Run Wild! An Interview with Jungle Book Director Martha-Grace Moore
Today we’re excited to share an interview with Martha-Grace Moore. You may recognize her from leading Girl Scout or Pre-Audition Workshops, but she’s currently serving as the leader at the helm of our upcoming production of The Jungle Book, opening June 2nd at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
Encore: Welcome to Encore’s Front Row blog! Could you introduce yourself and tell us how you’ve been involved with Encore?
Martha-Grace: Hi! My name is Martha-Grace Moore, and I am the director of Encore’s upcoming production of The Jungle Book. I’m fairly new to town (I’ve been in the area coming up on two years now), and this past year has been a whirlwind of fun working with Encore in a variety of ways. I was in last summer’s production of Mary Poppins, joined up as a teaching artist in the fall, and worked as an assistant director on The Best Haunted House Ever. It has been a blast working with so many aspects of Encore’s theatre outreach.
Encore: How is the plot of this particular production similar to other interpretations of this story that audiences may recognize? Does it differ in any significant ways?
M-G:This version of The Jungle Book focuses on the jungle as Mowgli’s true home, where he feels he is most himself. There are a few retellings of this story that try to steer Mowgli back to human civilization where he supposedly belongs, but what I really like about this Vera Morris adaptation is the idea that anyone can be your family–it’s about who loves and supports you, and who you trust that matters, not necessarily what you look like (or in this case, what species happens to match up with your own).
Encore: We’ve seen you previously in Encore’s production of Mary Poppins. How is this process different? What do you enjoy most about working with young theatre-makers?
M-G: Great question. I was an actor in Mary Poppins, which means most of my work onstage was focused on making character choices for myself and finding ways to interact with the choices of other actors. As a director, I am looking at a much bigger picture and helping guide the choices of all my actors to serve the story we are telling together. My favorite part about working with young artists is the enthusiasm that they bring to the table, and the growth that I get to witness throughout the process. It’s wonderful to see young people grow confident in their choices, and feel empowered to make a character their own.
Encore: If you could turn into any animal, which would it be?
M-G: Oh my goodness, definitely a cat. I’m very Professor McGonagall like that.
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like audiences to know?
M-G: Bring your daring attitudes and let your imaginations run wild! We hope to see you in the jungle!
Thank you so much, Martha-Grace! We hope you all will come adventure with us, June 2-11 at The Jungle Book. If you’re feeling particularly in touch with your wild side, we’d love to see your animal-inspired outfits at the theater!
Photos by: Larry McClemons
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Dreams Come True with Encore Cares’ Director Xander Tilock
Welcome back to Encore’s Front Stage blog! Today we’re excited to share an interview with Xander Tilock, the student director of Just Like Us, the first installment of the new Encore Cares project. This is a community service based program that brings a live theatre experience to kids who may not be able to access the theater. This production will travel to the Culmore Boys and Girls Club to share the joy of theatre with all members of our community, as well as performing at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Encore: Tell us about yourself! How long have you been involved with Encore and how did you come to be a director at such a young age?
Xander: I’ve been involved with Encore since January 2015, first appearing onstage as Guard 1 and Thug 3 in Encore’s The Three Musketeers. However, being a director someday was my first dream, since I was four years old. Once I saw an Encore show for the first time, I also wanted to make the audience laugh and be onstage as an actor. After participating in five shows as a cast member, I am thrilled to fulfill this dream of mine by directing this show.
Encore: What drew you toward the role of director?
Xander: There is nothing like the genuine laughter of a young child who is watching a story come to life on stage. Once the curtain goes down, everyone walks away with something special too. In my littlest brother’s case, he always takes the characters home with him after the show and they live in his imagination for years afterwards! Encore is my family. I love everyone and their unique characteristics. From my view, this passion is one that I want to share with everyone, even if they aren’t able to experience it at a typical Encore performance.
Encore: Could you tell us a bit about Just Like Us? What influenced your choice of this script?
Xander: I chose Just Like Us because right away I knew I wanted a short play with a powerful message. When doing a search and this show came up, I was drawn to it right away. This play is by Craig Sodaro who also wrote Night at The Wax Museum (a recent Encore play I was in) and other great shows. Just Like Us also has a message that most resembles how I feel when I’m at Encore. Anyone can be or do anything they choose, and that is beautiful. This is what Encore means to me.
Encore: What’s been the best part of the rehearsal process?
Xander: Probably that awesome feeling when I arrive at Encore and someone says, “Hi Xander!” To know that I have an important role to play and that I feel I have a family at Encore is a very special to me.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working with other young theatre-makers?
Xander: That it’s easy to have a good chemistry and connect with my fellow Encore family. They truly understand the circumstances that kids my age have and experience every day, which they bring to all of the great work they do.
Encore: What’s been the biggest challenge?
Xander: Probably that kids can be involved in lots of activities and schedules can be hard. Now I see from the director’s point of view what happens when kids miss rehearsals. But, Encore is worth every moment that you put in, which comes across when everyone gives their best on stage.
Encore: Could you describe Just Like Us in just a few short words?
Xander: Life can be hard, but united we win.
Encore: What about anyone who might be considering auditioning for the cast or crew of a show?
Xander: You need to be the right piece of the puzzle the director is looking for – and if it doesn’t fit this time, don’t give up, because there’s always another show!
Thanks so much for discussing the show with us, Xander. We want to say “Break legs!” to you and the whole cast of Just Like Us as you prepare for your performances this week.
If you’re hoping to audition for Encore this coming season, be sure to mark your calendars for our Season Reveal Ice Cream Social on June 4th. It will follow the 3 PM performance of The Jungle Book. We are so excited to share our 50th Anniversary season with you – we guarantee that it will be #SweeterThanEver!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
“Just You Wait” — Here’s What You Missed at the 2017 Benefit Breakfast!
On Wednesday, May 3, Encore Stage & Studio celebrated the start of our 50th anniversary with its Annual Benefit Breakfast at the Washington Golf and Country Club.
“Welcome to the 2017 Encore Stage & Studio Sunny Side Up Benefit Breakfast auditions!” As the theme for the breakfast was a show audition, benefit breakfast MC and Encore student participant Xander Tilock greeted the guests, “Thank you for coming to audition for Encore. We are so glad you chose to come out and audition for a group whose motto is “theater by kids, for kids. Before we get started with the auditions, I wanted to tell you a little bit about the theater company that you are auditioning for…”
Since founded in 1967, Encore Stage & Studio has produced 210 shows, and almost 300,000 patrons have attended Encore’s productions. Encore Stage & Studio will produce 10 shows this year.
Throughout the breakfast, guests enjoyed performances by Encore’s Musical Theatre Intensive students including “Day by Day” and “All for the Best” from Godspell. Students including Zoe Rocchio and Xander Tilock shared their involvement and the impact of Encore in their lives. “For my path in life, I am one of those kids who was born with dreams of performing. I started dancing in preschool, often imagining what it would be like to be a Princess on a stage,” Zoe shared. “I found my love of musical theater in an elementary school play and assumed I would participate in musical theater through school and into the future. Encore prepared me for the future I imagined when I was little. And, because of Encore, I was able to be a Bear, a Dragon, a Mouse and a Duck. I have also been a Lady-in-Waiting, a Realtor, Snow White, a Fairy Godmother and even a Princess. I am truly grateful.”
Executive Director, Sara Duke presented the 2017 Celeste Groves Award to Dana Schindler for outstanding volunteer. The Board of Directors established the Celeste Groves in 2008 in honor of Encore’s long-time Executive Producer Celeste Groves, whose “celestial” record of 30 plus years volunteering for our organization gives us all a high standard to live up to.
50th anniversary chairman, Katie Boone announced the upcoming events to celebrate Encore’s golden year including the 2017/2018 Season Reveal Ice Cream Social on June 4, 2017, the Bus Trip to Broadway on September 23, 2017,the Costume Caper 5K in the fall and more. Click here to read the full list of events.
Lastly, Board of Directors Co-president Karol Boudreaux and former president Jerry Gidner announced the launch of The Theatre for All! Fund. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to help us continue to support our spectacular programs and share them with all children in our community. The Theatre for All! Fund is an opportunity for both new and loyal supporters of the arts to make a substantial impact on our organization. Kicking off the campaign, Jerry announced his $25,000 pledge and presented with a “check” for $81,500, the total amount of pledges received so far.
To end the morning, Encore students performed a fun parody, “My Name is Encore Stage & Studio.” Encore raised $17,000 in donations from the breakfast and has reached over $83,000 in pledges towards The Theatre for All! Fund. We’re excited to celebrate Encore’s 50th birthday year-round with our community and beyond! There’s truly something for everyone–“just you wait.”
Missed the breakfast? There is still time to donate. Click here make your donation online.
Photos by Aileen Pangan
Congratulations to Jim Clancy, Allstate’s National Volunteer of the Year!
Encore is thrilled and proud to announce that our Board of Directors’ very own Jim Clancy has been named Allstate’s National Volunteer of the Year! A technology manager for 30 years with Allstate, Jim bested more than 350 nominees to win the accolade. The volunteer award is part of the company’s annual Helping Hands volunteer recognition program, celebrating employees who go above and beyond in donating their time to the causes they care about – and creating positive social change in their communities.
We were lucky enough to chat with Jim about this honor, as well as his wonderful work volunteering for Encore, in all of his various positions.
Encore: Congratulations on being named Allstate’s National Volunteer of the Year! What were your first thoughts when you found out you’d received this award?
JC: My Vice President said I was chosen as the National volunteer of the year and my first thought was, “They have one of those?” My second thought was, “Does Encore get more money?” Apparently, the answer to both questions is “Yes!” Allstate donated $5,000 to Encore Stage & Studio because I volunteer.
Encore: What was your first involvement with Encore? What is it like to work alongside your children at the theatre?
JC: I first worked with the kids in the scene shop, and then was asked to join the Board of Directors to represent the technical side of the operations. After driving the boys to and from many rehearsals and getting to know Susan, she asked me to share my stage combat experience by choreographing the fights in Treasure Island. All of it is fun for me because I get to see the kids learn and implement their new skills and develop truly amazing productions.
Encore: Can you share a favorite moment or memory at Encore?
JC: I don’t have favorites. I enjoy every moment!
Encore: You have been fight director for Treasure Island and for this season’s Night at the Wax Museum; can you share what that position entails and if you have any important lessons/tips?
JC: Important tip: don’t get blood on the costumes. Blood stains are nearly impossible to get out. Just kidding. But more seriously, safety is number one. Making it look real is what makes it fun, but it takes concentration and dedication to the craft.
Encore: On the topic of safety, could you describe what it was like to fly actors in Mary Poppins?
JC: Landing Mary Poppins perfectly center stage, or landing Bert on the chimney, is much more difficult than you’d think. But the most fun was zooming the nasty nanny off stage while she screamed at Mary Poppins to “Put me down!” My flight crew was the best, of course, so really all credit goes to Paddy, Josh, Sarah, and Fred.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about being on the Board?
JC: The staff at Encore energize everyone around them. You simply cannot interact with anyone at Encore and not smile. It’s a special place.
Encore: What have you learned or gained through your involvement with Encore?
JC: I’ve met many wonderful staff, equally wonderful parents, and especially wonderful kids. And I’ve seen some amazing live theatre.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
JC: My recommendation to anyone reading this blog? Purchase a season subscription: you’ll enjoy every minute of every show!
Many thanks to Jim for sitting down with us to be interviewed and, of course, for all of the tremendous work he’s done for Encore, in the shop, on the Board, and in our community! We wanted to wrap up this post by including some words about Jim from our Artistic Director, Susan Keady:
Jim Clancy began volunteering one summer in the technical shop, building and painting a set with his sons. Through the years, he has remained working alongside the crew but he expanded his influence to include the casts, the parents and our board of directors. His infallible work ethic and steady attention to detail is remarkable. Jim remains consistently even-handed as he teaches the crew about building a set, safely works with the cast conducting stage combat, or while he shares advice on how to craft an authentic character role. He is knowledgeable and he shares his knowledge. He is reliably wonderful as a pragmatic infinitely creative force on the Encore team.
Click here to read the full press release.
To witness the thrilling combination of Jim’s fantastic fight choreography and Susan’s directing expertise, be sure to get your tickets for our upcoming production of Night at the Wax Museum! Click here to buy your tickets today.
A special thank you to Allstate for their support of community non-profits and their generous donation.
Photos by: Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan, and Caitlyn Barron for Allstate Insurance Company
Graphic by: Aimee Pangan
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Save the Date: 2017/2018 Season Reveal & Ice Cream Social #SweeterThanEver
Don’t “split” following the performance of The Jungle Book! Please join us for the great reveal our 50th anniversary season after the 3pm performance at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22204).
We invite you to our ice cream social and to reconnect with your Encore community. We will also share information about our special series of 50th Anniversary events and how you can get involved.
You simply “cone” not miss it. We hope to see you there!
Bring the family and get your tickets to the 3pm performance of The Jungle Book on June 4! Click here to buy your tickets online or call our box office at (703) 548-1154.
Performances for Preschoolers: A Sidewalk Stroll
A Sidewalk Stroll
May 11-26, 2017
In its newest play series, Theatre for the Very Young, Encore Stage & Studio presents “A Sidewalk Stroll”–starring professional artists who bring park adventures and friendly animals to life, all the while teaching your little one about navigating through life’s surprises. We recommend this production for ages 1 and older.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 4pm
Friday, May 12, 2017 at 10:30 am
Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 10:30 & 11:45 am
Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:30 am
Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10:30 & 11:45 am
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10:30 & 11:45 am
Location:
All performances and rehearsals are held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207)
Tickets: $10 General Admission. Includes all box office fees.
5 Easy Steps to the Wax Figure Challenge!
Greetings from tech week here at Encore! Our cast and crew are currently putting in the hours it requires to take a production from great to polished and performance-ready. What better way to congratulate and support them on all of their hard work than to ensure that lots of large audiences come and see their show? Sharing your love of our Encore students and their show is super easy – and fun!
You may recall the Mannequin Challenge, a trend sweeping across the internet a few months ago in all sorts of unique and interesting ways, ranging from the set of Hairspray Live!, athletic teams, and even the cast of our very own A Fairytale Christmas Carol. Given the similarities between a mannequin and a wax figure, we think it would be fantastic to perform your very own Wax Figure Challenge as a way to celebrate Encore’s upcoming production of Night at the Wax Museum.
How to Perform a Wax Figure Challenge:
1. Download and print this sign to attract people’s attention – or even create your own!
2. Make your way to a busy area with lots of people and families! Some suggestions include: your school, the mall, community centers, libraries, etc. Be sure to stay safe and bring a parent or guardian along if you’re a younger member of our Encore family!
3. Channel your inner Cleopatra or King Henry VIII and strike a pose! The wackier, the better because you’ll catch people’s attention. Hold up your sign to share your love of “Theatre by kids, for kids!”
4. Paparazzi! Get a friend or family member to snap a photo of your pose “out in the wild.” Capture the wax museum vibe even better with a moving Boomerang photo of people walking past your amazing pose!
5. Hit the web! Share your awesome wax figurine poses on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #EncoreWaxMuseum. Be sure to tag us (@EncoreArlington) so we can see your fabulous photo skills. Who knows, we might even share a few of our favorite poses… #BraggingRights
Stumped on what else to say on your posts? Feel free to copy and paste this blurb to share with your friends and followers (emoji use at your discretion):
Can’t wait to see Encore Stage & Studio’s Night at the Wax Museum March 10-19 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre! Between a hilarious love triangle involving Cleopatra and Henry VIII and a widespread hunt for buried treasure with Blackbeard and Butch Cassidy, it will be a trip for the history books! For tickets and more info, check out www.encorestage.org!
The cast and crew of Wax Museum will be thrilled to see you at the show! Click here to buy your tickets online or call (703)548-1154. we can’t wait to see Wax Figure Challenge posts from all of you, backstage and off!
Photos by: Larry McClemons, Hayley Olivenbaum
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
7 Ways to Fill Your Heart with “Theatre By Kids, For Kids!”
While the Virginian weather may have you dreaming of springtime picnics or adventures in the jungle, it is, in fact, still February! One thing that never wavers, however is L-O-V-E…of theatre, that is!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we want to showcase a few ways to fill your heart with love of “Theatre by kids, for kids!”
1. Dreaming of warmer days? Set your imagination off and running as you prepare for Spring classes like “Fairytale Fun” for grades 2-3 and “Animal Adventures” for grades K-1. Click here for our full listing for grades K-12 and class descriptions. Enroll online today!
2. Do winter winds have you running for a blanket fort on your days off school? Come play the day away at our wonderful Holiday Mini-Camps! Students in grades K-2 spend the day exploring their creativity through theatre games, dance and movement, as well as arts and crafts. Young artists in grades 3-5 participate in our Play-in-a-Day program, in which they work as a team to create a whole new work in just the length of camp. Each camp day centers around a unique theme, which influences all the activities for the day. Upcoming Mini-Camp/Play-in-a-Day themes include Night at the Wax Museum (February 20 – Presidents’ Day) and The Jungle Book (March 3 – Parent/Teacher Conferences), both inspired by upcoming shows in Encore’s 2016-17 season! Already enrolled? Sign up for Spring Break Camp! Enrollment is a la carte–choose to sign up for one day, or the entire week! Click here to enroll online.
3. Come in from the cold and make it a family date at Encore’s upcoming production of Night at the Wax Museum! This show has everything you could hope for in a wild adventure: pirates, cowboys, and a mummy, oh my! Creativity and history meet when we meet some of the most notorious characters on the books, including Cleopatra, Henry VIII, and Blackbeard himself. From the same author that brought us this season’s very popular The Best Haunted House Ever, Night at the Wax Museum is sure to be a crowd favorite, so get your tickets now!
4. Feeling inspired? There’s no better way to demonstrate your love for theatre than by auditioning for cast or crew! Join Encore for an adventure of magic and verse on the high seas with William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Click here to learn more about auditions and access the necessary forms ahead of time.
5. During this season of love, we couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming production of Godspell. Presented through our Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) program, a small group of people help Jesus tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance and love comes vibrantly to life. Click here to buy your tickets today.
6. Want to use your theatre experience and spread your love of Encore with the next generation of young artists? Apply to be an Encore Camp Aide this summer! Each day, Aides have the opportunity to lead or assist teaching artists with classroom activities including theatre games, warm-ups, and craft projects. This fun position is available for high school students, ages 14 and older. Click here for more details about this job, as well as other available Encore opportunities! Download your application today.
7. Feeling the love? Click here to donate to Encore’s “Theatre By Kids, For Kids!”
Here’s the quick recap:
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan
Blog contribution: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice
Save the Date: Annual Benefit Breakfast | May 3, 2017
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
RSVP Today!
Encore’s Board of Directors invites you for breakfast and performances by our students as we launch our 50th anniversary celebration! Join us as we share how we’re bringing our mission to life by serving over 15,000 children and their families with the joy of theater throughout the year.
Washington Golf & Country Club
3017 N. Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22207
Cue the Applause! 2016/2017 Encore Honors
While recent award show broadcasts may have had you in La La Land and bringing out your Hidden Figures, Encore certainly emerged as a huge “People’s Choice” this season.
Several of our Encore actors were honored for their performances in 2016. As the Vixen in Snow White, Belle Perkins was included in DC Metro Theater Arts’ compilation of the “Best Performances in Musicals in Professional Theaters in DC/MD/VA,” as well as Kristen Jepperson and Erich Izdepski as Winnifred and George Banks in Mary Poppins, respectively.
The accolades were not limited to those onstage, however. Encore Stage & Studio was included as part of the list of “Best Direction in Musicals in Professional Theatres in DC/MD/VA” for Snow White. Artistic Director Susan Alison Keady was similarly honored for Mary Poppins. Both productions were also featured on “Best Musicals in Professional Theaters in DC/MD/VA.”
We are honored and thrilled to begin the new year as the top Enrichment Program in Arlington Magazine’s Best of 2017. Many thanks to Lisa Rabasca Roepe for her positive write-up about our programming! To read more of her kind words and to hear about our Executive Director Sara Duke’s humorous Encore journey, click here.
Congratulations to all of Encore’s honorees, and we look forward to a wonderful 2017!
Photos by Larry McClemons.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy, 2016-2017 Arts Apprentice.