Meet Development Associate: Rosemarie O’Connor
Happy #FrontRowFriday! Today we’re excited to introduce you to a familiar face but brand new to the administrative staff. Meet our newest Development Associate, Rosemarie O’Connor as she shares some fun facts about herself and what she’s looking forward to this season at Encore! Previously, Rosemarie worked as Institutional Development Apprentice at Imagination Stage and a past Intern with Encore. She is a Marymount University alumna where she received her Bachelors in Communication and directed, produced, and performed with the Marymount Actors’ Guild.
Welcome back to Encore! Can you share what you’ve worked on with Encore in the past and what your new position entails now?
Rosemarie: Thanks! I’m so happy to be back at Encore! I was in Once Upon a Mattress when it was the summer show and was the Arts Management Intern the summer of 2015. Now, I’m the Development Associate! My new job includes all things fundraising, special events, and community connections.
What are you looking forward to this season?
Rosemarie: I am looking forward to Lion King Jr. The music is so beautiful and I’m excited to see the animal puppets and costumes. Plus, the 50th Anniversary Bash! The 50th Anniversary Bash is Encore’s first ever gala! It’s going to be a night where we reminisce on where we’ve been and look forward to everything that’s in Encore’s future.
What do you enjoy most about Encore Stage & Studio?
Rosemarie: The people! Not just the staff, but everyone I’ve met from the cast of Mattress, the board, and all the participants.
What do you love about theatre?
Rosemarie: Yikes! That’s a tough one. I love the impact that every part of production can make. I know that I’ve learned from being onstage, backstage, on the production team, and even in the audience. That among countless other things including killer music and the occasional jaw dropping dance number.
Now for some fun facts! What are your favorite hobbies?
Rosemarie: Singing is definitely up there. I also like cooking, baking, and dancing.
If you could be any literary/theatre character what would it be?
Rosemarie: I’m a Harry Potter fan so I’ve got to go with Minerva McGonagall. She is a total boss who is also amazingly kind.
What do you like to do in Arlington?
Rosemarie: I was born and grew up here. So I love to be out and about and just wait to see who I’m going to run into. Plus, there are too many tasty places to eat and gorgeous parks and trails to ever get bored.
Rosemarie is no stranger to the Front Row blog, check out here past blog posts and features:
Encore’s 2016 Seniors
Meet 2016 Graduate, Rosemarie O’Connor
Meet Arts Management Intern Rosemarie O’Connor – July 17, 2015
5 Things That Happened at Rehearsal Last Night That Will Get You More Pumped for Shrek – Rosemarie O’Connor
4 Quotes From Reviews That Mean You Should’ve Already Gotten Your Shrek Ticket!
Please stop by the office at say hello to Rosemarie!
Until We Meet Again (Arts Apprentice Shannon Signing Off)
Hello, everyone and welcome back to the blog! Arts Apprentice Shannon here. Today’s Front Row Friday is also a farewell…at least for the moment! It’s the final day of my Arts Apprenticeship at Encore. It’s been an awesome season, so I’m going to share just a few highlights with you before I go.
One of the most fun projects I got to do was co-directing Twinderella as part of our residency at Ashlawn Elementary School. Our group of fourth and fifth graders were so talented and continued to impress me. The story of the show is super hilarious, so I had a fantastic time creating blocking and choreography for these (somewhat) familiar fairytale characters. It was a wonderful learning experience for me as a director and a teacher, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity.
I’m super proud of the work I did on Encore first big #GivingTuesday campaign. Encore is such a worthy community organization and it felt incredible to see my hard work lead to great results: we raised over 120% of our original goal! That’s awesome!! I can’t wait to see how much this organization continues to grow in its 50th Anniversary season.
Once a marketing person, always a marketing person, so I’m going to take a moment to promote our blog, Pinterest, and Tumblr pages, because I’m super proud of them! Whether you’re into interviews, crafts, or awesome theatre GIFs, Encore’s got something for you.
Another super rewarding aspect of this position is the fact that I get to experience multiple departments. I’ve worked on fundraising, supervised our Front of House crews, taught at camps, and more! It was so amazing to work with our students in the Healthy Play Initiative. Many of them only speak Spanish, so it was truly an exchange of knowledge, which I loved – even if my roommates gave me odd looks for excitedly naming produce in Spanish in our kitchen. Every single class was a new adventure and always a ton of fun.
I’m going to pause for a moment to appreciate my amazing co-workers here at Encore. It’s been a truly wonderful experience working and learning with all of these talented artists and administrators. From learning PhotoShop to new theatre games, theatrical lighting or how to write a grant, I have gained so much by working alongside each of you. And to anyone who is considering this Apprenticeship or a similar position: DO IT! You will genuinely learn and achieve so much more than you could every hope to squeeze onto a resume.
Speaking of people I love to work with… I’ve had such a blast creating the world of The Music Man with my incredible castmates, playing the mayor’s wife, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn. As I’ve been saying to anybody who will listen: I love our town of River City. From each family unit, to the teenagers, to the town as a whole, the onstage relationships everyone has worked to create feel so genuine, hilarious, and unique. It’s been such a positive and warm experience, finally crossing the Encore stage.
The Music Man has just four remaining performances, so you should come join in on our fun! I would love to celebrate this amazing theatre “by kids, for kids” with all of you! Get your tickets online, by phone at (703) 548-1154, or at the Box Office before the show.
To all of the students, Front of House crew members, parents, patrons, and colleagues I’ve worked with this season, thank you. It has truly been a joy. I cannot wait to see what this next season will bring Encore and all of you. Until we meet again, my friends! 🙂
Photos by: Larry McClemons, Shannon McCarthy, Aileen Pangan
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
The Kids Began to March (with Director Elizabeth Pringle)
This evening marks the start to the second weekend of The Music Man, playing at Kenmore Middle School Theatre. We are thrilled to sit down with Elizabeth Pringle to get some insight into this delightfully fun and spirited production!
Encore: Welcome to Encore’s Front Row blog! Could you introduce yourself and tell us how you’ve been involved with Encore, past and present?
EP: When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut, and archaeologist, a superhero, and bus driver. But then I realized that I couldn’t actually become all those things when I grew up however I could act all those roles and more in the theatre! I realized then, and believe now, that imagination is the greatest human tool. Kids are bursting with imagination and to work with kids is always a treat.
I got involved with Encore about two years ago when I worked with Susan on The Three Musketeers and got to know the community of Encore and appreciate the dedication and production standards of the team. The next season I directed A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol and Twelfth Night. I just directed The Tempest this spring and came right back in for The Music Man.
Encore: Having previously directed for Encore, could you speak to directing a cast ranging from age ten up through college students and beyond? How is this process similar or different?
EP: I’ve so enjoyed working on the productions with kids but in my career I’ve worked with all ages and so this has been great fun. Each age group needs a different focus for their work and that requires different toolkits when working with them on character and staging. It is a little like speaking different languages when connecting to the different age groups.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working with a focus of “Theatre by kids, for kids?”
EP: I love watching the kids grow in skills and confidence as they learn the many aspects of theatre from performance to production to production. Encore offers such a strong community of learning and engagement and a real artistic home for young people.
Encore: What’s been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
EP: For me, it has been both watching the world of the play emerge as well as witnessing the growth of community among this inter-generational group of actors.
Encore: Have there been any challenges that stand out to you?
EP: Ha! All other challenges were usurped by the leaking roof this past weekend. But the production and performance teams were incredible and they took the challenge in stride and gave their all to putting on a great show.
Encore: Describe Encore’s production of The Music Man in five words or short phrases.
EP:
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like audiences to know?
EP: Don’t miss it!
Well, you heard our fine director, folks! Keep out of “Trouble” and get your tickets before they march away! Thank you to Elizabeth for sharing with us. Join us at Kenmore this weekend to take in all of the fantastic work our director, cast, and crew have put into this production!
Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Friday, July 28, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 2 pm
Photos by: Larry McClemons
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Hitting All the Right Notes: Music Director Sarah Markovits
Welcome back to the Front Row Blog. Not only is it Front Row Friday, it’s also opening night for our production of The Music Man! This could not be a more perfect opportunity to sit down with the woman behind our musical’s beautiful sound, music director Sarah Markovits.
Encore: Thank for joining us for an interview on Encore’s blog! Could you introduce yourself and tell us how you’ve been involved with Encore?
SM: I am a soprano, a voice teacher, and a proud choir nerd who didn’t do nearly enough musical theater when I was growing up (although I did get to play Grizabella in Cats as an adult!). In my teaching, I want my students to be Empowered, Energized, and Inspired by their experiences. I had seen several Encore shows, and I was consistently impressed by the quality, and by the fact that everyone seemed to be having such a good time – I wanted to be part of that magic! I’m so excited to be serving as Music Director for this summer’s production of The Music Man!
Encore: The cast of The Music Man features actors from age ten up to college students and beyond. How does this affect how you run rehearsals?
SM: I think when you expect everyone to perform at a high level, age or experience become secondary factors. Adults need permission to be silly just as much as kids need to learn to be “serious”! When you work really hard and can see that it is paying off, I think you are much more likely to continue to work really hard – my job is to make sure the singing is healthy and that folks are having fun.
Encore: What’s been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
SM: I’ve really enjoyed watching the camaraderie develop among the cast. Everyone wants to see the show succeed, and it really is a team effort!
Encore: Do you have a favorite musical moment in the show?
SM: I love “Rock Island” – and the first time the Quartet sings “Ice Cream” all together – and “Pick-a- Little/Goodnight Ladies” – and “Wells Fargo Wagon” – and…this is an impossible question to answer!
Encore: Describe Encore’s production of The Music Man in five words or short phrases.
SM: Buy your tickets right NOW!
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like audiences to know or keep in mind?
SM: These amazing singing actors have dedicated their whole summer to bring this slice of American Musical Theater History to life. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of time, and a lot of courage to do what they do, and I am so proud to be part of this production!
You heard the music director: get your tickets today! The Music Man opens TONIGHT at Kenmore Middle School Theatre. Tickets are available online, at the door, or by phoning the Box Office at (703) 548-1154. Join the band and keep out of “Trouble” – we can’t wait to see you there!
Photos by: Shannon McCarthy and Aileen Pangan
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Fun and Games with Education Intern Brigid Wallace
Summer is in full swing here at Encore, which means we’ve been having tons of fun at our various summer camps! Today we’re pumped to share this interview with our second Education Intern, Brigid!
Encore: Please introduce yourself. Where do you go to school and what do you study?
BW: My name is Brigid Wallace, and I am a rising sophomore at The Catholic University of America majoring in Musical Theatre.
Encore: How are you involved with Encore?
BW: I am the It’s Elementary Education Intern.
Encore: Have you ever worked with Encore as a participant? What other theatre experiences do you have, if any?
BW: I have never worked with Encore as a participant, but I have been involved in similar camps as a student and later as a teacher. For the most part, my theatre experience has focused on performing; however, as I mentioned, I have experience as a teacher/director and practice in costuming and stage management. In addition to training in performance, I hope to gain more technical theatre skills because it is amazing what a difference it can make in fully bringing a story to life.
Encore: What are some of the things you’re working on for Encore this summer?
BW: So far, I have been responsible for assisting teachers, teaching and playing games with the kids, and helping with organization for current and future sessions.
Encore: Is there something you’re most excited for about this internship?
BW: I am probably most excited about getting to work with the kids and teach them some of the things about theatre that I learned when I was their age that inspired so much love for the performing arts. I love playing theatre games with the kids and working with them on their performances because I see how they are exercising skills and learning techniques while having fun and being at camp.
Encore: Could you describe what theatre means to you and/or why you think theatre is important?
BW: Theatre to me is like a language I grew up hearing, and one that I want to speak fluently. It is an amazing craft and very important because it combines several different art forms that work together to express their message. It speaks to many kinds of people because it provides entertainment as well as being a source of commentary on humanity. As with any form of art, one must be careful with how the audience will interpret it, so it requires different kinds of creativity in collaboration to execute a production well. It brings perspectives together in an open-minded, peaceful way that I do not think happens often enough. Basically, I think theatre is a very influential part of society that I hold dear, and I hope, through any work I have done and will do in it, that I inspire people to open their minds to their fellow human beings and learn more about our common goals and fears so we can come together as a larger community.
Thank you so much for sharing with us Brigid! Want to get in on the fun and join some of Brigid’s awesome theatre games? Join us for the remaining sessions of Encore’s summer camps! To learn more and check camp availability, check out our Summer Camps page or call us at (703) 548-1154.
Photos by: Shannon McCarthy, and Larry McClemons, Headshot provided by Brigid Wallace
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
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
“Iconic” Moments with Photographer Larry McClemons
Welcome back to the Front Row blog! Today we are excited and honored to interview an essential member of Encore’s team. Larry McClemons has been capturing memories of Encore’s productions as our staff photographer for years. We are so lucky to have him and happy to speak with him today!
Encore: How did you first get involved?
Larry: When our son was at Washington-Lee High School, I began photographing dress rehearsals. One of his classmates had a mother on the board of what was then The Children’s Theatre of Arlington. When CTA’s photographer moved out of the area, she suggested me to [long time Executive Producer] Celeste Groves. I took some of my show albums, had a lovely visit, and voila! I got the gig.
Encore: Could you share some of your favorite photos with us and tell us why they top your list?
Larry:
1. This photo from Night at the Wax Museum (Lynn Loftus as “Polly Popper,” March 2017) is sort of a quirky choice. I just like photos that make the viewer ask “what is going on here?” I think this one qualifies.
2. West Side Story (July 2000) marked a change in the summer shows being produced. I am fond of this photo because it seems to capture the tension between the two leads, Erin Driscoll (“Maria”) and Alex Pyke (“Tony”).
3. Whenever I photograph a show, I hope to capture an “iconic” moment that perfectly symbolizes the show. This picture of Gabriella Flanagan as “Alice Otterloop” in Cul de Sac does just that. It was a moment I hoped I would be able to capture, and the fact that it came so early in the show helped me relax and just enjoy the rest of the ride.
Encore: What are some of your most memorable moments working with Encore?
Larry: My favorite, most memorable moments aren’t necessarily tied to specific shows. It’s a pleasure to watch the younger performers, playing secondary characters, develop, grow, and end up as main characters and leads. You can almost feel the increased confidence as they continue on.
I also enjoy watching the true teamwork and camaraderie shown by casts and crews. Also just interacting with the performers, parents, staff, and crew. I think I learn something every show.
Encore: What would be your top 3 Encore shows to photograph overall?
Larry:
It’s hard to narrow it down to just three, but I’ll try. In reverse order, Into the Woods, Jr. (March 2004), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (April 2016), and in first place, Cul de Sac (June 2016).
Into the Woods, Jr. because of a great cast and great visuals. I also liked that it showed well-known characters in a different light. I would hope that this sort of production would stimulate the imaginations of the young audience.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, because it was just a fun and entertaining show with a very talented cast. I also found the “black box” theatre allowed for more interesting pictures.
Cul de Sac was a very special experience. I was eagerly awaiting it when I saw it on the schedule. I feared that the production would not live up to my expectations, but instead it went far beyond that. Everything about the production, from the cartoonesque sets and props, to the projections for the Zombie Toads, and the acting made for a terrific (and photogenic) experience. The cast was top-flight all the way through, especially Kostya Cook as “Dill,” Joey Pickel as “Andre,” Xander Tilock as “Petey,” Caitlyn Knittig with a sensitive portray of “Mrs. Otterloop,” and Gabriella Flanagan as the irrepressible “Alice.”
Honorable Mentions include Rebecca’s World (March 1994), The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (February 2014), Disney’s High School Musical (July 2007), Once Upon a Mattress (July 2014), and Hansel and Gretel, (November 1998).
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- The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (2014)
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- The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (2014)
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- The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (2014)
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- High School Musical (2007)
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- Princess Winnifred couldn’t sleep at all with a pea beneath her mattress. (2014)
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- Meghan Mack, Perry Kaufman and Kerry Hackes, Once Upon a Mattress (2014)
Encore: Do you have any wishes for Encore as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary season?
Larry: My hope is that Encore will continue on the paths that have already been started. The casts and crews seem to get better with each passing season, which certainly says a lot about how Encore is run. Obviously, it would be nice to have a dedicated stage to avoid some of the logistics that arise from shared facilities. The various classes and camps are also provide an invaluable experience, whether or not performing is in the future of each student.
Thank you so much, Larry! It was so wonderful to learn about some of your favorite memories from Encore’s many years of history. We are lucky to have on our team to capture such wonderful images!
Want to be a part of the next chapter of Encore’s history? Check out some of the 50th Anniversary special events coming up this year!
Photos by: Larry McClemons
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
Congratulations to Jim Clancy, Allstate’s National Volunteer of the Year!
Encore is thrilled and proud to announce that our Board of Directors’ very own Jim Clancy has been named Allstate’s National Volunteer of the Year! A technology manager for 30 years with Allstate, Jim bested more than 350 nominees to win the accolade. The volunteer award is part of the company’s annual Helping Hands volunteer recognition program, celebrating employees who go above and beyond in donating their time to the causes they care about – and creating positive social change in their communities.
We were lucky enough to chat with Jim about this honor, as well as his wonderful work volunteering for Encore, in all of his various positions.
Encore: Congratulations on being named Allstate’s National Volunteer of the Year! What were your first thoughts when you found out you’d received this award?
JC: My Vice President said I was chosen as the National volunteer of the year and my first thought was, “They have one of those?” My second thought was, “Does Encore get more money?” Apparently, the answer to both questions is “Yes!” Allstate donated $5,000 to Encore Stage & Studio because I volunteer.
Encore: What was your first involvement with Encore? What is it like to work alongside your children at the theatre?
JC: I first worked with the kids in the scene shop, and then was asked to join the Board of Directors to represent the technical side of the operations. After driving the boys to and from many rehearsals and getting to know Susan, she asked me to share my stage combat experience by choreographing the fights in Treasure Island. All of it is fun for me because I get to see the kids learn and implement their new skills and develop truly amazing productions.
Encore: Can you share a favorite moment or memory at Encore?
JC: I don’t have favorites. I enjoy every moment!
Encore: You have been fight director for Treasure Island and for this season’s Night at the Wax Museum; can you share what that position entails and if you have any important lessons/tips?
JC: Important tip: don’t get blood on the costumes. Blood stains are nearly impossible to get out. Just kidding. But more seriously, safety is number one. Making it look real is what makes it fun, but it takes concentration and dedication to the craft.
Encore: On the topic of safety, could you describe what it was like to fly actors in Mary Poppins?
JC: Landing Mary Poppins perfectly center stage, or landing Bert on the chimney, is much more difficult than you’d think. But the most fun was zooming the nasty nanny off stage while she screamed at Mary Poppins to “Put me down!” My flight crew was the best, of course, so really all credit goes to Paddy, Josh, Sarah, and Fred.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about being on the Board?
JC: The staff at Encore energize everyone around them. You simply cannot interact with anyone at Encore and not smile. It’s a special place.
Encore: What have you learned or gained through your involvement with Encore?
JC: I’ve met many wonderful staff, equally wonderful parents, and especially wonderful kids. And I’ve seen some amazing live theatre.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
JC: My recommendation to anyone reading this blog? Purchase a season subscription: you’ll enjoy every minute of every show!
Many thanks to Jim for sitting down with us to be interviewed and, of course, for all of the tremendous work he’s done for Encore, in the shop, on the Board, and in our community! We wanted to wrap up this post by including some words about Jim from our Artistic Director, Susan Keady:
Jim Clancy began volunteering one summer in the technical shop, building and painting a set with his sons. Through the years, he has remained working alongside the crew but he expanded his influence to include the casts, the parents and our board of directors. His infallible work ethic and steady attention to detail is remarkable. Jim remains consistently even-handed as he teaches the crew about building a set, safely works with the cast conducting stage combat, or while he shares advice on how to craft an authentic character role. He is knowledgeable and he shares his knowledge. He is reliably wonderful as a pragmatic infinitely creative force on the Encore team.
Click here to read the full press release.
To witness the thrilling combination of Jim’s fantastic fight choreography and Susan’s directing expertise, be sure to get your tickets for our upcoming production of Night at the Wax Museum! Click here to buy your tickets today.
A special thank you to Allstate for their support of community non-profits and their generous donation.
Photos by: Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan, and Caitlyn Barron for Allstate Insurance Company
Graphic by: Aimee Pangan
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice