Season of Giving Resource Guide
By whichever metric you use (the Starbucks holiday menu, the passing of Halloween, etc.), the holiday season is officially upon us. For many of us, these coming months will be a whirlwind of festivities, delicious food, and, most importantly, special times with family and friends. For me, an additional joy can be found in taking a moment to pause and reflect on the organizations that have impacted me and my journey. If you also prioritize charitable giving here at the end of the calendar year, we hope you will consider Encore as a new home for your donation. I’ve created a handy guide for all the ways you can contribute to “Theatre by kids, for kids” this holiday season, some of which may surprise you!
1) Take Encore to Dinner
Join us at 4520 Lee Highway in Arlington on Tuesday, November 12th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for our 2019 Chipotle fundraiser! Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds of your purchase will be donated to Encore Stage & Studio. You’ll feel great, heading to rehearsal with a stomach full of delicious food and a heart full of love for “Theatre by kids, for kids.”
2) Give Us a Ride
If you have a vehicle or used electronics that you’d like taken off your hands, CauseNetwork will accept your donations and benefit Encore along the way. CauseNetwork will handle the pick-up, evaluation, and resale of your items, donating any profits back to Encore. You get to head into the holidays with a nice clean home (or driveway), knowing that you’ve helped spread the magic of theatre to new children through Encore’s numerous classes, camps, and outreach programs.
3) Put a Smile On Our Faces
For the early birds that are aiming to get their holiday shopping completed this month, be sure to shop through Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice – Encore Stage & Studio, of course! Get those holiday deals and maybe even a little something extra from Encore’s Amazon wishlist…
4) CF-See If Your Employer Will Join You
The Combined Federal Campaign is a wonderful way to encourage charitable giving in the workplace. “The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.” Encourage your coworkers and community members to explore Encore’s wealth of programming to make holiday memories and find their best fit.
5) Join the Encore Family
We are always happy to welcome new students, participants, families, and volunteers. Do you have a specialized skill that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about it! Please email info@encorestage.org to share about your talent/skillset and we’ll be in touch. In the past, family members have donated photography, sound design, delicious treats, and more!
6) Take a Trip to the Theatre
Did you know that you can donate to Encore when you purchase tickets? When purchasing online, you can opt for a ticket add-on donation of any amount of your choosing. It’s quick, easy, and paired with a wonderful theatre experience for you and your whole family.
7) Join the Movement
Every year, thousands of people from over 150 countries come together to honor their favorite non-profit organizations during the rush and hustle of the holiday season. Giving Tuesday is a fantastic way to share your love of “Theatre by kids, for kids” with your family, friends, and local community. This year, as one of 2019’s #OneOfTheBest non-profits, Encore will be participating in Giving Tuesday through the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington.
This year’s platform puts the power of fundraising in your hands. As a member of our family, you can start a fundraiser on Encore’s behalf through GiveLikeALocal. Create a page, join our team, set a fundraising goal, then tell your story! Share why Encore is important to you, your favorite memories, the impact of participating in theatre has had on your life, and more. This is your chance to share your Encore story. We can’t wait to hear all that you have to say, so mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Meet Education Apprentice Jordan Wells
This #FrontRowFriday, the welcome wagon is back for another round here at Encore. You’ve met two of our new apprentices, Gloria and Kyla, so now it’s time to chat with Jordan Wells who’s joining Encore’s team as the 2019/2020 Education Apprentice.
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your experience with theatre and/or education/youth activities?
Jordan: I’ve been involved in theatre since I was 6 years old. I’ve performed in a variety of plays, including Measure for Measure, The Diviners, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, in addition to doing technical work on several productions while pursuing my undergraduate degree in Production Studies in Performing Arts from Clemson University. I’ve also been a workshop presenter at the South Carolina Theatre Association’s annual conference, a guest lecturer, and I completed a 10-week education internship with Lexington Children’s Theatre in Lexington, KY this past summer.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime with The Clemson Players. Costumes by Katie Carrillo, Lights by Tony Penna, Photo by Breanna Strife.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Jordan: The most memorable theatre experience I’ve had was assistant directing Godspell at Clemson. This was the experience that led to my deciding to pursue a career in theatre education.
Encore: What led you to apply for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Jordan: I really liked that Encore wanted to help young people develop an appreciation for all elements of theatre, not just performing. I applied because I wanted to work for a company with a mission statement that was compatible with my own.
Circle Mirror Transformation at Clemson University. Photo by Breanna Strife.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Jordan: I’m most excited to experience the wide variety of class structures that Encore offers students because they allow community enrichment to happen in so many ways.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season and why?
Jordan: I’m most looking forward to Narnia this season. I loved the movies and the books as a kid, and I’m excited to see it onstage for the first time.
he Revolutionists with The Clemson Players. Costumes by Kendra Johnson, Lights by Tony Penna, Photo by Breanna Strife.
Encore: If you had to describe yourself in 5 words or short phrases, what would they be?
Jordan: Honest, Dedicated, Passionate, Genuine, and Reliable.
You can expect to meet Jordan during our theatre education classes, teaching after-school enrichment, and assisting with our Scout Workshops this season. Early Fall Saturday classes begin next week, so there’s still time to sign up and join Miss Jordan!
A Q&A with Kyla McLaughlin
With the turning of the seasons comes a new team of fresh faces here at Encore. On this #TechTuesday, we’re elated to introduce Kyla McLaughlin, Encore’s newest Production Apprentice. Read on to learn more about her experiences in the arts, her favorite theatre experience, and more.
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or education/youth activities?
Kyla: I recently graduated from James Madison University with a degree in English and Theatre, concentrating in Theatre Studies. I’ve been teaching summer camps with young actors for several years in between studying directing, theory/criticism, and writing. A lot of my work at school focused on developing, producing, and directing new plays originally written and conceived by other students.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Kyla: I had the opportunity to direct a production of Jen Silverman’s The Moors during my senior year at JMU. The play combines the literary legacy of Victorian women novelists with a modern theatrical and social perspectives that were really exciting to explore with the cast. I had an amazing opportunity to combine and share my loves of literature and theatre.
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Kyla: I was excited by the opportunities at Encore to work with many different departments in many capacities supporting young people’s access to the arts in their communities. Encore’s dedication to providing high quality arts and artistic education to so many students, their families, and community members struck me as an excellent way to be involved in the arts of DC.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Kyla: I’m excited to continue to support the high caliber of art created at Encore by students of all ages and to help them discover the kinds of art they’d like to make.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season and why?
Kyla: West Side Story has been one of my favorite musicals since I was little. I’m looking forward to getting the music stuck in my head!
Encore: If you had to describe yourself in 5 words or short phrases, what would they be?
Kyla: Writer, curious, book nerd, idealist, excited
You can keep an eye out for Kyla during auditions, in the shop, and during productions this season. We’re thrilled to have her experience, creativity, and sense of humor as a part of our staff this year. Want the chance to work with us? Check out our Opportunities page and see if there’s a spot on our team waiting for you.
Delving Deeper with Patrick McGee
A very cheerful #TechTuesday to all of you Encore fans out there. This fall, we’re welcoming many new faces to the office and teaching teams; you’ve already met the lovely Gloria, our Marketing Apprentice, but stay tuned for even more introductions coming up this month. Today, however, we sit down with a familiar friendly face: Patrick McGee!
Photo by Claire Buffie
Encore: Please (re)introduce yourself!
Patrick: I started working with Encore as a teaching artist in August 2018, having just moved to the Northern Virginia area. Previously, I spent 12 years working as a professional actor and teaching artist in New York City. In New York, I worked as an actor in a variety of mediums (musicals, new plays, readings, television/commercials, and independent films), but I was always inspired by my work as a teaching artist. My favorite teaching project was the “I am an Islander” project, which was connected with the Broadway musical Come From Away. I helped students to examine interviews to create an original art piece based on the information that they gathered.
Encore: What does your new position at Encore entail?
Patrick: I am very excited to be stepping into my new role as Education Programs Manager, because it allows me to still inspire actors in the classroom, while allowing me to highlight and bring a spotlight to the theatre education that happens at Encore. In this position, I will help to expand classes and programming for our slightly older actors in grades 6-12. I am excited to discover and create a series of classes that older actors can really delve deeper into, developing their tools and create more meaningful work in a studio-style classroom approach.
Encore: What are you most excited about?
Patrick: I am very excited to be teaching a Shakespeare class this fall on Monday evenings. This class will explore the language in a fun and active approach through the creepy and eerie in Shakespeare’s plays. I am also excited to find ways to help support teaching artists through resources and professional development. Having spent 13 years as a teaching artist, some days can be isolating and challenging. I want to develop opportunities and resources that help teaching artists create curriculum that inspires not only their students but also their own artistry.
Encore: What’s been your favorite Encore moment/memory so far?
Patrick: This past summer, I had the opportunity to direct Willy Wonka Jr. at Stage Door. It was inspiring to watch the hard work of all the actors [to put together a show] in just three short weeks, but it was also seemed like everyone had a lot of fun, including myself.
The Glass Menagerie, The Old Creamery Theatre Company. Photo by Jonesy McElroy.
Encore: Could you share a bit about the most [unique/intense/choose-your-own-adjective] theatre experience you’ve had in your life so far?
Patrick: One of the most rewarding productions I had the opportunity to be a part of was The Glass Menagerie in Iowa. We performed in a tiny black box where the audience was five feet away from you. I performed the role of the Gentleman Caller and the whole second act the audience was completed invested in the world of the play. You could hear a pin drop. When my character revealed he was going steady with another girl, these two women in the front row just gasped. It was just a beautiful moment to show how theatre is like no other art form.
Encore: Why do you think the arts are important to young people?
Patrick: The arts are important, because they teach children to problem solve and celebrate multiple perspectives. I think both of these skills are very important in today’s world.
Encore: On a lighter note, if you were a breakfast food, which would you be and why?
Patrick: I would be a Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast, because I think it completely describes me and my work. 😊
Encore: Which show from Encore’s 2019/2020 season are you most looking forward to and why?
Patrick: I’m looking forward to Narnia, because I grew up reading those books and love musicals.
From left to right: Aslan (Sean Hackes), Lucy Pevensie (Isabel Tate), Peter Pevensie (Richard Bew), and Susan Pevensie (Lauren Monsivaiz).
Thanks for sharing a bit of what’s coming up this season, Patrick! If you’d like to connect and learn more from Mr. Patrick, check out some of his upcoming classes this season:
Supernatural Shakespeare
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.” Love Shakespeare’s ghosts and witches? Things that go bump in the night? Mysterious apparitions? This is the class for you. This fall, we will delve in to the supernatural plays of Shakespeare. We’ll tackle the language of the Bard with easy to understand methods while exploring the eerie and fascinating characters within his plays. Join us…if you dare.
Grades 6-8
Mondays, September 23-November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $110
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Acting Motivation, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Just 8 spots left!
Tragedy vs. Comedy
Shakespeare’s plays are among the best-known works of literature in the world, and Encore wants to give you a chance to get in on the classical action! Get up close and personal with Shakespeare’s characters and themes as you work to bring classic texts to life. Whether you’re portraying royalty or ruffians, a knight or an inn-keeper, you’re sure to uncover some remarkable scenes as you explore the emotional extremes of the Bard’s works.
Grades 6-8
Mondays, November 18 – December 16, 2019
Five Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $90
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Staging, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Just 9 spots left!
Your Best Audition
Learn techniques to help make your next audition a fun and relaxed breeze. You’ll learn how to find the auditions that are best for you, how to prepare audition materials, how to pack, and so much more. As we hope to move quickly beyond the basics, some previous experience with acting is recommended.
Grades 6-12
Mondays, November 18 – December 16, 2019
Five Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee: $115
Skills: Stage Presence, Acting Motivation, Professional Technique, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Grades 6-8: Just 7 spots left!
Grades 9-12: Just 5 spots left!
Click here to learn more about all of our fall classes, for ages 6 months up through age 18!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Larry McClemons.
Blog contribution by Patrick McGee. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
What to Expect: Early Childhood
Hello friends! My name is Ms. A and I’d like to personally invite you to come learn and play with me on Tuesday morning in Encore’s Early Childhood theatre classes!
When you first arrive, you can take off your shoes and put them in the shoe cubbies outside the classroom door. When you’re all ready, come inside and sit around our colorful mat on the floor!
I like to start each class with a good morning song and stretch. We might use scarves or batons to help us reach, and the colors are so fun! This way we can all get warmed up and ready for a great day!
To make class fun and exciting, I like to read interactive stories where you can touch an animals fuzzy tail or hear the sound of a train! I like to share my favorite sounds and movements and learn from the class what sounds and sights they enjoy.
It can be fun to create with our hands, so some days we might build a castle out of blocks or do an art project!
Do you like to sing and dance? Me too! I’ll teach you how to use rhythm sticks to tap out the rhythm to some of my favorite songs like “B-I-N-G-O” and “The Wheels on the Bus!”
When class is all finished, we’ll say “see you next time” to each other with a special Encore Goodbye song. I’ll even give you a sticker as a prize to say thank you for coming and spending your Tuesday with me! 🙂
You can sign up for class in advance on our website or in person with our Registrar when you arrive. We have monthly subscriptions and drop-in options available. I can’t wait to see you all on Tuesday mornings!
Early Childhood Classes for Ages 6 months – 2 years
Share, grow and learn with your child during this special time in their life! Encore’s parent/caregiver classes will promote your child’s development and provide exciting enrichment. Through creative play, movement and music your child will sharpen critical social and physical skills in a fun and imaginative environment.
Classes are held Tuesday mornings, 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Monthly registration preferred: $10 per class
Walk in rate: $15
Classes begin Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Note:
In special circumstances, siblings up to the age of 5 may be permitted to join class for the usual walk-in rate of $15.
Location: Encore’s Main Campus
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by A.K. Nell. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Sisterhood, Choreography, and Fun: Frozen Jr. Director Sarah Conrad
As temperatures begin to drop (ever so slowly), leaves start to turn, and pumpkin spice everything pop up in stores, you probably have autumn on the brain, friends. This #TechTuesday, however, we at Encore have something a little chillier on our minds…thoroughly Frozen to be precise. Today we’re pumped to chat with the queen of princess shows herself, director and choreographer, Sarah Conrad! As an Encore alumna of both the stage and the director’s chair, Sarah has lots of wonderful experience to draw upon as she tackles the first show of our 2019/2020 Homecoming Season, Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Encore: In your own words, please share a summary of Frozen Jr.
Sarah: Frozen Jr. is the story of two sisters who discover the meaning of love when Elsa’s ice powers get out of control and Anna comes to her rescue. There are fun songs and dance numbers for all of the characters in the show who interact with each other in different “seasons” as they progress from summer to winter back to summer. From Olaf, a talking snowman, to Sven, a sidekick reindeer, to the Oaken family in their Sauna, to the Hidden Folk who guide Kristoff’s way, to the townspeople who are always along for the ride, the show is filled with plenty of characters who work together to tell the story as Anna finds her sister and everyone makes it back to Arendelle.
Legally Blonde: The Musical, 2013
Encore: What has been your favorite moment directing the show?
Sarah: My favorite moment directing the show so far has been watching the cast members faces light up when we build levels into a song or dance or scene. Hearing them say, “Wow this dance (etc) is so fun!” makes my director heart smile. 🙂
A Little Princess, 2017
Encore: What is your creative process when you choreograph a number?
Sarah: When I choreograph a dance number, my creative process involves many pieces. I start by listening to the song a few times, closing my eyes to think of movements that I feel with the music. Then I go chunk by chunk, dancing out different ideas until I come up with the right moves for each section of music. Having a large number of people in some of the dances can be tricky, but I always enjoy figuring out ways to have them dance with partners and in formations! And as I tell my cast members, always write choreography in pencil, in case I decide to change something! Choreographing a dance number for a big group can be a challenge when it is all in my head, so having real people to work with helps bring my ideas to life and shows me places where we can adjust moves to work best with the whole group!
Snow White, 2016
Encore: What should the audience look forward to most?
Sarah: The audience can look forward to lots of fun dances and exciting magical moments (created through the wonderful technical side of the show) in addition to characters they will feel a connection with. There are a number of catchy songs so you’ll be sure to have Frozen music running through your head days after you see the show!
The Wizard of Oz, 2011
Encore: If you had to describe your cast in three words or phrases, what would they be?
Sarah: Energetic, eager, and happy to be a part of the show!
Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your creative process and this wonderfully fun show, Sarah! Join Sarah’s energetic and talented cast as they take the stage for a musical and magical adventure, this October!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Welcome to Marketing Apprentice Gloria!
Greetings and an energetic #FrontRowFriday to you all!
Today on the blog, we’re delighted to introduce one of Encore’s newest staff members: our 2019/2020 Marketing Apprentice, Ge Gloria Dong!
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or marketing?
Gloria: My background is in arts management. I have worked at In Series as an Art Administration Intern. I helped with selling tickets and providing customer service through ticketing software. I assisted with planning events and community outreach. As a Director of Dance Teaching Affairs at Beijing Dance Theater Training Center, I worked on social media marketing and education services.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Gloria: I was involved in a series of dance showings as an Administrative Intern at City Dance School & Conservatory. I enjoyed working with different age groups. I got to know how to communicate with younger [students] and seniors and how to put them together. It was overwhelming but exciting to get everybody ready to be on the stage. I’ve learned to handle intense works and fix last-minute issues. And I was so impressed by our dancers’ performance. I think everything is worthy when you see those little stars shining the stage!
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Gloria: I found it so incredible for young folks to start their careers. I will get a chance to work with different departments and learn to manage multiple tasks. The more approaches to your interests, the easier to merge your passions with your future path. That’s why I am so into Encore Stage & Studio’s apprenticeship program.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Gloria: I would expect to seek more opportunities to: Bring in money, improve marketing skills, and learn more about stage management.
Gloria is definitely ready for Frozen Jr!
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season?
Glora: Frozen Jr. and Narnia!
Thanks for sharing, Gloria! Expect to see our new Marketing Apprentice at Encore’s Main Campus, taking photos during education classes, helping at auditions, and assisting patrons at Front of House during our productions. We can already tell that it’s going to be a wonderful experience!
Photos supplied by Ge Gloria Dong. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Farewell to Summer Intern Brian Hernandez
This #TechTuesday, we’d like to take this time to thank a powerful force behind this summer’s educational and theatrical programming: Arts Management intern Brian Hernandez. Brian has been an essential member of Encore’s staff as we wrapped up our main stage season with Disney’s Newsies, especially in the heat (both literal and figurative) of the summer camp season. His graphic designs spiced up the shirts at Stage Door and graced the cover of many a final camp sharing. His friendly nature made him a instant favorite with Front of House patrons at Newsies and office staff alike. Read on to hear a bit more about Brian’s summer experience as an intern:
Encore: What did you enjoy most about your summer with Encore?
Brian: The creative freedom that this place has to offer. The staff is incredibly open-minded and creates an entertaining and productive atmosphere. Truly made coming into work enjoyable and unique.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
Encore: What’s your favorite memory?
Brian: I’d say my favorite memory was working Front of the House for Newsies. The energy, the work done, and being able to connect with more people from Encore was a delight!
Encore: What skills do you think helped you throughout your internship?
Brian: This internship helped me practice my prioritization skills which, in turn, helped with meeting deadlines, accomplishing tasks, and never feeling overwhelmed with time constraints. This internship furthered my understanding of how getting tasks done at the beginning will set you up for success towards the end.
Encore: What skill sets and experiences did you take away from your summer with Encore?
Brian: Delegating was a skill set that I will continue to use from my time here with Encore. Being able to work as Front of House manager made me step up in making sure everything was as efficient as can be, as well as making sure everyone helping out was doing their job and being supported. In addition, being in this theatrical environment also showed me that every day can be different and each day was an adventure that I would happily take on again and again.
Thank you for sharing with us, Brian, and for all of your fantastic work this summer. Your hilarious “Questions of the Week” and quick wit (not to mention your super cool shoes) will definitely be missed. We can’t wait to work together again soon. Until then, happy trails!
Blog contribution and additional photos provided by 2019 Arts Management Intern, Brian Hernandez. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Encore Named #OneOfTheBest by Catalogue for Philanthrophy
After a careful vetting process, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington has selected Encore Stage & Studio to be part of the Class of 2019-20. Encore has undergone a rigorous review process conducted by a team of 150+ local experts, and has met the Catalogue’s high standards. Potential donors can be confident that the nonprofits in the Catalogue are worthy of their support. Encore’s mission is to build lifelong appreciation for live theatre by involving young people in all aspects of theatre arts — onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience.
This year the Catalogue celebrates its 17th anniversary: since its inception it has raised $40 million for nonprofits in the region. It also offers trainings and neighborhood-based opportunities for collaboration.
This year, reviewers helped select 78 nonprofits to feature in the print edition, 36 of which are new to the Catalogue this year. It also selected an additional 36 nonprofits to be re-featured on its website. The network now includes 400+ vetted nonprofits working in the arts, education, environment, and human services sectors throughout Greater Washington.
“People want to get involved in their community—they want to make a difference, close to home. Based on our rigorous review process, we believe that Encore [Stage & Studio] is one of the best community-based nonprofits in the region,” says Matt Gayer, Director of Community and Nonprofit Development at the Catalogue for Philanthropy.
Encore’s Executive Director, Sara Strehle Duke, stated, “It is such an honor to be selected for the Catalogue. Inclusion is recognition of our hard work and a seal of approval from the non-profit community. The Catalogue gives us a much larger platform to share the power of ‘theatre by kids, for kids.’ ”
The Catalogue believes in the power of small nonprofits to spark big change. And they believe in Encore to continue to further that positive change, working each day to lift up, strengthen, and enrich our local community.
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and Matt Gayer.
Meet Arts Management Intern, Brian Hernandez
A festive #FrontRowFriday to all of you Encore fans out there. School’s out and we can’t stop smiling, especially because we’ve got a new friend joining Encore’s team for the summer. A talented artist, snappy dresser, and all-around funny guy, meet Brian:
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. What’s your background in the arts? How will you be working with Encore this summer?
Brian: My name is Brian Hernandez. I recently graduated from James Madison University with a BS in Studio Art/Art Education. I also had a minor in Music Industry. This summer, I’ll be the intern here at Encore for Arts Management! I’ve been involved with the arts for as long as I can remember. Loved music class all throughout elementary, was in choir since 5th grade, performed in The Addams Family my senior year in high school. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to continue performing so I joined the show choir (The Madisonians) and performed with them for 9 semesters, and did Gospel choir for a semester. I was also on the Latin Dance Team (Grupo Candela) where I was active for all five years and I was captain of the team my senior and super-senior year. That’s just performing arts. As for visual arts, I concentrated in Sculpture and I pursued art education where I loved being able to share my knowledge of the arts to my students.
Encore: Which part of your internship has you most excited? What kinds of projects will you be working on?
Brian: I enjoy creating and designing so I’m really stoked about that aspect of the internship. I’ve already made a couple of flyers and forms and I’ll be helping out with Newsies so I’m optimistic that it will be a grand time. I’m looking forward to familiarizing myself with the company and the efforts that go into making this place successful.
Encore: Describe your favorite moment of theatre/performing arts you’ve ever experienced.
Brian: I think my favorite moment of performing was the time that my dance team and I won the collegiate Salsa/Bachata collegiate competition. We were personally invited to the Congress in Richmond to perform against four other schools (GMU, UVA, VT, and W&M) and when they announced that we had won, I was so proud of my team. We went out to celebrate and the road trip back was something I will never forget.
Encore: How have the arts impacted you personally?
Brian: The arts have impacted me in such a positive way. They’ve made me more confident in myself; I’ve been able to network and make incredible connections, and the arts have made me realize that I should never apologize for being myself. I’m happy I’ve been able to pursue my passion and do what I love every day. The arts have made me realize that the only person that can stop me from being an artist is myself and it’s been so empowering. The professional experiences, critiques, breakdowns, and praise, have all led me to be the person I am today and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Encore: Why do you think the arts are important in the lives of young people?
Brian: The arts are important because they allow for creative expression and individualism. I think this comes from me being an art educator but I think it’s so important for young people to be able to express themselves and discover and make their world how they want to make it. Also, young people have to grow up in a constant state of acceptance. [They’re always faced with:] “Am I cool enough? Am I pretty enough? Oh, I can’t draw as good as this person. Oh, their painting looks so much better than mine. Oh, I can never sing/act/dance as good as them”. The list can go on and when a kid doesn’t have that support that the arts can bring, it can be pretty devastating. Now, I could go on a tangent about how society views the arts and gender, and representation and all that, but I’ll just say that I think the arts are critically important in the lives of young people.
Encore: Give us a question you wish we’d asked you and, of course, your answer:
Brian: I wished you’d have asked me what my favorite Disney movie is to which my answer would be Tarzan!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Brian! We can’t wait to see what fun and creative projects come out of your time here at Encore this summer. Want the chance to meet this talented intern yourself? He’ll be working with our Front of House crew at our production of Disney’s Newsies, so get your tickets today!
Performance Dates and Showtimes
Art by Brian Hernandez. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.