Thank You from Executive Director Sara Duke
On Tuesday, April 2nd, Encore, along with many other Arlington cultural groups joined together for a Celebration of the Arts prior to the much-anticipated County Board budget hearing. Passersby were entertained by the musical stylings of the Arlingtones and the Potomac Harmony Chorus, as well as hearing testimony from arts representatives on how the proposed budget cuts would impact their organizations. Immediately following the Celebration, many arts supporters attended the budget hearing, with several members of the arts community signing up to speak before the County Manager and Board. While the official budget ruling is not until the end of April, the Board seemed positively receptive to our advocacy efforts. Read on for a celebratory message from Encore Executive Director, Sara Duke:
Thank you! What an amazing show of support from our Encore family [Tuesday] night!
I am deeply grateful to each of you for your energy and dedication to our advocacy efforts. We made our message to the County Board loud and clear – and they heard us! #ArlSaveOurStage was a success. The Celebration of the Arts and our large presence at the FY2020 Budget Hearing showed the strength of the arts community in Arlington and that Encore is a leader among our peers.
A link to the video recording of the budget hearing speakers can be found here. You can hear the County Manager’s updated Arts proposal starting at 11 minutes and 17 seconds. Encore speakers are at the following: Kerstin Fagerstrom & Matthew Bloss-Baum (1:16:20), Sarah Bolles & Ryley Rogers (1:18:40), Evan Holt (2:27:00). You all did an outstanding job representing Encore!
The final vote on the budget will be held on April 23. If you still want to make your opinions known to the County Board, please visit our website for more information.
Thanks again for your support!!
Sincerely,
Sara
We’re so grateful for all of the support that the Encore family has put behind this important issue. Please continue to share the importance of Arlington arts in your social media posts, using the hashtag #ARLSaveOurStage. To check out video from the Celebration of the Arts, follow @EncoreArlington and click here.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Celebrate the Arts with Encore!
Now is the time to seize the day, friends! Tonight, Tuesday, April 2nd, is when the Arlington County Board will vote on the proposed cuts to the FY2020 budget that would so drastically affect the ability of Encore and other local arts groups to put on the excellent programming that this county deserves.
To help share the magic what’s too good to lose, Encore is partnering with Embracing Arlington Arts to host a Celebration of the Arts from 6-7 PM outside the Ellen M Bozman Government Center.
Encore Family Time
One of our favorite things about creating theatre are the friendships that form and come to feel like family. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time together outside the rehearsal room or tech shop.
A Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood
Encore is proud to be part of a vibrant arts community here in Arlington County. Several different arts groups will be joining in the Celebration through performance and participation. Come take in their acts and show what excellent audience members Encore fans can be!
Make Your Voice Heard
This is our final chance to share the impact and importance of the arts with County Board members before their influential vote this evening. Arts opportunities are a vibrant and vital part of life here in Arlington. Come take this chance to share your story and let your voice be heard in local government.
Don your favorite Encore shirt, text your show and camp friends, and come on down to the Celebration of the Arts, this evening starting at 6 PM!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Sarah Strunk. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Much Love, Less Madness: March Highlights
With Daylight Savings in effect and the blush of cherry blossoms starting to bloom, springtime is here and, with it, the passage of another month. Let’s take this time to look back on some of the moments that made March so special and exciting here at Encore.
1) Right on Target
The month began, ironically, with an end. The closing weekend of Robin Hood saw many enthusiastic patrons, as well as several joyful Encore reunions. The closing performance welcomed over 300 patrons into Sherwood Forest for an adventure full of elegant sword fights, cheerful dances, and live on-stage archery. Huzzah!
Ready to channel your own inner hero or dastardly villain? Join us for our spring session of theatre classes, featuring titles such as Classic Villains, Tall Tales, Clowning Around, and more! Classes begin Saturday, April 27th, so don’t delay!
2) Banding Together
Our holiday mini-camp and play in a day participants also got to channel the classic tale of Robin Hood on March 8th. Our campers worked together to create scenes based on the traditional story, encouraged to put their own twist on things, sometimes through song, humor, or, in one case, a particularly dramatic battle sequence.
Ready to try your hand at creative and collaborative storytelling? Join us for one (or all!) of our Spring Break Camps. Enrollment is a la carte; enroll for select days to fit your schedule or the entire week:
Public School Dates and Themes
Private School Dates and Themes
3) The Power of Community
On March 11th, Encore partnered with Embracing Arlington Arts to host an advocacy meeting for local arts groups and supporters. Over 100 people attended to discuss the proposed cuts to facilities and funding for arts organizations in Arlington County. Many shared their stories, as well as creative and meaningful ways to help spread the word and urge the County Board to disapprove the proposed budget cuts. Missed the meeting? Click here for a full recap of the #ARLSaveOurStage meeting.
Join us on Tuesday, April 2nd for a Celebration of the Arts, followed by the County Board’s FY2020 Budget Hearing. Take this chance to make your voices heard and share the power of the arts with our community, as well as with members of the County Board.
4) Robin Gets Moving
The cast of Robin Hood happily reunited to present scenes and battle sequences as part of the annual Move Me Festival. It was wonderful to share this beloved production with the local community and to interact with other local arts groups.
5) Appreciating Heroes
Long-time Encore fans know that our staff loves a theme day. This month’s theme was particularly apt, given that it’s Women’s History Month: Superheroes! Our awesome hero-inspired outfits gave us the chance to consider the real-life heroes in our own lives (and office spaces). Check out what our staff had to share about working in a largely female-driven organization:
6) “X” Marks the Spot
Today is performance day for Encore’s school residency at Ashlawn Elementary. For the last few months, Encore teaching artists have been directing students in a production of the pirate classic Treasure Island, originally written for Encore by Matt Heap in 2016. We wish them much success and a happy opening. Break a (peg) leg!
7) Talents Galore!
This month Encore held auditions for the world premiere of The Talented Clementine. 97 students came out for cast, with 29 participants interviewing for crew. Our enthusiastic cast’s rehearsals are now underway and we can’t wait to see the final production!
We hope you’ve enjoyed these highlights from March. Enjoy this trip around the maypole and we’ll see you again next month!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Alana Gibson, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Scrumptious Reasons to RSVP for the Benefit Breakfast
Spring is here, spring is here! We can hardly believe it. It feels like just yesterday that we were shivering our way through Jingle tech rehearsals and hoping that snow cancellations would be kept at bay. Luckily, the arrival of warmer weather signals something very exciting…Encore’s annual Benefit Breakfast is almost here! We’d love to see your sun-shining faces around our table as we celebrate another year of “Theatre by kids, for kids.” Here’s just a brief overview of all the wonderful things that are in store for you:
1) Breakfast…
Let’s start with the basics: the food! Washington Golf & Country Club always provide the most excellent service, keeping our plates (and coffee mugs) nice and full.
2) …and a show!
The Benefit Breakfast provides a fantastic opportunity to revisit some of your most loved scenes and songs from the season so far, as well as the chance to get a sneak peak of Encore’s upcoming world premiere of The Talented Clementine. If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself sharing a table with some of your favorite pirates, book characters, or ghostchasers!
3) Feeling fancy?
Who doesn’t love a chance to dress up and celebrate? Shine up your shoes, straighten your bow ties, and break out your sundresses, because Encore loves an excuse to get snazzy.
4) #SquadGoals
The best people to get fancy with? Your friends, of course! We love the chance to spend time with our Encore family outside of the (sometimes hectic) world of rehearsals, classes, and productions. Spending some quality time with one another over a delicious meal? Sign us up!
5) Did somebody say prizes?
Attendees will have the chance to participate in our exclusive Benefit Breakfast silent auction. While we can’t give everything away, some special items include: tickets to Signature Theater, a stay at the Ritz Carlton, autographed Washington sports memorabilia, and more. You won’t want to miss out!
6) Encore Stories
Perhaps the most special part of the Breakfast, for those of us here on staff, is the privilege to hear from our students first-hand. Encore participants and alumni will take to the mic to share their journeys and insights, which is such a treat. Come experience the impact and legacy of children’s theatre in Arlington first-hand.
2015-2017 Board Co-President Karol Boudreaux introduces Encore’s “Theatre for All Fund” at the 2017 Benefit Breakfast.
7) To infinity…
Don’t pass up this opportunity to hear from Encore’s Executive Director and President of the Board as they share the vision for Encore moving forward into next season and beyond. Join us as we continue to shape the future of what is means to produce “Theatre by kids, for kids.”
We hope that this brief sampling has whet your appetites and that we’ll see your smiling faces at the 2019 Benefit Breakfast. The gathering is on Wednesday, April 10th, but RSVP today to ensure that you’re on the guest list far before the April 3rd deadline. We cannot wait to join you in celebration of Encore and the amazing students that make our organization and this community so special.
Photos by Clarence Chan, Larry McClemons, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Encore’s Real Life Superheroes
A very lovely #FrontRowFriday to all of you, Encore fam! As the end Women’s History Month draws near, we want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the excellent and wonderful female leaders we have on staff here at Encore Stage & Studio.
Our Heroes
Sara Strehle Duke
Executive Director
Time at Encore: 10 years
I’m proud to work with an amazing group of women leaders at Encore. We take our individuals talents and apply them to our mission every single day.
These are individuals that would be amazing leaders regardless of gender!
Read More: Exec Director Sara Duke is Chosen as an Honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40!
Susan Keady
Artistic Director
Time at Encore: 30 years
One of the highlights of my job is working alongside a smart brilliant team in education, administration, and production. The Encore staff bubble over with creative, imaginative, daring ideas to assert Encore’s mission.
Read More:
Turning the Tables: Hannah and Susan
“A Community Treasure” – Looking Back w/ Susan Keady
Susan Keady Named 2018 Connect with Kids Champion
Aileen Pangan Christian
Director of Marketing
Time at Encore: 8 years
I think representation is vital…
…seeing women take the lead in the arts and other realms, it allows other young girls to dream bigger. When I think of strong women in the arts, I think of Lea Salonga! She’s a true Disney princess — not only is she a musical theatre legend, but she has shed a light on environmental issues around the world.
Madaline Langston
Educational Programs Manager
Time at Encore: 18 years
Since the beginning of time, many artists have referred to a thing of beauty and strength as “she” or “her.” Women bring a natural balance to all things that touch the soul. It is a wonderful time to have our voices heard.
Read More:
Meet Encore’s Education Programs Manager: Madaline Langston
So Much More! #SummerPlanningSunday with Madaline Langston
Rebecca Pfeil
Production Manager
Time at Encore: 5 years
I think it’s important for kids to see all types of people in leadership positions, especially on the tech side of things.
It encourages young girls to explore the world of technical theatre, while allowing young boys to learn from women in the field as well. Working with a group of strong women, at Encore specifically, also fosters a very supportive work environment.
Read More:
Turning the Tables: Isabel and Rebecca
3 Spots & 3 Reasons: Tech Camp w/ Rebecca Pfeil
Carole Russo
Board President
Time Involved with Encore: 5 years
Can we continue to provide kids in northern Virginia with the chance to take a risk, be a part of a team, learn to trust one another and make some great theatre? I suggest a resounding yes. Because Encore provides all of this great inspiration and makes northern Virginia a unique and special place where kids can be kids while stretching their boundaries.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is to include them, and that’s what Encore is all about.
Read More:
A Board President’s Holiday Wish
Here at Encore, we pride ourselves on being a safe space, for our students, for our families, and for our staff. We work hard to create equal opportunities for participants of every gender expression, allowing students to play roles typically cast in another gender, or even bending the traditional casting in our original productions, such as the character of Jemma (Jim) in Matt Heap’s Treasure Island.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Cindy Kane Photography, and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
3 Spots & 3 Reasons: Tech Camp w/ Rebecca Pfeil
Welcome to another #TechTuesday here on The Front Row, Encore fans. Today, we’re excited to touch base with Encore’s Production Manager, Rebecca Pfeil. You may have caught her interview with student editor Isabel a few weeks ago (if not, click here to check it out!). This time, however, she’s talking to us about Tech Camp.Take it away, Rebecca!
I was the first Technical Director of Tech Camp for Willy Wonka Jr, which is coming back this summer! I was also the Technical Director for the first Peter Pan Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Anything Goes, Annie Jr. and more. Every summer, I always stop in and help with an aspect of Tech Camp, such as pulling costumes from storage, teaching a lesson, or assisting with the lighting design. I always look forward to meeting the new tech campers and saying hi to the returners. I hope to see you at Tech Camp this summer! Here are some reasons why you should register today:
If you love painting or the idea of using your creative thinking to imagine what you can make out of cardboard, Tech Camp is the place for you. You get to design all the sets and props for the shows, all while making a show come to life in just three short weeks! It’s always great to see the innovative and unique elements that Tech Camp crew members bring to each production.
2) Learning
Tech Camp is an awesome opportunity to learn more about backstage and booth crew positions in a low-stress environment. If you’ve never tried crew before, this is your chance to get your feet wet before auditioning for crew on an Encore season production. You get the chance to explore lighting design with the light board and other special opportunities that you won’t find at other summer programs.
3) Fun!
Camp is a wonderful place to make new friends. It’s all the fun and bonding of a full-scale show, condensed into three weeks of awesomeness. Many students have made connections that grow into friendships that last far beyond summer, which is always lovely to see.
Thanks for sharing with us, Rebecca! If Tech Camp sounds like the place for you, don’t delay – there are only three remaining spaces in each session of Tech Camp for Summer 2019!
Tech Camp
With just three weeks to bring together all of the technical elements of a show, you’ll be challenged to bring your best, most creative self to camp every day. Each morning, you’ll focus on exploring technical skills including scenic design, costuming, stage management, and more. Afternoons will be spent turning designs into reality by creating set pieces, props, and costumes. By the third week of camp, you’ll be ready to present your designs to the public and run a seamless show backstage. Throughout each session, your work will be supplemented by guest artist-led workshops on topics such as stage combat, sound design, and lighting as you prepare to put your work on display in the final performances.
Photos by Aimee Pangan, Cindy Kane Photography, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Train Like a Lucky Star in New Class for GR 6-12
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Hopefully you’ve had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather we’ve been having the last few days, heralding the fact that spring is near. With this in mind, today we’re delving deeper with a new spring class for our 6th-12th graders, The Actor’s Toolbox. We’ll hear from our Education Programs Manager, Madaline Langston, as well as Patrick McGee, the teaching artist for the program.
As a professional and conservatory-trained actor, I have spent years working constantly on the art of acting. While thinking of a program to assist our Encore actors, I thought about my training and which classes make sense in the development of the craft of acting.
It’s about training…
The Actor’s Toolbox series is a group of classes designed to take our Encore actors to the next level. Actors must consistently develop their instrument so they can create and sustain a believable character using their voice and body. It’s about training, strengthening the brain and body to think like an actor, and producing confidence in the choices made on stage.
Try a class and allow the process to begin.
–Madaline
Stretching is important for all actors. We must stretch our bodies before we perform. We must stretch ourselves as artists in the work that we create, and we must stretch ourselves to tell the most creative story on stage. This is why honing your skills in your actor’s toolbox is vital to the success that is accomplished on stage.
As both a teaching artist and actor, I have had the opportunity to work and train in both New York City for 12 years and a brief time in Los Angeles. I found, as an actor, the work that I did in the audition room or the rehearsal hall was the most vibrant and connected when I was also training my skills in an acting class [on my own time]. When auditioning for a Broadway show or the latest Netflix series, the nerves and self-doubts would start to creep into my audition or performance. However, when I had a strong foundation in my work like stage presence, clear objectives, and developed relationships, my work started to become more grounded and noticed by certain casting directors and directors.
Every actor has the ability to be a star…
This Spring, I am excited to revisit the actor’s toolbox as both as an actor and teaching artist. I always say I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. The class will start by developing our own star power. Every actor has the ability to be a star, but we need to develop the skills to really be seen the minute we walk out on stage or in the room. Once we tap into our stage presence, we explore how clear and concise objectives inform the scene and your work as an actor. Finally, we as actors are telling stories on stage; building relationships between the characters on stage is an important aspect of the storytelling process. I am excited to stretch this Spring and really use the classroom as a “gym for actors” in order stretch, create, and grow.
–Patrick
The Actor’s Toolbox
Have you ever wondered what’s in an Actor’s Toolbox? This four week series of classes guides the actor through the prep work and choices that lead to the development of unique and meaningful characters. Class topics will include: Stage Presence, Articulation, Objectives, and Relationship Building.
Mondays, April 1-29. 2019 (No class April 15)
Four Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 6-12
Fee: $75
Photos by Clarence Chan, Shannon McCarthy, and Alana Gibson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#ARLSaveOurStage Advocacy Meeting Recap
Last night, Encore partnered with Embracing Arlington Arts to host an advocacy meeting, bringing arts groups and supporters together to create an action plan to counter the proposed FY2020 cuts to the Arlington County budget that would severely impact local arts organizations.
- How do these cuts affect your organization? How do they impact you personally?
- What are the core reasons to restore funding to the arts?
- How will you communicate your message? What new or innovative ideas do you have?
- Poster Making, in preparation for April 2nd’s Celebration of the Arts event
- Social Media, where individuals could record a video message to the County Board or take photos for their own social media accounts
- Banner Signing, to be posted during the Celebration of the Arts event
- Support the Arts petition – sign here!
- Strategizing – interested in signing up to speak at an upcoming County Board meeting? Email info@encorestage.org and we’ll put you in touch!
Calls to Action:
- Send your comments about the proposed FY 2020 Budget to CountyBoard@arlingtonva.us or call their office at (703) 228-3130. Visit our #ARLSaveOurStage page for the full list of individual Board members’ contact information.
- Bring attention – share about the cuts with your friends, family members, and neighbors, both in-person and online using the hashtag #ARLSaveOurStage.
- Join us on April 2nd for a Celebration of the Arts. This is our last chance to show County Board members the importance of the facilities and funding with which Arlington provides arts groups.
Photos by Sarah Strunk. Robin Hood photo by Cindy Kane Photography. Video courtesy of NBC Washington. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Fab February Highlights
1) Sharing the Love
As always, our staff loves a theme day and turned it out for a dapper Valentine’s holiday. Perhaps even better, however, was the awesome donor appreciation video that our Robin Hood cast and crew helped produce. Check it out!
[Video by Rosemarie O’Connor]
2) Going, going, gone!
After just two months of open registration, several of our summer camps are SOLD OUT. While you’ll have to join the wait list for Mary Poppins, Jr. or Center Stage, there’s still time to join us for an epic #EncoreSummer! Act fast – many of our programs have 10 spots or fewer remaining.
[Video by Tina Worden]
3) “Now is the time to seize the day.”
When drastic budget cuts to the arts were revealed in the proposed 2020 Arlington County Budget, Encore students stepped up to the mic to speak out for the importance of theatre in their lives. Encore students, families, and volunteers have mobilized to speak at Board meetings, written in to their representatives, and shared their stories on social media with the hashtag #ARLSaveOurStage. Join us this Monday, March 11th at 7:30 PM for an advocacy planning meeting. Make your voice heard!
4) Blast off!
We’re thrilled to add another fun show to Encore’s Theatre for the Very Young series. Rehearsals for Rocket Woman are now underway. Our professional actors are exploring and creating a performance designed especially for shorter attention spans, focusing on ingenuity, problem solving, and fun…in space! This out of this world adventure blasts off on Thursday, April 4th, so get your boarding passes today.
5) Huzzah for closing!
Encore’s production of Robin Hood, directed by Susan Keady, had a wonderfully packed final audience. The production received several rave reviews and allowed for many Encore show reunions! Wishing you’d been in on the fun? Come out to audition for the world premiere musical, The Talented Clementine, this coming week on March 11th and 12th.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Let Your Talent Shine in Clementine Auditions
A pleasantly sunny #TechTuesday to all of you, Encore fans! With auditions for The Talented Clementine just a week away, today we have the pleasure of hearing advice from not one, but TWO, music directors who know a thing or two about talent themselves. Sarah Markovits and Astrid Lundberg will be teaming up to music direct our world premiere production and were gracious enough to share some words of wisdom with anyone who may be considering auditioning.
Some helpful steps for any audition (including Encore’s!):
1) Read the instructions carefully while preparing. There may be specific requirements for the types of song you’re allowed to prepare, specific information about yourself you need to provide, or even specific instructions for how to get into the building and find the right room! It would be a shame not to be completely prepared just because you missed a small piece of information.
2) Give yourself plenty of time to get there. You never know what’s going to hold you up on the journey or in the building, and if you’re running in to your audition late and in a panic, you won’t be in the right mindset to do your best.
3) Lots of people get tense while auditioning, but a tense body makes it harder to sing. If you feel yourself getting too anxious, breathe slowly, and try to relax your shoulders, jaw, and stomach muscles. It can also help to picture a place that makes you calm. I like to imagine my grandmother’s garden when I’m anxious, and it always makes me feel better.
4) Stay positive and engaged, even if you feel like you’ve made a mistake. You can politely ask to re-start a monologue or song if you feel really lost, but whatever happens, your confidence is more important than whether you did everything perfectly.
5) Don’t take it personally if you don’t get the part you want. Sometimes, directors are looking for a very specific thing, and you may not be that thing no matter how wonderful you are. If a girl with a beautiful high-pitched voice auditions for a show that only needs a low-pitched voice, the fact that she doesn’t get in doesn’t make her voice any less beautiful. Everyone hosting the audition will be happy to have seen you try your best, and rooting for you in the future!
~ Astrid (Assistant Music Director)
Projection
Teamwork
Creativity
Kindness
Let’s break those down a little bit:
Projection:
It is so important that those on stage are able to be comfortably heard by the audience – even the people sitting at the very back of the theatre. Whether you are singing or speaking, be sure to get a really good, low breath, and use the breath to support your sound. In an audition, you’ll usually be asked to tell us your name and something about yourself – it is important to speak loudly, slowly, and with enthusiastic joy! When you are asked to sing, we usually will sing a phrase and have you repeat it back. In this situation, I like to tell people it is important to not be afraid to make a loud mistake – even if you sing a wrong note, a bold singer is always noticed!
Teamwork:
I like to think of acting and singing as team sports. Everyone pulls together and relies on each other to make a show or a song really great. When everyone brings their very best attitude and hard work to the rehearsal, everyone gets to enjoy the rewards of a fantastic performance. In an audition, we want to see how well you work with others. Rather than trying to show us how great “you” are, can you show us how great “you all” are? Some kids are more comfortable as leaders, and others are more comfortable being led – we want to see you break out of your comfort zone!
Creativity:
This may seem like an obvious one – most theatre folk are creative, right?? If someone were to ask you in an audition to tell them your favorite color, for example, you could say, “My favorite color is blue.” This would be a perfectly fine response (if it had good Projection!) A more creative response might be, “My favorite color is the shade of blue right at the edge of a really puffy cloud, where it seems slightly hazy, but really bright at the same time.” Both responses provided the same basic information, but the second one shows us that you are thinking beyond the obvious!
Kindness:
Encore is a place where all kids are free to express themselves in a safe and fun way, no matter who they are. Bullying is not tolerated in any form. Many fast friendships have been forged in the rehearsal room! This can only happen when everyone treats each other with respect and kindness. In the audition, we look for outward signs of openness and kind behavior between those auditioning.
Can’t wait to see and hear your auditions for The Talented Clementine!
~ Sarah (Music Director)
Photo by Clarence Chan
We look forward to seeing you at auditions for The Talented Clementine on March 11th and 12th from 5 – 7 PM! Questions? Email us at info@encorestage.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, Cindy Kane Photography, and Clarence Chan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.