5 Tips for Your Best 5K Costume
Happy #TechTuesday! We’re breaking down 5 tips for your best Costume Caper experience. We’ve had some awesome Encore costumers weigh in with advice in the past – you can check those out here and here. Read on for today’s practical tips to make your costume the best it can be!
Like a delicious dip at a Halloween party, a great costume has many layers. The morning start time of our race might have you shivering, then the sun will come out during your run. Layers help you keep a comfortable temperature throughout all of your capering!
2) Okay, friends, let’s get in formation…
From the Power Rangers to the Beatles, or even the cast of your favorite TV show, a group costume makes an event even more fun! It’s exciting to collaborate with your family and friends to create an iconic group look. #SquadGoals
3) Keep it comfy.
While we love a fierce costume, above all, we want everyone to enjoy themselves – maybe leave the more extreme costumes for Halloween itself.
4) Give it a test run.
If you’re creating a brand-new costume for this year’s Costume Caper, try it out in the days leading up to the race. This way, you’ll have time to add some extra safety pins, superglue, or other important elements (like glitter).
5) Have fun!
As a theatre that champions the growth and experiences of young people, fun is our #1 priority!
We’ll definitely be having fun this Saturday, October 27th at the 3rd Annual Costume Caper 5K. Join us and show off your awesome costuming skills! Register online today and save time on the morning of race day – more time to take awesome group photos with your friends!
Many thanks to our generous sponsors, who are making this exciting event possible for another year of costumes, fitness, and family fun!
Gold Sponsors:
Pediatric Associates of Alexandria
Shephard Fong
Bronze Sponsor:
Iverson Orthodontics
T-shirt Sponsor:
Educational Outfitters
Photos by Aileen Christian and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Theatre Magic Monday: Honoring Fairlington Dental
Welcome back to The Front Row, Encore fans. Today we’re pumped to share a new feature with you: Theatre Magic Mondays. It takes a wonderful group of participants, families, volunteers, and community supporters to bring 50 years of “Theatre by kids, for kids” to Arlington. We want to share some of these awesome people with you!
On Friday, October 5th, Encore was thrilled to honor longtime supporters, Fairlington Dental. Their generous support has brought many Encore productions to the stage, including this season’s Ghostchasers, as well as The Jungle Book (2017), the world premiere of Cul de Sac (2016), and many more.
Development Associate Rosemarie O’Connor and Board President Carole Russo proudly presented the Outstanding Corporate Partner Award to Dr. Michael B. Rogers, DDS before the opening performance of Ghosterchasers! Dr. Rogers was kind enough to share some words about his relationship to theatre:
Dr. Rogers shared that he initially started supporting Encore because he personally knows the benefits of children participating in live theatre. He played the Wizard in his school’s production of The Wizard of Oz, a show that reminds us about courage, heart, and bravery. As he waited backstage for his first entrance, Dr. Rogers was so nervous. His first few lines were fine because he was behind a curtain – then came the reveal scene. Dr. Rogers was anxiously waiting, then the curtain opened and he saw the audience. Instead of running away from his fear, he showed bravery in his performance and had a great time. Dr. Rogers reminded us that theatre makes an impact on the lives of young people and teaches them life skills that carry over into all sorts of careers, even dentistry.
Many thanks to Fairlington Dental for their continued support of “Theatre by kids, for kids” over the years. Their generous sponsorship will bring two of our upcoming productions to life: Jingle ARRGH the Way sets sail November 16th, 2018 and the Sherwood Forest comes to life in Robin Hood, starting February 22nd. These lively tales feature casts of hilarious and wonderful characters, so you won’t want to miss these shows. Act now to purchase your best seats today! Tickets can be purchased online or by calling our Box Office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos and GIF by Aileen Christian. Logo provided by Fairlington Dental. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and Rosemarie O’Connor.
Fill Your Toolbox at Holiday Mini-Camp!
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore family. Can you believe that October is already halfway over?? Our first holiday Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Day camp is next Friday, October 26th. We can’t wait to learn and play with our awesome students! While our first camp’s roster is full, we have a whole gaggle of good times coming up this season – won’t you join us? Read on to learn more about some of the skills our young theatre makers develop through the mini-camp experience!
From coming up with camp rules as a group at the start of the day to playing theatre games and putting together the final sharing, students develop their listening and communication skills with teachers, camp aides, and their peers.
2) Teamwork
It can be scary to step out onto the stage in front of family and friends…luckily, our students work together to create a fun experience for everyone! Camp is a wonderfully supportive place to explore creativity and what it means to be a young artist.
3) Character Creation
Working with the theme of the camp day, students have the opportunity to develop characters within the framework of their production. Our Mini-Campers (in kindergarten through second grade) have the guidance of our camp director to craft a story, often featuring characters from the theme movie. Play in a Day campers (grades 3-5) will collaborate to create a brand-new story full of unique characters.
4) Kinesthetic Learning
Holiday camps offer a hands-on, multi-sensory experience for young learners. What awaits you? Singing, movement, theatre games, crafts, and more!
5) Creative Problem Solving
The length of our camp day lends itself to quick thinking and out-of-the-box ideas. Campers have the chance to create costume pieces, props, and set elements using only basic craft supplies…and their imaginations, of course!
6) Confidence
Whether you dream of the spotlight, dancing in a chorus line, or writing the world’s next great play, Encore’s Mini-Camps give students the opportunity to explore their budding interests in a creatively safe and supportive environment.
Ready to jump aboard and join the fun? Register for Mini-Camp and Play-in-a-Day today! Enroll online or by calling our offices at (703) 548-1154.
Holiday Mini Camps – Grades K-2
When school’s out, Encore’s on…onstage, that is! Discover the world of theatre through popular stories from the page and screen. Students in grade Kindergarten – 2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.
Play in a Day – Grades 3-5
Are you ready for a challenge? Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.
Veterans Day/NOV 12 – Ferdinand
Thanksgiving/NOV 21 – Coco
MLK Day/JAN 21 – Incredibles
Grade Prep/JAN 28 – Wreck it Ralph
Parent/Teach Conf/MAR 8 – Robin Hood
Grade Prep/APR 1 – Paddington
Photos by Aileen Christian, Shannon McCarthy, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
“Whimsical Adventure” w/ Sidewalk Stroll Actor Jessi Shull
With the official arrival of fall, we here at Encore have been relishing in the crisp weather and getting outside whenever we can. Apple picking, fireside chats, and even just a quick stroll around our building! The heroes of our latest production for the very young, A Sidewalk Stroll, similarly make an adventure out of their weekly walk to the park.
Photo by Megan Schmitz
Encore fans may remember when we premiered this show back in 2017; it was such a hit that we’re excited to bring it back, this time with several new cast members! You’ve met A.K. Nell here on the blog in the past, so today we’re thrilled to introduce a new face, Ms. Jessi Shull!
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved with Encore?
Jessi: My name is Jessi Shull, I first got involved with Encore this past summer through performing in Seussical. It was such a fun experience that I was excited to have another opportunity to work with this wonderful organization.
Encore: What’s been the most interesting part of the rehearsal process for A Sidewalk Stroll?
Jessi: I think the most interesting part is getting to step outside my normal thought processes and instincts as an actor to think “what would a child do?” It’s a refreshing way to think about the work AND the world that you don’t ordinarily get to in more traditional shows geared toward adult audiences.
Encore: Has there been any aspect that been particularly challenging for you?
Jessi: The most challenging aspect of a show like this is preparing for those “wild card” responses you might get in anything involving young children. There are a lot of possibilities and you have to rehearse expecting the unexpected.
Encore: If you had to describe A Sidewalk Stroll to a child, how would you do it?
Jessi: Three children set off on a whimsical adventure of discovery and feeling on their way to the park.
Encore: Which emotion describes your mood toward the show?
Jessi: Excited!! 😀
If you’re also excited for this production, you’re in luck: A Sidewalk Stroll opens this Saturday, October 20th with two performances, at 10 AM and 11:15 AM. To purchase tickets, head to our website or call the Box Office at (703)548-1154. Tickets are required for patrons 6 months and older.
Saturdays, Oct 20 & Nov 3, 2018 at 10:00 am & 11:15 amThursdays, Nov 1, 8, 2018 at 10:00 amFridays, Nov 2, 2018 at 10:00 amFriday, Nov 9 at 10:00 am & 11:15 am
All performances are held at Encore’s Main Campus, located in the lower level of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207).
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
7 Spectacular Highlights from September
Halloween will be here in a flash of Floo Powder, but we’re still buzzing with excitement over all that’s happened at Encore this September. Sit back and enjoy these highlights from our eventful month:
1) Early Fall classes! September saw the start of Encore’s theatre education classes for the year. While this session wraps up soon, you’re just in time to enroll for Late Fall classes. Click here to learn more about our offerings and to join in on the fun today!
2) Here comes the jolly crew! We were excited to host the second round of auditions for the 2018/19 season in September – leading to an excellent group including 26 cast members and 12 backstage/front-of-house crew. Come see their work in action during three weekends of Jingle ARRGH the Way, opening Friday, November 16th.
3) Community Day! Our staff, apprentices, and volunteers had a blast sharing the Encore love at Clarendon Day. It’s always wonderful to have a chance to share our positive theatre experiences with curious friends and neighbors here in Arlington. Interested in becoming an Encore volunteer? Email info@encorestage.org to learn more!
4) Keeping it original. As a group of theatre-loving folks, our staff knows how to have a great time…including during office theme days! September’s theme was Netflix original movies or TV shows. Can you figure out who we’re dressed as? Head over to our Insta and comment with your best guesses!
Photo by Nikki Cee
5) New friends! We are overjoyed to have new Arts Apprentices Alana and Caolan with us for the 2018/19 season. Click their names to check out their Front Row interviews and learn more about what brought them to joining the Encore fam!
6) Love is in the air! A contingent of the Encore staff was thrilled to celebrate Marketing Director Aileen’s wedding to her college beau Brandon. We danced, we sang, we cheered in delight. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Christian!
Photo by Clarence Chan
7) Spooks and goofs! The last week of September found our Ghostchasers! cast and crew moving into the theater for tech rehearsals. With a hilarious script, talented cast, and a set full of spooky surprises, you won’t want to miss the final weekend of this Halloween caper. Get your tickets for this weekend, October 12-14, before they’re gone like a ghost!
Encore photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Connie Polnow. Graphic by Aileen Christian Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
A Love of Literature
As Halloween draws nearer, you might be searching for costume ideas (for the 5K, perhaps?). Not only that, but auditions for The Enchanted Bookshop will be here before we know it! Take a break from chasing ghosts to revisit some classic literary characters that have crossed Encore’s stage over the years.
This summer, many of Dr. Seuss’ famous faces found new life in Encore’s production of Seussical. [2018]
From beloved picture books… [Madeline’s Christmas, 2017]
…to classic fairytales, many stories from literature have found their way into Encore seasons across the decades. [Cinderella, 2015]
Favorite childhood chapter books have also gotten the Encore treatment! [James and the Giant Peach, 2018]
Modern fairytales have carried Encore down the Yellow Brick Road… [The Wizard of Oz, 1984]
…into Wonderland and beyond! [Alice in Wonderland, 2015]
Hopefully you’ve been able to deduce how thrilling literary tales can be. [Sherlock Holmes, 2018]
Ready to take on the roles of Dorothy Gale, Tom Sawyer, the Queen of Hearts, and more? Mark your calendars for The Enchanted Bookshop‘s pre-audition workshop on October 20th and auditions on October 22-23. Click here to register for the optional pre-audition workshop to get some tips on how to have your best audition experience!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Connie Polnow. Wizard of Oz photo courtesy Mary Anne Penning. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Outside the Box with Ms. A! #StudioSaturday
Welcome back for another #StudioSaturday, Encore family! Late Fall classes start in just one month, and we can’t wait to see many of you to explore together. Today we’re chatting with A.K. Nell, one of our awesome Teaching Artists, currently teaching several Early Fall classes here at Encore. Let’s see what she has to say about theatre education:
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
A.K.: I started teaching for Encore when I was the Arts Apprentice last season. I’ve had the chance to teach after school enrichment classes, workshops, spring break and summer camps, and even Mommy and Me! I love getting to work with students of all ages in the many different areas of education.
“If you open your mind, oh, the thinks you will find lining up to get loose!”
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
A.K.: I’d have to say that one of the biggest things I have taken from theatre is to think outside the box. Once you can see things from a new perspective and maybe even step just a little bit outside of your everyday comfort zone, a whole new world of ideas and opportunities becomes available to you. In my experience, the thoughts outside of the box are far more fascinating (and fun) than the ones inside.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
A.K.: I think arts education is not only important, but paramount for young people to experience. The arts give children a way to express themselves in creative ways in a safe space. They learn about emotions, communication, team work, leadership, confidence, and even pride. Theatre, specifically, gives kids a hands-on experience of creative thinking and self discovery.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
A.K.: I am most looking forward to teaching Saturday classes because I love seeing my students come together as an ensemble and create such amazing work in just a few short weeks! I can’t wait for their final presentations!
We’re excited to see your Early Fall classes perform next week, Ms. A – and then on to Late Fall classes! To join in the fun, register today online or by calling our office at (703) 548-1154.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Early Birds Get the Discount!
October is officially here! Pumpkins are popping up all over, Ghostchasers opens tonight, and the 3rd annual Costume Caper 5K is just three weeks away. Sitting on the fence like an autumn scarecrow regarding registration? We’ve got four reasons to register today and join in the fun:
1) Teamwork, making the dream work!
Time to get the gang together to make a rad group costume. Whether it’s the cast of your favorite TV show, a squad of superheroes, or personified puns, we can’t wait to see what costumes will cross the finish line And, if you’re lucky, you might win some prizes for your creativity!
2) Run, Forest, run! Or jog. Or walk. You can even dance, if you prefer. The Costume Caper is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get up and move on a lovely fall Saturday. Even better, the scenic W&OD Trail is lovely and flatter than a ghost’s shadow.
3) The Great Pumpkin! Our Kids’ Corner will offer fall themed crafts and games for your youngest creatures. Come wind down after the 1 mile Kids’ Fun Run to celebrate the season.
4) Do it for the cause! Your registration goes toward supporting another 50 years of “Theatre by kids, for kids” here in the DMV area. Can’t make it to the 5K? Check out our Donation page!
Today, October 5th is the last day to qualify for Early Bird pricing for the 2018 Costume Caper, so don’t delay! Click here to register today at the best price, then get to work on your costumes!
Photos by Aileen Pangan and Aimee Pangan. Graphic by Aileen Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
From Alum to Admin | Meet Encore’s Registrar, Shannon McCarthy
Happy #TechTuesday friends! Today we’d like to give you a backstage pass of Encore’s education department and meet a familiar face. An Encore arts apprentice alum, Shannon McCarthy now joins the Encore team as the Registrar! Shannon shares with us her newest role and what she’s looking forward to this season!
Encore: Share with us the many roles you’ve had with Encore, onstage and off?
Shannon: Hello, Encore fam! Onstage, I’ve participated in several Encore productions. I had a blast as kooky mayoress Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man and loved taking on a new challenge as Mayzie LaBird in this summer’s Seussical.
Offstage, I started working with Encore in 2016 as the first ever Arts Apprentice. I spent the season learning in all of our different departments, but I particularly enjoyed delving into Marketing, as well as working with our awesome Front of House crews. Following the end of my Apprenticeship, I came back part-time to assist Aileen with marketing projects for the 2017/18 season and Encore’s 50th Anniversary events.
Encore: What is your newest role at Encore and what does it entail?
Shannon: I’m excited to be joining Encore’s full-time team as the new Registrar, helping students enroll in our incredible collection of classes and camps and acting as the point person for coordinating our private lesson offerings, which include voice, piano, and acting lessons. I’ll also continue as a member of the marketing team, curating our social media accounts and publishing content here on the Front Row blog!
Encore: What is your greatest Encore memory?
Shannon: Oh, that’s so difficult to choose! So I’m going to cheat and give three:
1) Taking silly “family” photos with my onstage husband and two daughters from The Music Man: We had so much fun working together as a unit and developing those onstage relationships over the rehearsal process. It was hard to say goodbye!
2) Pre-show conversations before Seussical: Because we entered from under the set in the opening number, a group of us had to hide under the central platform before the main curtain opened. David (Horton the Elephant), Sierra (Gertrude McFuzz), and I would get to places early to avoid crawling under in the dark. We shared a lot of great conversations and funny moments in the “dab palace,” so named for the pop culture dance move, which we could perform out of sight of the audience.
3) Post-run staff breakfasts: After both the 2016 and 2017 Costume Capers, I’ve ended up getting breakfast with my fellow Encore staff members. Nothing beats a stack of delicious pancakes after a busy and successful event!
Encore: What are the most valuable skills/lessons you’ve learned in theatre and what do you think students in the classroom will take away?
Shannon: Confidence and collaboration are two of the biggest gifts I’ve gained since beginning theatre in 6th grade. I was a super shy kid who felt awkward in my own skin – I mean, who isn’t, in middle school? But theatre gave me more of an identity to latch onto, as well as a supportive family of castmates and mentors that helped me grow, not only as a performer, but as a person.
I believe that theatre is a valuable experience for anyone, even those who aren’t interested in performing as a career or ever auditioning for a show. The ability to imagine the feelings or circumstances of someone different than yourself can be applied anywhere – on the playground, in sports practice, in the boardroom. Empathy goes a long way in creating meaningful connections with others. I think that might be the most significant takeaway for any of our students.
Encore: What are you looking forward to this season?
Shannon: The Enchanted Bookshop! I loved reading growing up and go to the library weekly to this day, so the idea of so many iconic characters interacting has definitely piqued my interest. I’m looking forward to many laughs as an audience member!
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working at Encore Stage & Studio?
Shannon: I love the community! The staff is so lovely to work alongside (plus, we have awesome theme days), but our wonderful students, parents, and volunteers form such a fantastic community to work with. I still chat with former Front of House students when they come through the office for rehearsal. I love seeing students grow over the course of the seasons, from getting onto their first cast/crew to landing their first big lead or auditioning for their first summer production. It’s so rewarding to literally see Encore’s mission at work and knowing that I’ve been able to play even a small role in each student’s development.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Shannon: The Costume Caper is one of my favorite events to cover on the blog, so y’all better bring it with your costumes this year! #challengeaccepted =)
Photos by Larry McClemons, Connie Polnow, Shannon McCarthy, and Aileen Pangan. Headshot by Kim Kiely Photography. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan.
Top 5 Encore Summer Successes
Wow! The school year is off to a sprint. Encore already has two shows in rehearsal with one opening early next month. As we’re getting ready to settle into fall weather, we wanted to take a moment to share our Top Five Successes from Summer 2018.
#1 – The Musical of the Summer — Seussical
The colorful world of Seussical was the perfect place for us to bring Encore’s 50th anniversary season to a close. The stunning set designed by Kristen Jepperson, the bright costumes by Debra Leonard, and of course the choreography, musical direction, and direction by Kelsey Meiklejohn, Sarah Markovitz, and Elizabeth Pringle respectively took this show off of the page and into the Jungle of Nool and beyond.
#2 – Summer Camp Supporting the Community
Encore’s partnership with Project Extra Step and their affiliate organizations provides the opportunity to participate in drama camp for children who may not be able to otherwise. Project Extra Step, Arlington County School’s office that coordinates a consistent education for homeless students, refers its clients to Encore to ensure a safe, creative, and fun place for these children when school is out. This summer, we provided $15,000 in full and partial scholarship to 30 students at our summer camps.
#3 – Hamiltunes Sing-a-long
This June, we took things back to where Encore began as the Children’s Theatre of Arlington in 1967. We hosted a hot summer evening of fulfilling Encore’s mission, by bringing the kids of the Arlington community together to sing along to the songs from Hamilton. This karaoke style event brought kids of all ages on stage. The evening kicked off with our 2018-2019 Season Reveal and the presentation of a commendation for Encore’s 50th Anniversary from the Virginia’s General Assembly. And of course, all Encore season reveals come with ice cream!
#4 – Seven Summer Camps Sold Out
That’s right! This summer seven of our summer camps sold out. Our It’s Elementary, Scenes for Tweens, and Stagedoor programs all had at least one camp on the list. We served over 637 kids, had 20 different camp themes, and were in four different facilities. It was a fun and exciting camp season.
#5 – Amazing Staff Bringing it All Together
We can create ideas for camp themes all day long, but without staff members to bring the ideas to life, those ideas stay on the page. 30 local teens were hired as aids for the camps. Encore also brought in 27 local teaching artists to lead the classrooms and productions. We are so lucky to have a staff that brought joy to each day of the summer.
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Thank you again to everyone who made this summer possible. We can’t wait to celebrate the fall with our first production of the season Ghostchasers! and the Costume Caper 5K.
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