Encore offers Job Opportunities for Summer 2016
Work for Encore Stage & Studio! Encore offers paid summer internships, development and teaching positions as well as camp aides positions for high school students.
Opportunities include:
-Arts Management Intern
-Dance Teachers
-Development Manager
-Education Intern
-It’s Elementary Teaching Artists
-Scenes For Tweens Teaching Artists
-Production Stage Manager
Opportunities for High School students include:
-Summer Camp Aides
-In Season Stage Manager
Meet Snow White Actress: Zoe Rocchio
We are so thrilled to begin the New Year with a classic fairytale! Ready to meet the princess truly known as the Fairest-Of-Them-All? Zoe Rocchio plays the role of Snow White and is here to introduce herself!
Zoe: Hello! I’m Zoe Rocchio; I am 18 in eleventh grade at The Howard Gardner School. Other then Encore, I sometimes take a belly dancing class to keep myself in shape and limber.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about playing this character?
Zoe: Snow White is very innocent and sees the good in everyone. I like being able to channel my inner child and sing and dance on stage!
Encore: What is your most memorable moment in this show?
Zoe: I think being apart of the process of making a show and seeing it all come together.
Encore: Snow White is the original fairytale/Disney princess. Did you have any favorite princesses or fairytale stories growing up?
Zoe: That’s a hard question! I’m in love with all things Disney and princess, I think my two favorites are Ariel and Mulan. Of course, because Ariel is a Mermaid and who wouldn’t want to be a Mermaid! And Mulan is a strong female character who fights for the people she loves. I was singing Part Of Your World and Reflection all of the time when I was 7.
Encore: What other roles, productions, programs have you been involved in with Encore?
Zoe: My role as Snow White in Snow White will be my sixth show. I was the Bear in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Queen Oreila in Twelve Dancing Princess, A Page and French Girl in Once Upon a Mattress, The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, The Dragon, Ugly Duckling, Duloc singer, Happy Villager and Blind Mouse in Shrek the Musical.
Encore: You’re also in Encore’s Musical Theatre Intensive program, tell us what it’s like!
Zoe: I’m enjoying working with the Music Director, Douglas Ullman Jr. and Choreographer, Kelsey Meiklejohn. My favorite moment was the mock audition. I haven’t auditioned for a lot of professional productions, so the process and the information they gave us about what type of song to sing and how to act was very helpful. We have an insanely talented cast, so working with my friends and seeing their characters come to life is amazing! I can’t wait to dive into becoming Rona Lisa Peretti and the Spelling Bee it’s self!
Encore: What are some tips you can share to families about being in the audience?
Listening and paying attention to the performance will help families follow the story better. Clapping at the end of each number helps to boost the energy level of the actors, and I know it’s hard trying not to talk about the show that’s going on, but it’s best to try not to talk while a performance is going on.
Encore: What can our audiences look forward to in this show?
Zoe: A fun fairy tale musical with a fabulous evil queen, singing animals and singing and dancing dwarfs!
Zoe’s final words, “Encore is a great organization to work with. I’ve learned so much since I’ve been working with them and I’m glad to be a part of their shows.”
Photos by Larry McClemons.
Encore Stage & Studio’s shows are honored in DCMTA’s BEST of 2015!
Hooray! 2015 was a fun season for us, and we’ve got great news to share!
Encore’s Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Hansel and Gretel are included in DCMetroTheaterArts Staff’s honorees for Best Children’s Theatre Productions in 2015! Check it out!
See below for the DCMTA reviews:
By Julia L. Exline on January 13, 2015
“The team of directors were able to encourage solid performances from the young cast and they work well together. For fans of the timeless classic, and for youngsters to see their peers pursuing their passions onstage, which I always encourage, Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Cinderella is worthy!”
By Julia L. Exline on June 10, 2015
“Artistic Director Susan Alison Keady and Director Chuck Leonard lead a large group of aspiring young actors (over thirty!) in this production. With so much young energy to guide, this production must have proved to be a gargantuan feat, and as with every Encore Stage show I review, I left impressed.”
By Julia L. Exline on November 10, 2015
“Standout performances are those of Nicholas Boone, Kelly McArdle, and Miranda Tonsetic as the Bandersnatch family, a trio of greedy trolls who demand payment from whomever passes over their bridge. They light up the stage with their humorous energy, and Miranda, while amongst the youngest of the performers, has earned herself perhaps the most memorable performance. Katie Nelson also steals a scene as an Angel who plays a beautiful piece on the harp. There is some interesting movement in this production as well, shown in the modern dance movements of the goblins and the graceful, ballet-style movement of the Dew Princess, amongst others.
Encore Stage & Studio’s production of Hansel & Gretel is a fun option for everyone in the family. Support young, thriving actors…and watch them inspire your own children!”
3 Ways to Give the Gift of Theatre This Holiday Season!
Looking for the perfect gift for the kids and the family? Give a memorable experience with a theatre adventure! Here are 3 ways to give the gift of theatre for this holiday season!
#1 – Have your family unwrap a new adventure for 2016! Encore Stage & Studio’s Snow White opens January 8 through the 17! Complete your theatre-going experience with Snow White’s Winter Ball on January 9 after the 11 am show. This special event features tea and treats, fun activities, and a chance to meet your favorite Snow White characters!
Have pirates in the family? Set sail for Treasure Island playing February 26-March 6. Click here to buy tickets in time for the holidays! Season subscriptions are still available to plan your 2016 year with ease! Click here to buy your season subscription.
#2 – Sign up a special child for a theatre class this winter! There’s no better way to kick off the new year with gift of LEARNING. Winter classes for students in grades K-12 begin Saturday, January 23. Wednesday classes begin January 27. Unleash your wild side in Jungle Book and Animal Adventures, or sing and dance your heart out in Saturday Showstoppers.
Holiday mini-camps return in January! While school is on a short vacation, Encore will take its students on a vacation of lifetime–into literary destinations! Students in grades K-5 will enjoy a day of theatre activities and games, crafts, a movie, and fun in a safe and supportive environment. Gift an entire day of theatre with our holiday mini-camps! Join us for our themes of Frozen and Snow White! Click here to enroll a class/camp for a special child or purchase a gift certificate with their option to choose their class! A 6-week winter class session and a full day of mini-camp with extended hours are each $90!
#3 – Give the gift of theatre by making a donation to Encore Stage & Studio. Share the magic of theatre with children year after year! Your generosity opens the wonder of live theatre to students from all across our community. Thanks in advance for your support!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Looking forward to seeing you at the theatre!
Exec Director Sara Duke is Chosen as an Honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40!
We are delighted to share exciting news! Encore Stage & Studio’s Executive Director, Sara Duke, has been chosen as an honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40! Today, December 4, 2015, Leadership Arlington celebrates the 40 impressive trailblazers in the 2015 Forty Under 40 honorees at the Army Navy Country Club. Forty Under 40 is an initiative that builds social and intellectual capital for the DC metro community amongst this leadership group as they move into key decision making positions. The under-40 demographic represents a large segment of the area’s population. Leadership Arlington and the community as a whole have the responsibility to empower and celebrate this civically-minded, future leadership. We are proud to honor our Executive Director, a remarkable leader and a great contributor to the youth’s performing arts in Arlington! Congratulations Sara Duke!
“I am so happy that Sara was awarded this honor,” Encore Board member Jerry Gidner stated, “she has not only transformed Encore Stage and Studio, but the world of children’s theater in Northern Virginia. I can’t wait to see where she leads Encore next.”
Encore Performs at City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony | Nov. 27
Kickoff your holiday season with Encore! Come see the cast of Snow White and A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol perform at the City of Alexandria’s Tree Lighting Ceremony! The mayor and Santa Claus will light the city tree in Market Square. Entertainment features a visits from Santa, live performances, caroling and a community sing-along.
Friday, November 27, 2015 | 6-8 pm
Located at Market Square (301 King Street Alexandria, VA)
5 Ways to Celebrate Fall with our “Theatre By Kids, For Kids!”
Fall for Encore Stage & Studio means a lot of things: the start of rehearsals, the beginning of a new season, and so much more! As we count down the days until opening of Hansel and Gretel, here are 5 ways to celebrate the fall season with us!
#5 – Come join us this weekend at Kinder Haus Toys and meet Encore Stage & Studio’s cast of Hansel & Gretel! Enjoy an afternoon of theatre games, storytelling, and a sneak preview of Hansel & Gretel! Click here to learn more about our Kinder Haus Toys event. Be sure to buy your tickets to Hansel and Gretel! Click here to buy your tickets online.
#4 – Sign up for a theatre class this fall! Late fall classes for students in grades K-12 begin Saturday, November 14. Show your pirate side and Walk the Plank, go on an Animal Adventure, or bring to life the bad guys in Shakespeare’s Villains
#3 – Participate in Encore’s Spirit Week! We challenge you to show off your Encore Spirit! Dress up for our theme days and post them on your social media for a chance to win cool prizes! Click here to learn more.
#2 – Sign up for our holiday mini camps this fall! While school is on a short vacation, Encore will take its students on a vacation of lifetime–into literary destinations! Students in grades K-5 will enjoy a day of theatre activities and games, crafts, a movie, and fun in a safe and supportive environment. Upcoming camp days include: Catholic Prof Devel/Oct 30
Election Day/Nov 3
Veterans Day/Nov 11
Click here to sign up today!
#1 – Subscribe to Encore’s 2015/2016 season! Plan your family theatre adventure from beginning to end and enjoy the benefits of being an Encore subscriber! Subscribe to an entire season for just $66!
Encore Spirit Week starts November 2!
Encore friends and family, near and far! We challenge YOU to show off your Encore Spirit! Encore Spirit Week begins November 2, participate in all theme days for a chance to win some fun prizes!
How it works: Dress up in our theme days. Be sure to take a photo and post it on social media using our hashtags: #encorespirit #encorestageandstudio on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. You must tag or mention @EncoreArlington as well so we can see your submissions! Each social media post equals one submission to our raffle to win our prizes. The more you dress up and post, the more chances you’ll have to win!
Prizes:
-Two 5-show season subscription
-One Family 4-pack gift certificate to Snow White
-$25 gift certificate to Silver Diner
Here are the theme days:
Monday, November 2 – Sports Day
Tuesday, November 3 – Cowboy Day
Wednesday, November 4 – Witch Day
Thursday, November 5 – Techie Appreciation Day
Friday, November 6 – #RepYourShow Encore Shirt Day
Saturday, November 7 – Superhero Day
Sunday, November 8 – Mystical Creature Day
Thursday, November 12 – America Day
Friday, November 13 – Crazy Hat and Sock Day
Saturday, November 14 – Pajama Day
Sunday, November 15 – Flannel Day
Winners will be announced on November 15! Be creative and show your #EncoreSpirit!
Theme days brought to you by the cast of Hansel and Gretel
7 Must-Haves in Your Rehearsal Bag
Hansel & Gretel rehearsals have started this week! Have you started rehearsal for your school’s fall show? Preparation is key in theatre and it can start with a good routine of items in your rehearsal bag! Here are 7 must-haves that our staff has recommended for your rehearsal bag!
#1 – Your script! Even if you’re off-book, always have your script handy!
#2 – Bottle of water Stay hydrated in rehearsal, friends!
#3 – Healthy snacks will keep you energized and ready for the next line or cue! Make it a habit to pack healthy snacks (like carrots instead of gummy worms) and you’ll focused in the rehearsal room, and even inspire your cast mates too!
#4 – Sweatshirt Just like in the theatre, the rehearsal room can always get mysteriously chilly. Bringing a sweatshirt will keep you warm and alert!
#5 – Closed-toed shoes Shoes that are comfortable to move in and are closed-toes will keep you safe and staying professional.
#6 – Homework/Reading Material. When chance of some downtime during rehearsal, it’s helpful to bring out your flash cards to get some extra study time or get some chapter ins of your favorite book!
Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a
#7 – Pencil (or 2!) Taking notes at rehearsal is important, and pencils do the trick far more than pens. There will always be something to erase!
There you have it, your 7 must-haves in your rehearsal bag! Break legs friends! 
Interested in auditioning for Encore’s next show? Click here to learn more!
Photos by Clarence Chan
Shining Bright at Clarendon Day 2015
On Saturday, September 26, Encore Stage & Studio participated in the 18th Annual Clarendon Day! Without a drop of rain, we celebrated this fun neighborhood festival by making our Encore booth shine!
From handing out brochures of our upcoming programs to sharing photos of our star alumni, we had fun spreading the news about our “Theatre By Kids, For Kids!” Thank you to our volunteers for being excellent ambassadors of Encore!
Be sure to save the date for our next community event at Kinder Haus Toys on October 18!