5 Reasons Not to Miss The Talented Clementine
Illustration by Marla Frazee.
#1 – It’s a World Premiere!
Be one of the first to see this musical’s debut! Adapted from the book The Talented Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker, this script takes the tale of a young girl and her talented friends and brings it to life through song and dance. You’ll get to be a part of Encore history!
#2 – Enjoy a Story about Childhood Joy
“All ages can relate to this playful story about self-discovery and confidence.” -Sara Duke, Executive Director of Encore Stage & Studio
Clementine gets nervous when her third grade teacher announces that her class will be putting on a talent show to raise money for the spring trip. She can’t sing or dance or play an instrument like her super talented friend Margaret, and what talents she does have would not work on a stage. Clementine must find an act, any act, to perform before the big show. But with only a few days to do so, can she put it together in time?
#3 – Take “Theatre by Kids, for Kids” to Another Level
We have partnered with Kid Pan Alley to present this special musical. Kid Pan Alley collaborated with local schools, including Arlington’s Carlin Springs Elementary, through its residency program to create lyrics and music for the production. Come nod your head and tap your toes to songs written by kids, for kids!
#4 – The Great 2019/2020 Season Reveal
At our performance on Sunday, June 2nd, we will announce our 2019/2020 season! Along with the reveal, we will present the 2019 STAR Award winners, 2019 Celeste Award winner, and more!
#5 – Chance to Meet Author Sara Pennypacker
Meet the author of the popular series on opening night! Books will be available for purchase in the lobby–you can get your book signed!
Performance Dates and Showtimes for The Talented Clementine
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan Christian. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
A Pre-K Q&A w/ Madaline Langston
Greetings, Encore fans! With auditions for Newsies underway (one last chance tonight!), thoughts of summer are saturating the atmosphere here at Encore Stage & Studio. This year, we’re excited to launch a new summer camp program, exclusively for ages 3-5. We’ve been having such a blast in our Early Childhood classes that we didn’t want the fun to end over the summer. As with anything new, you may have some questions about this new camp program. Fear not! We’ve got Camp Director Madaline Langston here on The Front Row to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve heard so far:
Q: Will my preschooler be at camp all day?
A: As this will be the first camp experience for most of our students, we want the week to be calm as possible. The camp day will run from 9 AM – 12 PM.
Q: Will you accept students younger than age three?
A: We are unable to accept students younger than age three. Children under the age of three are welcome in our Early Childhood classes on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 am-11:15 am, up until our final class for the year on June 11th.
Q: Do you provide snack for campers?
A: We do not provide snack for our summer programs. Snack and lunch should be packed by the student’s family, and should be peanut-free. Please remember to pack a water bottle!
Q: Does my child need to be toilet trained?
A: All participants must be toilet trained. A toilet trained child wears underwear during the day, uses the bathroom independently, and indicates the need to use the bathroom.
Q: What is the class size for this new preschool program?
A: Ten students.
Q: Are your employees CPR/First Aid certified?
A: Our camp directors are all CPR/AED/First Aid Certified. Many of our teaching artists are as well.
Q: My child is five. Should I enroll them in this camp or an It’s Elementary program?
A: Parents know their children best: If your child is new to camp or a large group interaction, perhaps our three hour camp experience is where you may want to begin. If considering It’s Elementary, and you know that your child may need a nap in the middle of the day, a half-day option of It’s Elementary could be a better choice for your child.
Q: How should my child dress for camp?
A: Campers should dress to move. If wearing a skirt or dress, please wear shorts. We ask that all campers wear closed-toe shoes. Rooms can vary on temperatures, so it is suggested that campers bring a sweater or jacket to class.
Thank you for sharing about our brand-new program, Madaline! Got questions we didn’t cover? Please give us a call at 703-548-1154, Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM.
Summer Camps for Ages 3-5
June 24-28, 2019 – Lessons from Mr. Rogers–Just 5 spots left!
July 1-5, 2019 (No camp July 4th) – Circus Fun
July 15-19, 2019 – Crowns & Castles –SOLD OUT!
July 29-August 2, 2019 – Down on the Farm–Just 6 spots left!
August 12-16, 2019 – Olympic Champions
Photos by Shannon McCarthy and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Madaline Langston. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
A “Priceless” Experience with Stage Manager Lindsey G.
A glorious #FrontRowFriday to all of you, Encore fans. Ever wonder what it’s like to be one of Encore’s high school stage managers? Today we’re sitting down with Lindsey G. to learn more about her SM experience, including what it’s like to run rehearsals for a world-premiere musical that’s never been performed before.
My first exposure to theatre was with Encore- my sister Lauren did shows before I was old enough to and I grew up going to see her perform. I knew that I wanted to start working with Encore as soon as possible! My very first show was a Stage Door production of Willy Wonka Jr. (I played a squirrel) and I’ve been hooked ever since, doing shows both on stage and behind the scenes. My freshman year of high school, I started stage managing for Encore as well. I love being able to work with both the cast and the crew on a single show, so stage managing is a wonderful fit. Funnily enough though, stage managing had never actually crossed my mind until Susan called me into the conference room one day when I was working as a camp aide and asked if I would be interested. Naturally, I said yes and filled out the application that night.
The most challenging moment I’ve had in over my three years of stage managing was during Lion King, Jr. when the track following “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” began playing over the song during a show. My sound operator hit the “panic” button, which stopped both of the tracks that were playing. Since the program that we were using could not pick up songs in the middle, we tried looking for the iTunes copy of the music but couldn’t find it. I told my ASMs to instruct the actors to keep singing, and they did! The whole cast sang the a-cappella version so well you would think that we did it on purpose. After the show, Rebecca and I went into the sound program and were able to fix the problem. Before the next show we tested it too, just to make sure, and it worked perfectly.
My favorite memory of stage managing was also from Lion King, Jr.; when rehearsals ended ten to fifteen minutes early, Susan would turn the actors over to me and we would play a game. The games in themselves were always enjoyable (we were gifted with a particularly humorous cast), but my favorite story came from what happened before we played one of our games. Before every game I would take suggestions as to what we should play, but would remind the actors that our little circle was not a democracy. It was a monarchy and I was the Queen, because I could veto any game idea if I deemed it too long, too loud, or in any other way not a good fit for that particular day. In response, the actors (of their own volition) by about the third or fourth rehearsal, had taken to calling me “Empress Lindsey.” This proved to be a very beneficial title. On top of it being funny when kids would bow and present me with their phones for the phone box, I found that they were more willing to get quiet, help me carry things, and move quickly when I called places when it was under the premise of it being “for their empress.”
Stage managing has taught me several important skills. For example, stage managing has taught me how to be organized, which comes into play in my day-to-day life all the time- my binders at school are immaculate because of my stage manager “bible.” Perhaps more importantly though, stage managing has taught me how to maintain a balance in everything that I do. Over the past three years, I have learned how to keep things fun and lighthearted while also staying on task and focused, and I have learned when to let the little things go. Also: when to remind someone that if it’s not your prop, don’t touch it!
Stage managing for a world-premiere musical has been both more hectic and more rewarding than both of my previous stage management experiences. The opportunity to do an original show gives the actors and directors near limitless freedom for their creativity, which is an amazing thing to watch unfold. Sometimes that overflowing creativity means that we create four different versions of the same song with minor speed or pitch changes just to see which one fits best, or change the key of a song to better fit the voice of the actor. Normally, such activities lead to me running back and forth with the sound computer or standing over the copier while music packets print, which is what makes the show more hectic. In fact, I don’t think that I’ve sat down during the past three rehearsals! But in the end, the freedom to mold the show any way the directors or actors want in order to make [The Talented] Clementine the best show it can be is priceless. Being able to do that really makes Clementine a special show, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.
Thank you for sharing your Encore story with all of us here on The Front Row, Lindsey! Now that you’ve met the face that’s calling the cues behind the scenes, be sure to scoop up your tickets for The Talented Clementine, opening at the end of this month. Did Lindsey’s story spark your interest? Download the 2019/2020 Stage Manager application today.
Performance Dates and Showtimes for The Talented Clementine
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by student Stage Manager Lindsey Gradowski. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Audition Tips from Newsies Choreographer Anneke Collins
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! Today we’re checking in with the choreographer for this summer’s production of Disney’s Newsies. On the fence about “seizing the day” and joining in on audition because of your dance skills? Anneke Collins is on the blog to quiet your nerves and get you pumped for auditions next week!
Hello! My name is Anneke Collins and I am the choreographer for Newsies! I am so excited to work with all of you in these upcoming weeks. Below are a few tips and tricks to having a great audition:
This is an upbeat show so make sure you show up with your musical game face on!
Bring the right gear!
- Wear comfy clothes you can move in.
- Bring your jazz shoes or dance sneakers (No ballet shoes please!)
- Got taps? Bring them! (There is a lot of tapping in this show.)
Just keep swimming!
- During the dance portion of the audition, if you get confused or lost while the choreography is being taught, ask questions.
- If you are performing in the audition and you get lost, just keep moving, even if you have to make something up!
If you are a tapper, I want to see your best skills and tricks!
Just make sure you can perform them consistently.
Auditions for Disney’s Newsies
For Cast – Ages 15+ (Including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9 pm
Youth Audition (Ages 11-14): May 14, 2019 | 5-7 pm
For Crew – Ages 12+ (Including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9 pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Anneke Collins. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
From Advocacy to Additions: Awesome April Highlights
From advocacy events to annual celebrations, April was quite a month for Encore! Check out our top April highlights:
Our new 6th-12th grade class, The Actor’s Toolbox, was a hit. Eight talented students joined teaching artist Mr. Patrick McGee to explore the various facets of building a character.
We Advocated for the Arts
The Celebration of the Arts and our large presence at the FY2020 Budget Hearing on April 2nd showed the strength of the arts community in Arlington. It also made clear that Encore is a leader among our peers.The Arlington County budget was passed April 23.
Here are the highlights from the FY2020 budget:
-Access to the Scenic Shop year-round
-Access to the Costume Lab studio year-round
-The County Facility position at 3700 S. Four Mile Run is restored
-Lastly, the FY 2020 Grants Program is fully funded
We Added to the Team
After several seasons of awesome work as an Apprentice and Lead Teacher, Encore is excited to welcome A.K. Nell to the staff as a full-time Education Associate. We’re lucky to have you on board!
We Made New Friends
April saw many new faces in our Tuesday morning Early Childhood class, in addition to our weekly regulars. We played the morning away with songs, games, and stories. We can’t wait to meet more new friends!
We Dreamed (and Ate) Big
This year, Encore hosted the 8th annual Benefit Breakfast! It was a wonderful morning, full of great conversation and delicious food, not to mention some energetic performances from Encore students.
We Broke Spring
Last month Encore hosted two full weeks of Spring Break camp for students in grades K-5th. Daily themes ranged from classics like Peter Pan and Pinocchio to new favorites such as Trolls and The Lego Movie.
As we say ‘so long’ to April, we say ‘hello’ to May! We look forward to our final set of auditions of the season. Auditions for Disney’s Newsies are May 13 & 14.
Rocket Woman blasts off into its final weekend May 9-11! Be sure to get your tickets!
Lastly, we’re ecstatic to present The Talented Clementine running May 31-June 9, 2019.
What an exciting month ahead! Happy Front Row Friday!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#TechTuesday with Scenes for Tween’s Seth Rosenke
Whether you long to write your own plays, swash buckle into battle, or belt it out like a Broadway star, this summer’s Scenes for Tweens line-up has a theatre adventure for you. Today we’re chatting with S4T Camp Director, Mr. Seth Rosenke:
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself: What’s your background in theatre? How long have you worked at Encore and in which capacities?
Seth: I’ve been acting actively for 18 years. I hold an MFA in Acting from The Catholic University of America. I have been with Encore since the summer of 2013, where I started as an Education Intern. I have grown in my capacity with the company into a Teaching Artist and Camp Director for Scenes for Tweens.
Encore: What is the most interesting aspect of Scenes for Tweens summer camps?
Seth: I strive to imbue a sense of independent artistic voice in the students, allowing them to bring their own ideas to the stage and teaching them how to activate those ideas to aid in telling the story. I also strive to give students the skills to communicate those ideas in a collaborative fashion with their castmates and instructors. Essentially, the most interesting aspect of Scenes for Tweens is the ability to incept and collaborate.
Encore: What is your favorite #EncoreSummer memory?
Seth: I’ll reference question two. During the first ever Tragedy vs. Comedy camp, the students adapted two versions of Peter Pan for the stage, including a tragic version. When Tinkerbell died in the tragic version, the audience knew to clap to “bring her back”…but as part of the story, our Tink didn’t come back. Watching the actor playing Tink try to keep it together as the audience clapped, then started laughing alongside her was deeply rewarding!
Encore: In your opinion, why are the performing arts important for young people?
Seth: Theatre is where I learned some of the most important lifelong lessons I’ve ever learned, like humility, collaboration, and independent thinking. I have witnessed and experienced the impact the performing arts can have on one’s own voice, and it is my solemn goal to help each student of mine find theirs.
Encore: What are you most excited about for Scenes for Tweens 2019?
Seth: It’s always the same answer, every summer: the new ideas the young performers will expose me to. Also: Shakespeare camp!
Thank you again to Mr. Seth for sharing his experiences with us. Join us at Scenes for Tweens this summer to find your voice, explore diverse topics, and, most importantly, have a blast!
Scenes for Tweens Camps (Ages 8-12)
One-Week Programs:
June 17 – 21, 2019 – Movie Mash-up
June 24 – 28, 2019 – Summer Stories
July 1 – 5, 2019 (No camp July 4) – Encore’s Season Sampler
August 19 – 23, 2019 – Improv-a-thon–SOLD OUT!
August 26 – 30, 2019 – Summer Nights Live
$350
$280 for Encore’s Season Sampler
Two-Week Programs:
July 8 – 19, 2019 – Broadway Bootcamp–SOLD OUT!
July 22 – August 2, 2019 – Tragedy vs. Comedy–SOLD OUT!
August 5 – 16, 2019 – Shakespeare’s Love & Laughter
Coming to Encore: Flip the Script
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Today we’re shining the spotlight on a brand-new Encore program: Flip the Script. Perhaps you’ve heard a bit about our new student-devised project at the Benefit Breakfast or at a County Board meeting during our recent advocacy efforts. Today we’re answering all of your major questions about this awesome new opportunity to bring “Theatre by kids, for kids” to audiences near you:
WHAT: We invite 9th—12th grade students to create an original student-devised play. This project will incorporate both young people and the arts as a medium for preserving, sharing, and learning from local history. Research, create, act, dance, direct, and more through this new program, geared toward bringing untold stories of Arlington’s African American community to light.
WHO: Our program will be headed by Education Programs Director, Madaline Langston, with co-direction by local theatre artist Aakhu Freeman. Between them, these women bring numerous years of professional performance and teaching experience to the devising process.
We are excited to partner with Arlington’s community-wide efforts to examine and promote African American voices, “Changing the Narrative.” Both local and collegiate historians will support the Flip the Script team in the search for resources, testimonies, and valuable on the ground site visits.
Most importantly: YOU! Encore is looking for diverse high school students in Arlington who are interested in acting, dancing, or researching history for our Flip the Script production. Whether you love the History Channel or the Tony Awards, prefer Twitter debates or dance class, there is spot for you on our team!
WHEN: The fun kicks off with our first introductory meeting on Monday, June 10th, 2019. Research and site visits will occur periodically throughout the summer, with rehearsals and performances ramping up in the fall. Visit our landing page for a full proposed rehearsal schedule.
WHERE: While Flip the Script will utilize Encore’s Main Campus as a primary rehearsal space, this devising project will take you all over Arlington for site visits and research opportunities. The program will culminate in a final public performance, as well as tours to schools, civic associations, and more in order to present the work to a diverse audiences in Arlington. The team will also have the opportunity to perform as a part of the 2020 Martin Luther King Day celebration in Arlington.
HOW: We plan to use first person accounts from locals who experienced the desegregation of Arlington County Schools and utilize Arlington County Library’s recorded histories, in addition to site visits and support from historians. In rehearsals, actors will implement the technique of Moment Work, originally introduced by the Tectonic Theater Project.
WHY: We are excited to collaborate with students in our community to highlight stories that may not otherwise get told. By bringing “Theatre by kids, for kids” to this new level, we hope to shed light on relevant stories from Arlington’s history to honor and celebrate them through new creative work.
Interested? Visit tinyurl.com/y2h5yfva to complete an interest form, by May 20th. For questions, please contact Madaline Langston, Education Programs Manager, at madaline.langston@encorestage.org or (703) 548-1154.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography. Flier design by Alana Gibson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
A #WorldBookDay Look Back
Here at Encore, we love a good book. What do we love even more? Bringing stories from the page to the stage! Today, in celebration of #WorldBookDay, we’ll be taking a look back at just a few of the most recent Encore shows that originally found their roots in a book. Read on!
Madeline’s Christmas (2017)
A double–cast production of this childhood classic jumped off the page to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Sherlock Holmes (2018)
This clever detective returned to the Encore stage to solve another case with the help of his loyal friend Watson, thwarting the infamous Moriarty once again.
Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (2018)
While this beloved animated classic may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of books, upon further inspection, one will find striking similarities to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
James and the Giant Peach (2018)
This quirky childhood favorite came to life in this larger than life production, complete with a giant book!
Pinocchio (2018)
Encore cut loose our strings in this colorful and energetic production, which even contained a monstrous whale puppet that wowed audiences and cast alike.
Seussical (2018)
Dr. Seuss’s wacky characters took over the Kenmore theatre to show “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
Jingle ARRGH the Way! (2018)
Pirate friends from Jake and the Neverland Pirates sailed into Arlington to get audiences feeling “swell” for the holidays in this festive Christmas musical, a new show for Encore’s repertoire.
The Enchanted Bookshop (2019)
This production featured a who’s who of classic literary characters, including figures such as Dorothy, The Queen of Hearts, Tom Sawyer, and even our old friend Sherlock Holmes.
Robin Hood (2019)
Encore’s most recent production was a new take on a revered tale of old, featuring old favorites such as Friar Tuck and Maid Marion, but adding new faces like Lady Merle and the Sheriff’s Wife.
The Talented Clementine (2019)
Coming up next in Encore’s season: a world premiere musical, based on the cherished children’s book series by Sara Pennypacker! Encore Stage & Studio has been working for over two years in collaboration with Kid Pan Alley, a songwriting residency program that works with elementary students, to bring this book to life.
Clementine gets nervous when her third grade teacher announces that her class will be putting on a talent show to raise money for the spring trip. She can’t sing or dance or play an instrument like her super talented friend Margaret, and what talents she does have would not work on a stage. Clementine must find an act, any act, to perform before the night of the big show. But with only a few days to do so, can she put it together in time?
Get your tickets today to be part of making Encore history!
We recommend this musical for ages 6 and older.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Fridays, May 31 & June 7, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays, June 1 & 8, 2019 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sundays, June 2 & 9, 2019 at 3 pm
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. The Talented Clementine illustration by Marla Frazee. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Sunny Highlights from 2019’s Benefit Breakfast
Greetings, Encore fans! Last week was quite the whirlwind as the 6th annual Encore Benefit Breakfast was prepared and launched. If you weren’t able to join us on April 10th, fear not; we’ve got your Front Row recap covered. Read on to get the highlights of a wonderful morning in support of “Theatre by kids, for kids!”
Characters Gone Rogue
One of our favorite parts of the Breakfast is getting to see talented Encore performers from across the current season share their talents with an excited audience, up close and personal. This year, our characters were on the lose: pirates from Jingle ARRGH the Way, famous literary faces from The Enchanted Bookshop, Robin Hood‘s merry band, even The Talented Clementine herself! Board President Carole Russo called in the Ghostchasers to crash the breakfast and hunt down the missing characters. Fortunately, Sharktooth the Pirate was able to open the Breakfast with the hilarious song “I’m a Star” before Honcho and his gang were able to track down the dancing pirates.
A Presidential Welcome
Board president Carole Russo officially opened the Breakfast with a warm welcome to all those present, with special thanks to the Breakfast planning committee, Board of Directors, and Encore staff. She also highlighted 2019 Celeste Award winner, Melissa Huston, thanking her for all of her hard work and dedication as an Encore volunteer.
An Enchanted Auction
Next, the cast of The Enchanted Bookshop drew attention to some of the excellent prizes up for grabs in the 2019 Encore Silent Auction. These packages included such perks as Washington Nationals tickets, a night at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, tickets to Signature Theatre, and more! What a great way to both treat yourself and support “Theatre by kids, for kids!”
Leading at Encore and Beyond
Breakfast attendees had the pleasure of hearing from student speaker, Caitlyn Knittig, a participant of over 14 Encore productions. Her heartfelt speech shared her personal experience of growth, trust, and the family she found within Encore. She eloquently spoke on how the confidence and leadership skills she gained through participating in theatre prepared her to launch her own non-profit organization, We Support the Girls.
“Daydreaming”
Clementine herself, portrayed by Nyla Elder, shared a song from the upcoming world premiere of The Talented Clementine. The show has been in development for over two years in partnership with Kid Pan Alley and even features songs that were written with the help of local students from Carlin Springs Elementary School. This fun and light-hearted production opens May 31st, so get your tickets today!
The Merriest of Bands
Some key figures of Encore’s recent production of Robin Hood took the makeshift stage to share their point of view.
The Top Ten Reasons You Should Donate to Encore:
10: Encore is growing to serve more kids! Over 275 students will participate in our productions this year – at no cost to them. Ticket sales only cover approximately 40% of our production costs. We rely on donations to help us present high-quality entertainment at affordable prices to our community.
9: We’ve added new education programs and expanded existing ones to engage more kids! We’re in 25 elementary schools across Northern Virginia for after-school classes. We’ve also added a session to our Stage Door summer conservatory program – and it’s sold out. This would not be possible without donors like you!
8: It’s never too early to start thinking about college! The CollegeBoard reports that students who have been part of a play or musical score, on average, 91 points higher than the overall mean SAT score. We like to think of theatre as an important part of college prep!
7: We’re constantly updating our productions with new equipment and technology – remember the crystal-clear audio? We invested in new microphones. Or the impressive stage combat? We have an awesome production team that works with kids onstage and backstage!
6: Encore’s partnership with the Arlington Food Assistance Center is entering its third year. The Healthy Play Initiative provides a creative play class for preschoolers while their parents pick up groceries once a week. Donations support this important outreach initiative.
5: My parents keep asking me “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Regardless of what I choose, the skills I’m learning at Encore will serve me well. Did you know that 72% of business leaders say creativity is the number one skill they seek when hiring?
4: Encore is again partnering with Project Extra Step, Arlington Public School’s Homeless student office, to bring 13 students from Doorways and Bridges to Independence to attend our Spring Break Camp this year. Your donations provide scholarships for students from across Northern Virginia.
3: Participating in live theatre has critically important benefits for young people. I’ve learned teamwork, leadership, creativity, literacy, and problem-solving skills, as well as self-confidence. Encore provides a stage where students like me can use our creativity to discover our potential.
2: Encore has been an important member of the community since 1967. We recently launched an advocacy campaign to save arts funding in Arlington. #ARLSaveOurStage was a success. We made our voices heard. Encore is a leader in the arts community and beyond!
1: The number one reason to give to Encore? Because when I win a Tony award, an Oscar, or the Nobel Prize… You’ll want me to remember you in my acceptance speech, right? In all seriousness, your donation today will make a world of difference to our organization. Your support for Encore students helps us to achieve our dreams, both on and off stage.
“Engaged and ready!”
Following a heartfelt thanks from Executive Director Sara Duke, the Ghostchasers managed to round up all of our runaway characters and send them back to their respective stories. Lucky for us, Miss Clementine managed to hide away, welcoming attendees to join her at the world premiere of The Talented Clementine. With so much warmth and positivity in the room, this year’s Breakfast certainly made our Front Row News(ies)!
We had a wonderful time at this year’s Breakfast. We’re grateful to all of those who were able to attend, perform, and support “Theatre by kids, for kids.” Missed the Breakfast? There is still time to make a meaningful contribution this fiscal year.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Benefit Breakfast script by Sara Strehle Duke. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Blasting Off with the Actors of Rocket Woman
Buckle up for a very special #TechTuesday, Encore fans. On the blog today, we’ve got the cast of Encore’s newest Theatre for the Very Young presentation, Rocket Woman, sharing a bit about the creation of the show, fun moments, and the importance of the arts.
A.K. Nell – Robin, a young girl
Anderson Wells – Jean Pierre, an unhelpful robot
Emily Sucher – Rocket Woman, a space explorer
Encore: What’s the theme of the show?
A.K.: Rocket Woman is about a kid named Robin who uses her imagination and a surplus of boxes to create a rocket ship that takes off on an adventure of its own. While it takes a few tries, Robin and her friends never give up on their mission.
Emily: Finding joy in the process of creating, rather than focusing just on the result.
Anderson: The show focuses on imagination and resilience. When at first you don’t succeed, in the words of Jean Pierre, “Try again!”
Encore: What do you hope young audience members will take away from this experience?
Emily: There are lots of different ways to accomplish your goals and there is magic in teamwork.
A.K.: I hope that audiences will be taken into the world of creation and make believe with Rocket Woman. I want kids to see that anything is possible with a strong imagination, some good friends, and determination.
Anderson: If you use your imagination, you can do anything!
Encore: What’s your favorite moment in the performance?
Anderson: Every time Jean Pierre is unhelpful, which encourages Robin to try a new idea.
A.K.: One of my favorite moments in the show is after the first rocket doesn’t blast off, when Robin keeps trying. She takes a new approach and looks for a way to solve the problem. Her friends encourage her to never give up, which inspires Robin to think creatively.
Emily: Whenever we finish constructing a new rocket shape, I feel the sense of achievement right there with Robin!
Encore: Could you describe the devising process for us?
Emily: The process was play! We played various games that helped us discover these characters, the environment, and how they interacted. By experimenting with voice, movement, improv, and just having fun, all of the pieces came together.
Anderson: We worked with Rachel to create the characters and the environment. It involved a lot of improvisations and games.
Encore: How does performing for the Very Young differ from other types of performance you do?
Anderson: It doesn’t. At its root, you are creating a character with given circumstances and objectives. You commit to the truth of the character and their situation. Every audience and every show is different regardless of the age of the audience and each should be given a generous amount of energy and care.
Emily: TVYA requires a level of specificity in performance that I find exciting. In any performance, I want my work to be truthful, but to keep the story moving with energy and precision, TVYA requires strong, clear character choices that reflect in the vocals, movement, and timing.
Encore: In your opinion, why are the arts important in the lives of children?
A.K.: I think the Theatre For the Very Young performances are so important because they expose young children to theatre in a way that was made just for them. Created with young audiences in mind, these performances bring the stories to life with audience participation, interactive props, and the chance to meet the performers and explore the set after the show.
Encore: Describe Rocket Woman in five words or small phrases.
Anderson: Send it to space! Yeah!
A.K.:
1. Imagination
2. Determination
3. Boxes on boxes
4. Try something new
5. Never give up!
Be sure to catch this imaginative and enterprising crew before they blast off for good. Tickets are on sale now, including discounted rates for groups of 10 or more. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
Thursday, Apr 11th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Friday, Apr 12th, 2019 at 10:00 am and 11:15 am
Thursday, May 9th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Friday, May 10th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Saturday, May 11th, 2019 at 10:00 am and 11:15 am
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Costume design by Caolan Eder. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.