Connecting and Working at Camp: Ryely R.
Welcome back to The Front Row, Encore friends! I hope you had a wonderful long weekend if you had one, and, if not, that you had a chance to enjoy the sunshine that finally came to visit. In case you missed it, on Friday we featured Lauren, one of our all-star former camp counselors. She shared a bit about her experience and what she learned through working at Encore summer camps. Luckily for you, the fun doesn’t stop there! Today we’re excited to feature another one of our talented student performers and former camp counselors. Read on to get the scoop!
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
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved with Encore in past seasons?
Ryely: My name is Ryely Rogers and I am a sophomore at George C. Marshall High School. I have been actively involved with Encore for the past 3 years. I have been in 7 Encore shows, both cast and crew. My most recent project with Encore is Flip the Script – a student devised play about the integration of Arlington County Public Schools. We most recently performed Flip the Script at The Kennedy Center, and we are now touring!
Encore: Which camps did you work or volunteer for? Which age groups did you work with?
Ryely: Last summer I was a camp aide for It’s Elementary. The themes were Around the World in 5 Days and Space Pirates & Shooting Stars, both for students 5-9 years of age.
Encore: What is your most memorable camp moment?
Ryely: Being able to work as a camp aide was such a memorable moment in itself. I had so much fun and there are so many moments and memories I made at camp that I hold so near and dear to my heart. If I had to choose, I think the most memorable moments I had during camp would be when I got to play games and make crafts with my campers. It was such an amazing experience, I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with so many amazing kids, and was able to connect with them through something as powerful as theatre. Just being able to see the excitement on the campers faces was something that made me look forward to camp each day, and it is also what really made this experience so special to me.
Encore: What have you learned through working at Encore summer camps?
Ryely: I have learned to have more patience as well as responsibility and problem-solving skills. Through working as a camp aide, I learned that things don’t always go your way, and that’s okay. Not everything is going to work out perfectly how you planned and that’s okay too. Just go with the flow and take on the challenges that life throws at you one at a time. I had a lot of expectations before I began working at summer camp, and as it turns out my experiences were so much different than I could have ever imagined. I had so much fun being able to face challenges when they presented themselves and being able to learn and grow from them.
Encore: Please describe working at Encore camps in five words or less.
Ryely: Fun, exciting, creative, memorable, and challenging.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Ryely: I had such an amazing experience working as a camp aide this summer and I had so much fun. I am so glad that I was able to work with and learn from all of my campers. I hope I made even half the impact on the campers as they made on me, because they have definitely had a great impact on me, and they taught me so much I didn’t know before. This was a great learning opportunity and I could not have spent my summer any better than I did at camp!
With camps for ages 3-18, there is a place for every student at Encore this summer, whether it’s onstage, backstage, or on the teaching staff! The priority application deadline is March 1st, so get to work on your application today!
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
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.
The Best Ways to Have an Epic Summer!
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! We’ve got a lot of awesome to share with you today, so I’ll keep this intro short and sweet. Read on to catch five major ways to make 2020 the best summer you’ve ever had!
Erin Driscoll (“Maria”) and Alex Pyke (“Tony”)
Photo by Larry McClemons
The icy refreshment of summer air conditioning may feel years away as we ward off the winter chill, but auditions for Encore’s summer production of the classic musical West Side Story will be here before we know it! With opportunities for dancers, singers, ushers, and technicians, this production offers a wonderful chance to learn from adult performers and older students, ensuring that all of our cast and crew members will get to share and learn in equal measure. Cast auditions and crew interviews will take place on May 11 & 12, 2020.
(P.S. Keep an eye on your email in the next few weeks to cash in on a special ticket offer for West Side Story, only running for a limited time!)
Guide the Next Generation
For many performers and theatre-lovers, it’s possible to look back in our memories and pick out a few key moments that helped to shape our love for the arts. For you, maybe it was a grandparent who loved movie musicals, an art teacher who constantly encouraged you, or a downstairs neighbor who didn’t complain as you tap-danced around your room for hours. For Encore’s community of young adults, this summer could be your opportunity to be a key memory for a future Teacher of the Year, Tony nominee, or award-winning playwright. Bring your passion for theatre to camp as a counselor and share the magic of the arts with the next generation. Applications are now available for paid summer opportunities.
Become an Encore VIP
Summer is the prime time to lock in your best ticket prizes and secure your favorite seat placements as an Encore Season Member. Members not only get exclusive ticket discounts but also have the opportunity to reserve their preferred seats before single tickets become available to the general public. Memberships will go on sale following our 2020/2021 season reveal. This event usually occurs in June, so stay tuned for more information. Thank you, in advance, for sharing your confidence in Encore and our quality productions by purchasing your tickets in advance!
(P.S. This is your final chance to lock in Season Membership savings with a 3-show package. Become a Season Member and join us at The Three Musketeers with the satisfaction that you are living your best Encore life!)
Put on a Happy Face
Summer always seems to sneak up with unexpected purchases: beach towels, sunblock, pool floaties, and s’more. Remember Encore in your vacation planning by making your last-minute purchases through Amazon Smile, where a percentage of your donation will go toward supporting “Theatre by Kids, for Kids” in your community!
(P.S. Looking to make an impact even sooner? Considering joining us for Encore’s annual Benefit Breakfast for some delicious food, wonderful performances, and vision casting on April 29, 2020.)
Take a Trip to Lands Far and Near
New York City, the Jungle of Nool, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, Wonderland, and Verona. What do all these locations have in common? You can journey to all these places and more this summer with Encore (no passport required!). With programs for ages 3-18, 2020 is your year to step out and join us on a fantastic theatre adventure.
Register today, Friday, January 31, 2020, to secure the best summer camp prizes of our season before prices increase at the end of our Early Bird sale!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Reasons, 7 Days: Early Bird Sale Ends Soon
Encore fans, can you believe it? In a whirlwind of mini-camps, registrations, and performances, January has nearly melted away as quickly as the White Witch’s winter when Aslan arrives. The end of the month can mean only one thing…our Early Bird sale for summer camp is almost over! In fact, you have exactly one week to lock in your registrations before prices go up. Still not swayed? Let’s see if these seven reasons will help win you over before our sale ends in seven days…
Who doesn’t love saving money? Encore’s Early Bird sale is the way to save for this summer. Prices increase on February 1st, 2020, so register today to guarantee both your best price and a space in your favorite summer camp programs.
There’s Something for Everyone
Here at Encore, our philosophy is “Theatre by kids, for kids,” and we take this motto very seriously, aiming to give theatre opportunities to as many children theatre opportunities. Last summer, we introduced two brand-new camp programs: one for Ages 3-5 and one for Ages 14-18 (Center Stage). We’re excited to bring both programs back, meaning that there are ample camp opportunities for ages 3-18!
Delve into Something New
Summer camp offers a prime opportunity to experience a new style of theatre or learn more deeply about a particular topic. Interested in musical theatre, stage combat, technical theatre, or Shakespeare? We have specific camp programs that allow you to experience these specific styles and genres in three weeks or less. You have nothing to lose!
Short and Sweet
Speaking of great timeframes… Are you interested in performing in a fully-staged production, but your school-year calendar prevents you from auditioning for Encore’s season? Scenes for Tweens, Stage Door, and Center Stage all offer opportunities to collaborate on a fully-fledged production in just two or three weeks.
Familiar Faces
We love our Encore teaching artists and our campers do too! This summer, expect to see many of the teaching artists whose classes you’ve come to know and love. Get your friends together and join us for an Encore reunion!
![](<a href="https://www.encorestageva.org/camps/summercamps/"><img src="https://www.encorestageva.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/twelfth_night_239_4x6.jpg" alt="" width="1800" height="1200" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10706" /></a>)
Check It Off Your List!
Summer shouldn’t be stressful, so knock out the rest of your planning, lock in your best Early Bird price, and blissfully dream of white sandy beaches, poolside ice cream cones, and warmer happy days!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution 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.
The “Magic” of Age 10
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans and a very happy opening night to Encore’s production of the musical Narnia, based on the beloved tale by C.S. Lewis. In this blog, I’m excited to share a new view on the value of children’s arts education and exploration. Today we’ll examine some of the key points of Bruce Grierson’s piece, “Here’s Why Living Out Your Dreams from When You Were 10 Is the Key to Happiness” (originally featured in Psychology Today, then expanded upon in Reader’s Digest) and discuss how theatre can help young people during this vital developmental period.
Gone are the helpless infant months, replaced by the wibbly-wobbly toddler years, which have now also passed. By this age, students are more able to put their bodies into action, articulate their interests, and focus on their favored goals. This new-found attention is a big reason that we wait until age 9 before allowing students to audition for full-length productions here at Encore. (Psst…will we see you at auditions for The Three Musketeers next week??)
Empathy plays a huge role (pun intended) in the life of an actor, no matter how young. In order to believably portray another person (or lion, beaver, etc. in the case of Narnia), one must be able to imagine themselves in the shoes (or paws) of another. Theatre camps, classes, and productions that are designed specially for young actors make a point to focus on this essential life and acting skill.
As I’m sure many Encore parents would attest, this age group is not afraid to speak their minds: on how they’re feeling, what they find interesting, and what activities they’d like to pursue. Here at Encore, we understand that no one class will be a perfect fit for every student. We make it a priority to offer varying topics across age groups to appeal to every kind of learner, singer, dancer, and more.
Participating in theatre as an audience member is also a valuable experience for young people. It teaches respect, manners, self-awareness, and even helps train the mind to seek patterns and make predictions. With this in mind, we started our Theatre for the Very Young series which is geared toward our youngest theatre lovers under the age of 5 with relatable characters, engaging colors, and relevant themes. While age 10 may be the start of discerning taste, we offer shows to young viewers to help them develop an early love for storytelling in all its forms.
Theatre creates a family and a community with every production, class, and camp. Encore’s family of theatre lovers (teaching artists, directors, students, parents, volunteers, interns, the list goes on and on) gives young people the opportunity to take big risks and fail safely, knowing that they are supported both creatively and emotionally.
Come witness the magic of this age group for the next two weekends at Narnia: the cast boasts a whopping 27 9-through-11-year-olds out of a cast of 36! Matched up with a magical wardrobe, a brave lion, a medley of talking animals, and a formidable opponent in the White Witch, this musical will surely capture the imaginations of theatre lovers of all ages.
Performance Dates and Showtimes for Narnia
Fridays, January 10 and 17, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, January 11 and 18, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, January 12 and 19, 2020 at 3pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Original article by Bruce Grierson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Seeing Clearly in 2020: Encore Resolutions
Happy New Year, Encore fans! From everyone here at Encore, we hope that you had a wonderful holiday season. As many people do at the start of a new calendar, we’ve created some Encore-specific resolutions to help guide you through the remainder of our 2019/2020 Homecoming Season. Let’s check them out!
From left to right: Aslan (Sean Hackes), Lucy Pevensie (Isabel Tate), Peter Pevensie (Richard Bew) and Susan Pevensie (Lauren Monsivaiz). 2013.
Keep the magic of the holiday season going with Encore’s upcoming production of Narnia. This version of the classic tale is a musical, so you’ll be able to experience the story in a whole new way! The production runs at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre January 10-19, 2020. Tickets are available now, so get them before they melt away!
New Year, New Characters
2020 is the year to overcome your nerves and join us for a fun and easy audition! We’ve got lots of information on what to expect on our Auditions page to help you feel at your most prepared. We look forward to seeing you at auditions for The Three Musketeers on January 14 or 15!
Join the Encore Team
As we continue onward through the chill of winter, it might be hard to think ahead to summer…but not here at Encore! We’re excited to share the paid job opportunities we have available for Summer 2020, as well as season-long apprenticeships for the 2020/2021 season. Interested in working with us this year? Check out the opportunities and send in an application. If you’re under the age of 16, we have unpaid volunteer opportunities available as well!
A Class-y New Year
Registration is currently open for Encore’s Winter session of theatre classes. Space is limited in some instances, so check out the titles and register while there’s still space available!
Lose Yourself in a Summer of Theatre
The Education team here at Encore is pumped to share our 2020 summer camps with all of you. We’ve got brand-new themes and productions in all of our various age groups, so there is certainly a place for you to make your artistic home this summer.
P.S. Interested in meeting some of our summer staff or experiencing a taste of the summer camp experience? Join us tomorrow, Saturday, January 4, 2020 for Encore’s 2020 Summer Camp Open House!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution 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.
You’re Invited to Encore’s Summer Camp Open House!
Encore Stage & Studio is excited to celebrate the start of summer planning with a Summer Camp Open House event on Saturday, January 4, 2020, 10 am – 12 pm, at Encore’s Main Campus! Students will experience 30-minute sample sessions of Encore’s various upcoming summer camps. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet teaching artists and Encore staff, as well as register for summer camps at Early Bird prices. Registration is free and recommended in advance to guarantee a spot in your favorite classes.
“Encore’s teaching artists bring professional excellence and passion for theatre to every class they teach. I love watching the final sharings for our classes because I get to witness the growing self-confidence and joy in each child.” — Sara Duke, Encore Stage & Studio Executive Director
Camp sessions include options of either one, two, or three weeks. Encore’s educational programs are designed to provide a fun and safe environment for children to explore theatre arts, from the newest beginner to the more experienced theatre fan.
10:00 – 10:15 am
Meet & Greet with Summer Staff
10:15 – 10:45 am
Fun with Pete the Cat – Ages 3-5
Broadway Kids: Classics – Ages 5-9
Villains and their Descendants – Ages 8-12
10:45 – 11:15 am
Activity Stations – Parents’ Lounge
11:15-11:45 am
Theatre Olympics – Ages 5-9
Movie Mash-Up – Ages 8-12
Stage Door Dance – Ages 11-15
11:45 am – 12:00 pm
Questions – Parents’ Lounge
Fun with Pete the Cat (Ages 3-5)
Pete is one cool cat, with his groovy buttons and white shoes. He doesn’t let anything slow him down and he never gives up. He just keeps singing his song while moving forward. With Pete’s groovy help, along with our classmates, we’ll learn about important character traits, such as courage, enthusiasm, honesty, patience, and perseverance.
Broadway Kids: Classic
“Cheer Up Charlie,” we’ve got more where that came from! “You Can’t Stop the Beat” as we sing and dance our way through some of Broadway’s biggest hits. This camp is the one for you if you “Can’t Stand Still!”
Villains and Their Descendants (Ages 8-12)
Does the apple fall far from the tree? The answer is up to you in this evilly delightful new camp. Collaborate with your fellow campers to create new scenarios starring your favorite villains and their descendants. What happens next? That’s up to you!
Theatre Olympics (Ages 5-9)
Get on your game face and go for the gold! You and your classmates will compete in a series of games designed to test your theatre skills. With fun events like costume relays, trivia tournaments, and improv challenges, everyone is sure to win!
Movie Mash-Up (Ages 8-12)
What would happen if Elsa and Thor took a road trip? Or if Pikachu and Nancy Drew had to team up to solve a mystery? The possibilities are endless and the plot is up to you! Collaborate with your fellow campers to bring famous movie characters to life in new, creative, and unexpected situations.
Stage Door Dance (Ages 11-15)
As the camp builds towards public performances of a fully-staged musical, you’ll be challenged to fully engage your creativity, to develop a memorable character, and to work as part of a team while gaining valuable stage experience.
The Parents Speak: #EncoreSummer
A special #TechTuesday to all of our Encore fans out there. Keep the pumpkin spice at bay, because we’ve got two more weeks of glorious summer left! With camps specially tailored for ages 3 through 15, we’ve been having a blast so far this #EncoreSummer. Based on our feedback surveys, it seems safe to say that our campers and their parents are enjoying themselves too! Scroll down to check out some of the praises our parents have been singing (and please pardon our blush). ❤
Ages 3-5:
- She specifically mentioned that she learned how to “project,” which is “singing loud, but not yelling!” 😜
- [My student] became more independent and confident.
- My son now wants to participate next year, based solely on limited interaction with camp staff during drop offs and my daughter’s excitement about the camp.
My daughter was excited to go back every day!
Ages 5-9:
- [We chose Encore because of:] willingness to work with my child’s special needs, [their] ability to keep him engaged, opportunities for him to learn [and] expand his skills, all while having fun hours.
- [My student] came home from camp happy every day! She really enjoyed crafting the play with her peers.
- [My child] developed confidence and willingness to take risks…he also had the chance to work on his gross motor skills and following directions with the dance routines.
- This was my kiddo’s first experience with theater/drama camp & he loved it! He’s already asking to do another week (which we would if we could fit it with our vacation schedule).
The counselors knew my child and talked about their day at pick up.
The staff all seemed extremely nice, caring, engaged, and loving.
Ages 8-12:
- My daughter learned more flexibility and more about how the creative process works building up to the actual performance.
- She learned about the parts of a performance (rising action, falling action, etc.) and how to include them when she writes.
- I couldn’t be more pleased with the accommodations and the above-and-beyond efforts made by the staff to help my daughter find a place in the group and have a wonderful week.
- Everyone, staff and participants, was inclusive and supportive.
We love Encore and are so happy with its mission, vision, and approach!
Ages 11-15:
- The instructors pushed her to improve … and gave balanced feedback.
- Both my girls loved the rehearsals most. They also loved painting the set. Very fun camp and they were sorry to see it end.
- [My students] learned the structure of a production and how a play develops. Discipline through practice.
- My younger daughter had never acted, so she learned a great deal about blocking, set design, and projecting her voice, among other things. Good experience memorizing a complicated script in a short time.
- Staff is always caring and fun!
- She is completely hooked and will audition for future shows. She didn’t want it to end.
- This is the first time my daughter has asked to attend a camp again next year. She came home so happy every day.
Loved the director and the assistants, all of them. Definitely a highlight of the camp experience – all were very sweet and easygoing ladies. My daughters loved them.
She didn’t want it to end.
Many, many thanks to these families for sharing their gracious feedback and for spending another wonderful summer with us here at Encore. We’re thrilled to share that registration for our Early and Late Fall class sessions is now open. Many of the teaching artists you know and love (for example: Ms. A, Mr. Seth, and Ms. Cici) will be returning to teach throughout the year. We can’t wait to see you all!
Mondays, September 23 – November 4 (No class October 14) – Six Class Session
Tuesdays, October 1-22 – Four Class Session
Saturdays, October 5-26 – Four Class Session
Late Fall Session
Saturdays, November 2 – December 14 (No class November 30) – Six Class Session
Wednesdays, November 6 – December 18 (No class November 27) – Six Class Session
Tuesdays, November 12 – December 17 – Six Class Session
Mondays, November 18 – December 16 – Five Class Session
Photos by Shannon McCarthy, Cindy Kane Photography, Brian Hernandez, and Aileen Christian.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.