore: What have you learned through working at Encore summer camps?
Lauren: Through working at Encore, I have learned how to be a role model for the kids. It is so wonderful to see different campers from past years at Encore shows and see how they’ve grown.
Encore: Please describe working at Encore camps in five words or short phrases.
Lauren: I can sum up working at Encore in this short phrase: a fulfilling way to spend your summer.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Lauren: To finish off, I’ll say this: no matter what age group you are working with, you can make a beautiful impact on the lives of your campers in a friendly theatrical environment.
Check out what some of our other summer camp staff had to say after Summer 2019:
“There was a real comradery between the staff and especially between the camp aides which made a fun inspiring and accepting environment in the workplace.”
“[Our camp director] was incredibly supportive of everyone and everything I was doing. When things weren’t going to plan, [they] wouldn’t freak out or anything.”
“He made sure to always check in with us, let us know what was going on and always was supporting us to the max”
“We all worked very well together. If there was ever an issue, we would bring it up immediately and resolve it quickly in order to make camp go as smoothly as possible. I would definitely like to work with them again in the future.”
“It was really great! I’m so happy I was able to have this as my job because it was so much fun! I met so many amazing people and made bonds with so many campers!”
If you live and breathe theatre, enjoying working with young people, love learning new skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, Encore Stage & Studio may be just the place for you to work this summer. Applications for camp counselors, teaching artists, and choreographers are now open.
Applicants for the paid camp counselor positions must be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2020. Applicants for Counselor-in-Training volunteer positions must be at least 14 years old by June 1, 2020. Students who worked as a camp aide in summer 2019 may apply to be a camp counselor.
Blog contribution 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.
Filling the Gaps: BTS with the Education Department
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! Today we’re going behind the scenes of our Education department. We’re checking in with our awesome staff to learn more about how new themes and camp formats find their way into the summer lineup. From age 3 up to 18, we work to create unique and wonderful theatre experiences for every interested camper. Let’s hear what the Education team has to share about their process:
Each year during the summer, we ask students what they most enjoyed about summer camp and which themes they would be most interested in. Once this information is collected, the process begins with the Education team: looking at themes from the previous year and discussing which ones were successful and fun. Then, we look at current themes, popular new movies, and ideas that resonate with younger actors; it’s like putting a fun puzzle together.
For example, a popular theme that stood out this past summer was the Disney movie The Descendants. Collectively we thought a week that explores fun villains, exaggerated characters, and famous cartoons might be exciting and theatrical, so we created a new Scenes for Tweens theme: Villains and Their Descendants. There is always something very fun and thrilling playing the villainous character. “Mwahaha!”
We next asked the question, “Are there any gaps or places for new programming?” We thought the genre of musical theatre and Broadway for our younger actors might be a place to add new programs. So we have added two new weeks at It’s Elementary called Broadway Kids (we have a week for Disney and one for classics)! The focus will be on singing, dancing, and acting.
Our seasoned actors (ages 11-15) have a new two-week program called Spotlight Showcase. We wanted to offer a musical theatre experience for those in this age group who wanted a shorter timeframe than our Stage Door/Tech Camp production offers. These weeks will be filled with Broadway belts and jazz hands that will remind our parents and friends that there is “no business-like show business.”
Finally, our goal is to ensure that each student is having fun while learning new skills. We offer a good mix of gameplay, music, movement, and crafts within the various camps. The Education Department sends a heartfelt “Thank you!” to all of our families for choosing Encore as your summer camp destination.
From musical theatre to Shakespeare, stage combat to comedy, and everything in between, Encore Stage & Studio has a summer camp experience for every student. Early Bird pricing ends February 1st, so act now to lock in your best price and snag a spot in your favorite camps today!
Blog contribution by Encore’s Education Department.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Top 20 Posts to Prep for 2020
Welcome back to The Front Row, Encore fans! I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. The Encore offices remain closed until January 2nd, 2020, but I wanted to drop in to remind you all of some of the wonderful goings-on that were featured on the blog this year. Grab a mug of cocoa and enjoy this look back at some of the highlights of 2019:
January
1) 7 Terrific Reasons to Come to Tech Camp This Summer
I love featuring aspects of Encore’s programming that may not always find the spotlight. This look at Encore’s summer Tech Camps is timely once again, as registration for Summer 2020 opens on December 30th!
February
2) 7 Reasons to Make Headlines in Newsies
I personally love the summer production, having participated as an actor these past three summers. This blog feature was particularly fun because I got to dive into some of the history of the real-life newies. Keep an eye out for more summer-related content in the new year and mark your calendars for West Side Story auditions on May 11th & 12nd, 2020.
3) Turning the Tables: Isabel and Rebecca
It’s always fantastic when members of our staff have the opportunity to directly share their experiences with students. As the blog editor, I love to learn more about both our participants and our awesome staff. Check this one out if you’re interested in learning more about Rebecca and the field of production management!
Mean Girls Day, 2019
March
4) Encore’s Real-life Superheroes
I have the great fortune to work alongside and learn from a whole team of theatre professionals that make coming to work each day a blast. If you missed this post when it first went up on the blog, definitely check it out to gain some wisdom in the new year! Searching for your next endeavor? Join our team!
April
5) Thank You from Executive Director Sara Duke
Spring of 2019 was full of some serious questions for Encore and the rest of the Arlington arts community. Proposed budget cuts threatened many of the resources that we depend upon to produce the shows that we love so much. Luckily, our community rallied together to make the #ARLSaveOurStage movement a success. Thank you again!
6) 7 Sunny Highlights from 2019’s Benefit Breakfast
The Benefit Breakfast is always a greatly anticipated event for those of us working in the Encore offices. There’s a buzz of excitement leading up to the event every year. It’s a joy to spend time with our Encore family, hear from volunteers, and view excellent performances from our talented participants.
7) #TechTuesday with Scenes for Tween’s Seth Rosenke
Our students love to work with Mr. Seth, so I was happy to have him on The Front Row for an interview. As the Camp Director for Scenes for Tweens (ages 8-12), Seth oversees week after week of amazing summer programming. Check out his interview while you bide time before registration for Summer 2020 opens on December 30th!
May
8) The Parents Speak: Encore Education
We love receiving feedback! The only thing we love more is probably sharing positive feedback with all of you, our followers. We are proud to brag on our talented participants, engaged teaching artists, and professional staff any day.
9) A Pre-K Q&A w/ Madaline Langston
In 2019 we debuted a brand-new summer camp program, created especially with young learners in mind. We’re pumped to bring back our camp for Ages 3-5 this summer as well, so registered on December 30th to join us!
June
10) Encore Named #OneOfTheBest by Catalogue for Philanthrophy
It was (and continues to be) a true honor to be included in the 2019/2020 Catalogue for Philanthropy under such a prestigious designation. We’re grateful for all of the support, resources, and advocacy that the Catalogue continues to provide to non-profits such as Encore Stage & Studio year in and year out.
11) 5 Life Skills Children Cultivate in the Performing Arts
As a product of arts education myself, I always relish the opportunity to showcase the benefits that spending time and around the arts can have for young people (and adults as well!).
July
12) “An Exercise in Courage” with Emma Kiely-Hampson
Here’s a glimpse behind the curtain for you blog readers: Emma and I are best friends from college, so I was thrilled when she finally came out to audition for an Encore show after supporting me from the audience for the last few years. I loved her insight into the rehearsal and audition processes and was thrilled to share my sweet friend’s interview with all of you!
13) From the Cast: A Newsies Rehearsal Update
The passion and enthusiasm of the Newsies cast this summer was utterly infectious and perfect for sharing. I love when we’re able to draw back the curtain and share some of the behind-the-scenes elements of a production, and the summer show is just perfect for doing so.
August
14) The Parents Speak: #EncoreSummer
The Encore community had an amazing summer in 2019! Not only did we debut two brand-new camp programs to serve additional age groups, but we also mentored dozens of camp aides and interns, produced several camp productions, and shared the magic of theatre with hundreds of young people. Let’s get ready to do it all again!
September
15) Delving Deeper with Patrick McGee
After witnessing his excellent work in both the classroom and rehearsal space, we were thrilled to welcome Mr. Patrick McGee to Encore’s full-time staff. I personally appreciate his teaching mentality and outlook; it was a pleasure to share his interview with Encore readers.
October
16) Audition Advice Round-Up
As an editor, I aim to make The Front Row blog a resource for students, parents, teachers, and beyond. Auditions can be stressful for even more experienced performers (guilty!), so I wanted to share the wealth of advice we’ve accumulated over the years to share with all of you!
November
17) Season of Giving Resource Guide
One of my favorite parts of working in Marketing is getting to assist and facilitate projects in all other departments of the organization. I’m personally proud of this guide, as it can act as a quick and easy resource during this busy season for Development.
18) Capturing Magic with Cindy Kane
Cindy’s photographs have honestly been such a meaningful and significant contribution to Encore’s marketing efforts. It was wonderful to sit down with her and learn more about her process. A definite must-read!
19) An Attitude of Gratitude
It’s always super enjoyable to check in with our staff and hear from them, especially during the happiness of the holiday season!
Photo by Anne Canon Photography
December
20) Alumni Friendship Going Strong: “A Decade and Counting”
We love hearing from our Encore alums and finding out what they’re up to. This month brought us a special BFF double dose of Encore friendship. Heart-warming enough to get you through even the coldest winter day.
Thank you for another wonderful year here on The Front Row blog. I’m excited to share the classes, camps, productions, and more that await us in the next decade!
P.S. Be sure to join us on Monday, December 30th, 2019 for the opening of Summer Camp Registration!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Board President’s 2019 Holiday Update
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans. First things first: Have you purchased your tickets to CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators yet? Remaining ticket supplies are limited, so do that now! I’ll wait…all taken care of? Great! Please enjoy this holiday message from Encore’s Board President, Carole Russo:
Thank you.
I simply can’t say thank you enough to the audience members, parents, actors, technical students, campers, auditionees, donors, partners, advertisers, staff, educators, and board members that make Encore what it is today. Each of you has made 2019 a magical homecoming success and we couldn’t do it without you.
The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more dancers or artists. [It’s] to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives. — Kelly Pollock, Center for Creative Arts in St. Louis
Former Board President Jerry Gidner presents check to launch The Theatre For All! Fund.
Some of you may wonder what exactly the board of directors does—even our board members themselves! We took some time at the start of the 2019/2020 season to get to know each other better as we’re from all across the region. We had some in-depth discussions on fundraising and also played some theatre games!
Following the recommendations of our volunteer consultants at Compass (compassprobono.org), the board is actually meeting formally less as a full board, and actually getting more done. That’s because we are dividing and conquering in committees. Soon you’ll see the new Strategic Plan, an analysis of where our programs are held, as well as a balanced checkbook.
All of this volunteer board work is in support of Encore’s accomplishments this season including a triumphant return to Thomas Jefferson, sold-out shows, our volunteer ambassadors, and our artistic achievements such as presenting Flip The Script with a grant from the Virginia Humanities Council.
Wondering how you might be able to be a bigger part of this awesome organization? Think about joining the board of directors and let me know of your curiosity (carolerusso@yahoo.com). The time you invest in being a board member will be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve ever had.
Thank you again.
– Carole Banks Russo
Looking to support Encore in other wonderful ways? Check out our 2019 Season of Giving Resource Guide to learn more about all the simple ways you can make a difference for “Theatre by kids, for kids” in your community.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Carole Banks Russo. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Alumni Friendship Going Strong: “A Decade and Counting”
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! We’ve got a special treat for you today. Two of our awesome Encore alums reconnected with us to chat about favorite show memories, lasting friendships, and the power of theatre. Please welcome Lauren Monsivaiz and Olivia Hammermaster!
This was taken the night after Robin Hood’s opening night performance! We had SUCH an adrenaline rush and performance high that we were loud and giggly late into the night. This is one of our favorite pictures together!
How did you meet?
Our families moved into a new neighborhood at the same time. As the only kids above the age of six, our parents wanted us to meet! Our families went out for pizza one night and we’ve been hanging out ever since…even though we were two grades apart, we became fast friends and went on countless adventures together; whether it was to the small church up the road or (when we could drive) all the way to our favorite shake place, Z Burger.
This is from Aladdin! We have such fond memories from this show!!!
What Encore shows were you involved in together?
We started our Encore journey together in the Robin Hood cast. Since then, we were in The Magical Lamp of Aladdin, The Hobbit, Big Bad, and Legally Blonde; mostly in the cast and sometimes in the crew. We also participated in Show Choir together!
Show Choir!!! This is one of my (Lauren’s) personal favorite Encore experiences. I love being able to combine acting, dancing, and singing… plus good friends!!
What’s your favorite Encore memory together?
We both moved around a lot growing up and didn’t always feel like we had roots or stability in our lives. During Robin Hood, we got so close with our castmates that it instantly felt like home. There are so many pictures of us sprawled onstage with some of our close friends, talking and laughing and just feeling like we found a place we belonged. It’s hard to describe, but some of our favorite memories come from these moments between shows. Since we were neighbors, we also carpooled to and from rehearsals and shows! This sometimes included other friends, but we spent so much of that time talking about anything and everything, while still belting it out to show tunes…our moms really appreciated every mini car performance, I’m sure.
From Robin Hood rehearsal! We were all such great pals instantly.
Post-Encore and undergrad life, where are you now and what are you up to? What are you currently working on these days?
Lauren: After graduating with a degree in Theatre Arts and English at Texas A&M, I worked at Walt Disney World on their college program for a semester. I got to be a character attendant based in the Magic Kingdom and it was such an amazing opportunity; I learned so much about myself, the company, and the beloved characters I grew up watching. Then I got engaged! I moved back to the Houston area and worked as a substitute teacher for a bit, and now I’m a fulltime nanny (and wife!). I hope to one day become involved in the children’s community theatre in my area- that will always be a huge passion of mine, and hopefully one day I can impact kids and teens the way Encore influenced me!
Olivia: I attended Florida State University and graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and English with a focus in creative writing. I then moved to the Seattle area and am currently working in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric facility. I’m thinking about going back to school for a master’s degree, but I don’t know what for just yet. I’m also pursuing writing and have hopes to be a published author someday!
This is right after Trevor and I (Lauren) walked back down the aisle, officially man and wife!!!
Congratulations to Lauren on your marriage Lauren, what was Olivia’s role in the wedding party and how did it feel to have your friends there by your side? Olivia, how was it like to be there for your friend on her big day?
Lauren: Thank you!! Liv got to be my maid of honor, which was so wonderful and exciting. Even though she had no experience being in a wedding party before, she took it in full stride and was beyond helpful, fun, and encouraging. Out of all the girls there besides my sisters, Olivia was my oldest friend. That was so special to me because I grew up moving (and changing friends) every couple of years. Olivia and I managed to stay friends for over a decade and counting, and best friends at that! She’s always been the kind of friend that supports and loves you unconditionally, but still keeps you grounded and humble. I love that about her.
Olivia: It was a wild ride! None of my other close friends are married yet, so it was really beautiful (and emotional) for my first friend getting married to be my best. I used Lauren’s wedding as an excuse to avoid school. It’s a little ridiculous how often I was on Pinterest during class…! I was so honored that Lauren asked me to be her maid of honor and I wanted to really dive into it and do everything I could to give Lauren her fairytale wedding.
We’re also close with Ana McMenamin, another former Encore participant.
Ana, Lauren, and Olivia! We all did Encore together and stayed good friends!!
Other than your amazing friendship, how has theatre and Encore impacted you today?
Lauren: Encore had a huge influence on my confidence. I was also involved with the theatre and choir programs at my school, but that truly doesn’t compare with the constant growth and education I received at Encore. All of our directors were wonderful, but some who truly stood out to both Olivia and I are Susan Keady, Doug Ullman Jr, and Kelsey Meiklejohn (now Bowen!). They are some of the many adults who inspired me. I learned an insane amount from each of them, skills and knowledge I still use to this day. From stage presence and projecting, to learning how to stand still and communicate with more than just words.
Oliva: I owe so much to Encore. I was in a pretty dark place when I was involved in this theatre and it was my saving grace. It gave me confidence, a network of friends and mentors, and something to look forward to. As Lauren said, I learned so much from Susan Keady and others that I worked with over the years. And I’m really good at public speaking now!
This is kind of random I suppose, but it’s a great indicator of our friendship! We were constantly baking or cooking yummy treats at each other’s houses, it’s one of the many ways we bonded and grew closer! Also a great excuse to stuff ourselves with sugar!
What do you enjoy doing together and how do you both keep in touch?
We text constantly and find ways to keep each other up to date. For example, since we live in different time zones and have busy schedules, one thing we’ve learned that works is sending each other voice messages. We don’t always have time to call, so we leave long audio recordings for the other to listen to and then respond with another. We FaceTimed to answer these questions together! We also definitely utilize Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram when it comes to random moments, funny memes, or old memories that pop up! We both have TimeHop installed, so we often send each other embarrassing moments from many years ago!
This is also a favorite picture of ours, it’s from our time in The Hobbit!
Many huge thanks to Olivia and Lauren for sharing your wonderful friendship story with us! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and the best of luck in all your future endeavors. We can’t wait to have you back on The Front Row and hear all about it!
CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators runs December 6-15, 2019 at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography.
Encore is where friendships are born. In the green room as a cast member, in the booth as a member of the crew, in skits as a front of house team, and…in the audience:
– Encore alums, get the band back together and join us for an Alumni night at our latest production, CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators, which opens tonight!
– New to Encore? What better way to bond than a group trip to the theatre! With a group of 10 or more patrons, you’ll access our group rate of just $9 per ticket.
It’s no mystery: CSI is going to be a blast for everyone. We can’t wait to see your reunions and new memories, all at one show (be sure to tag us – @encorearlington)!
Wedding photos by Anne Canon Photography (@annecanon on Instagram). Additional photos contributed by the Monsivaiz family. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan Christian. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
#GivingTuesday 2019: Your Time to Shine
Today is the day: Giving Tuesday is HERE!
We’ve been so excited to share this with you, and now it’s your time to shine. Please share the magic of Encore and help our community thrive.
Why Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving back. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, people around the world will come together to celebrate generosity and make an impact. Encore is honored to participate in Giving Tuesday, an annual global fundraising event held by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. Encore would like to be one of the most supported community organizations in our area, with your help!
How You Can Support Encore This #GivingTuesday
1. Visit Encore’s team page and donate to our overall goal of $1,967 (in honor of our founding year).
2. Check out the blog updates on our fundraisers’ pages and consider supporting their individual goals.
3. Consider increasing your impact by donating during one of the Catalogue’s Power Hours: 3-4 PM or 8-9 PM. Organizations with the most donors during these hours are eligible for additional prizes from the Catalogue!
4. Share Encore’s page with your family and friends via social media, text, email, carrier pigeon – whatever way you can!
Our Giving Tuesday campaign ends at 11:59 PM today, December 3rd, 2019. Take your chance to step into the spotlight and shine like an Encore star.
You are a part of what has made “Theatre by kids, for kids” an essential and special part of our community for over 50 years; donate today to help us dream and plan for 50 more!
The clock is ticking to make an impact and show your love of theatre.
We appreciate all your support!
Sincerely,
Ge Gloria Dong
Giving Tuesday Captain, 2019/2020 Marketing Apprentice
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution Ge Gloria Dong. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Capturing Magic with Cindy Kane
This #TechTuesday, we are delighted to step behind the scenes to interview someone who helps create the face of Encore as you know it: photographer Cindy Kane. Her beautiful images brighten up our website, the season brochure, and, of course, The Front Row blog! Let’s learn more about her process and some of her top Encore memories.
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved in/with the arts in the past? How have you come to be involved with Encore?
Cindy: Hi, I’m Cindy and I’m a lifestyle photographer and storyteller. I’ve been on the stage since I was little and have performed in straight plays and musicals, written one-acts and screenplays, and performed in storytelling shows with Story District. Last fall, I was welcomed into the Encore family when my daughter was cast in Ghostchasers and I’ve been photographing the shows here ever since.
Encore: How did you develop an interest in photography?
Cindy: I was given my first camera around the same time that I started writing and performing, so photography has always been another way of telling stories. I love capturing families and children in their elements, when they’re having fun and unafraid of being themselves in front of the camera. That’s also why I love photographing performers. People really come alive when they’re doing what they love.
Encore: What’s your favorite part of photographing theatrical productions? Are there any challenges?
Cindy: My very favorite part is weaving in and out of the scenes, and trying to capture not just what the audience sees, but what the actors see and feel as well.
The biggest challenge is always the lighting. Sometimes two people can be standing next to each other, and one is in shadow and the other is washed out. Or colored lights which look fantastic during the show can change skin tones in photographs. In Robin Hood, for example, no matter how many hours I spent trying to even out the green lighting of Sherwood Forest, some of the actors were still splotched with green.
Encore: You always capture such spectacular moments in the scenes. How do you know how/when to get the shot?
Cindy: That’s so nice of you to say – thank you! Honestly, I have no idea when to get specific shots because when I’m photographing a dress rehearsal it’s also the first time I’m seeing the show. I just keep one eye on the lights and try to get as many different perspectives as possible…and I take hundreds (and hundreds) of shots!
Encore: What’s been the most magical moment you’ve captured in a stage production?
Cindy: This shot from Newsies was definitely the most magical for me. I’d been wandering around the set trying to see if I could frame the lights into the shot and as I focused on Jack, he shot his arm up in the air. I was really excited.
Encore: What’s your favorite photograph you’ve taken for Encore?
Cindy: It’s hard to narrow it down when there are so many dynamic actors and beautiful sets, but a few of my favorites are included in this post!
Encore: What prompted you to volunteer your skills at/for Encore?
Cindy: I initially volunteered to photograph for Ghostchasers! because my daughter was in the show, but I’ve continued to volunteer because I’ve been so impressed with Encore – with who they are, and what they offer kids. I’ve been involved with theatre — in one form or another — for most of my life and I’ve never (ever) seen a group of kids so focused and attentive and dedicated. You can tell they feel supported and encouraged by their directors. They’re all excited to be there, which makes me excited to be there, too.
During my first parent meeting, I almost didn’t volunteer because they never mentioned needing a photographer. But I reached out anyway, and it turned out that the photographer who’d worked with them for the past 20+ years had retired after the last show. You just never know when there’s a need you can fill.
Encore: Which production in the 2019/2020 Homecoming Season are you most looking forward to photographing and why?
Cindy: I’m excited about the entire season because most of the shows are new to me, but I have to say that after experiencing the summer production of Newsies, I’m really excited for West Side Story.
Many thanks to Cindy for taking the time out of her busy holiday schedule to share with us here on The Front Row. Her generous contribution is a beautiful example of one of the many ways you can give back to Encore this season (or any time of year!). If you have a talent to share, we would love to help you find a way to use it in support of “Theatre by kids, for kids.” Please shoot us an email at info@encorestage.org and we’ll get the ball rolling. We can’t wait!
Interested in supporting Encore through a more traditional avenue? Please join us one week from today for 2019’s Giving Tuesday campaign. Donate right on the team page, support a specific student or staff member, or even create a fundraising page of your own!
An Attitude of Gratitude
Happy #FrontRowFriday, everyone! Next week, many of you will go around the table and share what you are thankful for this year. Since we will all be celebrating with our own families over Thanksgiving, our Encore family took some time during yesterday’s staff meeting to reflect on the past year and all the joys it has brought us as individuals, as a staff, and as an organization:
Sara S. Duke, Executive Director: I’m deeply grateful for our outstanding staff! Each person on our team brings a unique perspective to our mission and shares their talents with our students, families, volunteers, and Board members. Thank you to our production team for their amazing work this season (did you see Frozen?!), our dedicated teaching artists who inspire students each and every day of the week, and our office staff that keep Encore running smoothly.
Photo by Clarence Chan
Aileen Pangan Christian, Director of Marketing & Design:
This is my ninth season at Encore so here are 9 things I am grateful for at Encore:
1 – Being in an environment where I’m constantly building my knowledge of the arts
2 – Seeing the growth of our Encore students as they take on their latest character/leadership role
3 – Being a part of the growth of our organization and community as a whole
4 – To be part of an organization where kindness is valued
5 – A workplace that encourages creativity and innovation
6 – An executive director who says to our team daily, “Thank you for all your hard work today!”
7 – Colleagues who constantly say “I appreciate you!”
8 – The friendships! Friendships with the AMAZING parents, alumni, and staff; a friend from Encore has become one of my very closest friends that she was my bridesmaid on my wedding day last year!
9 – For the opportunity to work and live out my passion of sharing the arts
Patrick McGee, Education Programs Manager: I am grateful for a work environment that supports my new ideas, while also cultivating my artistry along with my passion for training the next generation of theatre lovers.
Kelley O’Dell, Development Officer: I’m grateful for the harmonies, humor, and hygge that Frozen Jr. brought to the stage and to my family this year! I’m also grateful to join the Encore staff– what an opportunity to devote time and energy to increasing support for this vital community organization.
Rebecca Pfeil, Production Manager: One of my favorite moments of 2019 was attending the high school graduation party for one of the students that I’ve worked with since she was 12. It’s a true privilege to get to work with students as they grow into themselves. She asked me to write her college recommendation letter and be an advisor on her senior project. When she was deciding between her top two schools, she even came into the office to get advice from the staff here at Encore. Being reminded of the impact we have on our students who grow up with Encore is one of my favorite things about working here.
Encore Halloween, 2019
Jordan Wells, 2019/2020 Education Apprentice: My Encore-related gratitude is that I’m thankful to work with people who are so passionate about what they do.
Shannon McCarthy, Registrar & Marketing Associate: I’m thankful for the chance to collaborate with such wonderful coworkers. It was especially cool to bring together my two worlds during this summer’s production of Disney’s Newsies when I got to share the stage with my best friend, with whom I haven’t acted since 2014. I was so happy that she got to know the awesome people I work with and become part of the Encore family as well!
Mean Girls Day, 2019
Ge Gloria Dong, 2019/2020 Marketing Apprentice: I’m grateful for all of the opportunities I have to learn and be involved in the marketing, education, and production worlds with Encore. And I’m also thankful for gaining more confidence in what I’m doing and helping me find out what I want to do!
Kyla McLaughlin, 2019/2020 Production Apprentice: This year, I’m thankful for all the amazing young performers I get to meet and work with every day.
Susan A. Keady, Artistic Director: I’m grateful that Encore got to go home to TJ this season and, to top it off, that we opened with the highest-grossing show in Encore’s 50+ year history: Disney’s Frozen Jr!
Madaline Langston, Education Programs Director: There are so many things to be grateful for this year. I am grateful for the Education staff and independent teaching artists for all of their hard work, energy, and willingness to add support wherever needed in Encore. I am also thankful for all that participated in Encore’s newest program, Flip the Script. This program was a labor of love for many. Thank you to all that helped to launch Flip the Script, and a special thanks for all that sacrificed most of their summer to help co-create this work and those who joined later to share in the celebration of the telling of this Arlington story.
A.K. Nell, Education Associate: I’m grateful to be directing Encore’s holiday show this season, CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators. The cast and I are having an awesome time developing their characters and making creative choices. I think it’ll be a wonderful way for the Encore family to celebrate the season!
Our staff has so much for which to be thankful, all thanks to the students, actors, parents, families, volunteers, and donors like YOU that support us in our many endeavors. As a member of the Encore family, please consider joining our team to fundraise this Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019, and facilitate another amazing year of “Theatre by kids, for kids.”
Blog contributions edited by Shannon McCarthy.
What to Expect: Your Best Audition
Surprise! We’ve got a special Monday post today to give all of you a sneak peek into one of our brand-new Late Fall classes. In this installment of the What to Expect series, we’ll hear from Education Programs Manager and Teaching Artist, Patrick McGee. Read on to learn more about our new class for Grades 6-12: Your Best Audition!
Auditions?! When you hear this word, do the butterflies start to form in the pit of your stomach? Do your palms become sweaty? This happens to me all the time during the audition process, but here’s the reality: auditioning is a huge part of the acting life. What do you wear? What should you prepare?
In Encore’s new class for grades 6-12, Your Best Audition, we will explore all the various aspects of the audition process. You will leave with the necessary tools to calm those nerves. Whether you are an acting professional or new to the world of auditions, it takes time to build the skills that lead to a successful audition. We will start at the very beginning by examining walking into the room with confidence and making positive impressions on the directing and casting team.
Each actor will have the chance to work on building confidence in the various methods that directors like to use when auditioning actors. These exercises will include cold reading, physical movement, scene work, improvisation, and short monologues.
In the later weeks, we will explore how the callback works and what makes an actor stand out to a director. The class will be exciting and special because it will be tailored to the needs of the actors in the class. Actors are encouraged to bring in their own materials for upcoming auditions at school or in the community. However, it is not a requirement as there will be plenty of audition materials provided. If you are looking to stand out of the auditioning crowd, calm those audition nerves, and build the tools to grab attention in the first minute of your auditions, this is the class for you!
Photos by Connie Polnow, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Patrick McGee.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.