The “Magic” of Age 10
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans and a very happy opening night to Encore’s production of the musical Narnia, based on the beloved tale by C.S. Lewis. In this blog, I’m excited to share a new view on the value of children’s arts education and exploration. Today we’ll examine some of the key points of Bruce Grierson’s piece, “Here’s Why Living Out Your Dreams from When You Were 10 Is the Key to Happiness” (originally featured in Psychology Today, then expanded upon in Reader’s Digest) and discuss how theatre can help young people during this vital developmental period.
Gone are the helpless infant months, replaced by the wibbly-wobbly toddler years, which have now also passed. By this age, students are more able to put their bodies into action, articulate their interests, and focus on their favored goals. This new-found attention is a big reason that we wait until age 9 before allowing students to audition for full-length productions here at Encore. (Psst…will we see you at auditions for The Three Musketeers next week??)
Empathy plays a huge role (pun intended) in the life of an actor, no matter how young. In order to believably portray another person (or lion, beaver, etc. in the case of Narnia), one must be able to imagine themselves in the shoes (or paws) of another. Theatre camps, classes, and productions that are designed specially for young actors make a point to focus on this essential life and acting skill.
As I’m sure many Encore parents would attest, this age group is not afraid to speak their minds: on how they’re feeling, what they find interesting, and what activities they’d like to pursue. Here at Encore, we understand that no one class will be a perfect fit for every student. We make it a priority to offer varying topics across age groups to appeal to every kind of learner, singer, dancer, and more.
Participating in theatre as an audience member is also a valuable experience for young people. It teaches respect, manners, self-awareness, and even helps train the mind to seek patterns and make predictions. With this in mind, we started our Theatre for the Very Young series which is geared toward our youngest theatre lovers under the age of 5 with relatable characters, engaging colors, and relevant themes. While age 10 may be the start of discerning taste, we offer shows to young viewers to help them develop an early love for storytelling in all its forms.
Theatre creates a family and a community with every production, class, and camp. Encore’s family of theatre lovers (teaching artists, directors, students, parents, volunteers, interns, the list goes on and on) gives young people the opportunity to take big risks and fail safely, knowing that they are supported both creatively and emotionally.
Come witness the magic of this age group for the next two weekends at Narnia: the cast boasts a whopping 27 9-through-11-year-olds out of a cast of 36! Matched up with a magical wardrobe, a brave lion, a medley of talking animals, and a formidable opponent in the White Witch, this musical will surely capture the imaginations of theatre lovers of all ages.
Performance Dates and Showtimes for Narnia
Fridays, January 10 and 17, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, January 11 and 18, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, January 12 and 19, 2020 at 3pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Original article by Bruce Grierson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Seeing Clearly in 2020: Encore Resolutions
Happy New Year, Encore fans! From everyone here at Encore, we hope that you had a wonderful holiday season. As many people do at the start of a new calendar, we’ve created some Encore-specific resolutions to help guide you through the remainder of our 2019/2020 Homecoming Season. Let’s check them out!
From left to right: Aslan (Sean Hackes), Lucy Pevensie (Isabel Tate), Peter Pevensie (Richard Bew) and Susan Pevensie (Lauren Monsivaiz). 2013.
Keep the magic of the holiday season going with Encore’s upcoming production of Narnia. This version of the classic tale is a musical, so you’ll be able to experience the story in a whole new way! The production runs at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre January 10-19, 2020. Tickets are available now, so get them before they melt away!
New Year, New Characters
2020 is the year to overcome your nerves and join us for a fun and easy audition! We’ve got lots of information on what to expect on our Auditions page to help you feel at your most prepared. We look forward to seeing you at auditions for The Three Musketeers on January 14 or 15!
Join the Encore Team
As we continue onward through the chill of winter, it might be hard to think ahead to summer…but not here at Encore! We’re excited to share the paid job opportunities we have available for Summer 2020, as well as season-long apprenticeships for the 2020/2021 season. Interested in working with us this year? Check out the opportunities and send in an application. If you’re under the age of 16, we have unpaid volunteer opportunities available as well!
A Class-y New Year
Registration is currently open for Encore’s Winter session of theatre classes. Space is limited in some instances, so check out the titles and register while there’s still space available!
Lose Yourself in a Summer of Theatre
The Education team here at Encore is pumped to share our 2020 summer camps with all of you. We’ve got brand-new themes and productions in all of our various age groups, so there is certainly a place for you to make your artistic home this summer.
P.S. Interested in meeting some of our summer staff or experiencing a taste of the summer camp experience? Join us tomorrow, Saturday, January 4, 2020 for Encore’s 2020 Summer Camp Open House!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
2019 Wrap-Up: November and December Highlights
The beginning of November saw the premiere of Encore’s latest program, Flip the Script. Three packed audiences enjoyed “The Day That Nothing Happened,” a student-devised and performed piece focusing on the historic integration of Arlington County public schools. We look forward to featuring scenes from this work in the MLK Day performance produced by Arlington County.
Ready to tackle your own production experience? Audition for The Three Musketeers on January 14 & 15, 2020!
We Played the Day Away
November brought us several wonderful Holiday Mini Camp days. We had a blast collaborating as a group to create a brand-new final sharing each day, as well as playing games, making crafts, and learning dances.
January is full of new mini-camp opportunities, so now is your chance to join us for an epic day of play and theatre fun whenever school is out for the day. Sign up today to secure your spot – limited space available!
We Welcomed New Friends
This fall we welcomed a new Development Officer, Kelley O’Dell! She has already had an incredible impact on Encore’s individual giving stats, as well as being a joyous addition to Encore’s offices.
Make Kelley’s day and give your 2019 tax refund a boost by placing an end-of-year gift to Encore (a 501c3 organization) by the end of today!
We Sang, Danced, and Performed
Our Late Fall classes covered topics ranging from Shakespeare to Broadway, fairytales to stage combat, and beyond. With so many of our classes running, we were thrilled to present a host of awesome end of session sharings.
Space in Winter classes is limited, so sign up today to join in on the creativity, collaboration, and, of course, fun!
We Investigated
It doesn’t take a detective to realize that Encore’s annual holiday show was a smash-hit. CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators closed out with a second weekend full of sold-out performances! The Clue Club hunted down the missing Santa Claus and the holiday season was saved for all!
Keep the winter magic alive with Encore’s upcoming production of the musical Narnia, playing January 10-19, 2020 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
We Dreamed of Summer
This month we were pumped to announce all of our camp themes for Summer 2020. Lucky for you, registration opened just yesterday. Head over to our summer landing page, check out the dates and themes, then sign up today to lock in your best early bird price and guarantee your spot for your summer theatre adventure!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Top 20 Posts to Prep for 2020
Welcome back to The Front Row, Encore fans! I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. The Encore offices remain closed until January 2nd, 2020, but I wanted to drop in to remind you all of some of the wonderful goings-on that were featured on the blog this year. Grab a mug of cocoa and enjoy this look back at some of the highlights of 2019:
January
1) 7 Terrific Reasons to Come to Tech Camp This Summer
I love featuring aspects of Encore’s programming that may not always find the spotlight. This look at Encore’s summer Tech Camps is timely once again, as registration for Summer 2020 opens on December 30th!
February
2) 7 Reasons to Make Headlines in Newsies
I personally love the summer production, having participated as an actor these past three summers. This blog feature was particularly fun because I got to dive into some of the history of the real-life newies. Keep an eye out for more summer-related content in the new year and mark your calendars for West Side Story auditions on May 11th & 12nd, 2020.
3) Turning the Tables: Isabel and Rebecca
It’s always fantastic when members of our staff have the opportunity to directly share their experiences with students. As the blog editor, I love to learn more about both our participants and our awesome staff. Check this one out if you’re interested in learning more about Rebecca and the field of production management!
Mean Girls Day, 2019
March
4) Encore’s Real-life Superheroes
I have the great fortune to work alongside and learn from a whole team of theatre professionals that make coming to work each day a blast. If you missed this post when it first went up on the blog, definitely check it out to gain some wisdom in the new year! Searching for your next endeavor? Join our team!
April
5) Thank You from Executive Director Sara Duke
Spring of 2019 was full of some serious questions for Encore and the rest of the Arlington arts community. Proposed budget cuts threatened many of the resources that we depend upon to produce the shows that we love so much. Luckily, our community rallied together to make the #ARLSaveOurStage movement a success. Thank you again!
6) 7 Sunny Highlights from 2019’s Benefit Breakfast
The Benefit Breakfast is always a greatly anticipated event for those of us working in the Encore offices. There’s a buzz of excitement leading up to the event every year. It’s a joy to spend time with our Encore family, hear from volunteers, and view excellent performances from our talented participants.
7) #TechTuesday with Scenes for Tween’s Seth Rosenke
Our students love to work with Mr. Seth, so I was happy to have him on The Front Row for an interview. As the Camp Director for Scenes for Tweens (ages 8-12), Seth oversees week after week of amazing summer programming. Check out his interview while you bide time before registration for Summer 2020 opens on December 30th!
May
8) The Parents Speak: Encore Education
We love receiving feedback! The only thing we love more is probably sharing positive feedback with all of you, our followers. We are proud to brag on our talented participants, engaged teaching artists, and professional staff any day.
9) A Pre-K Q&A w/ Madaline Langston
In 2019 we debuted a brand-new summer camp program, created especially with young learners in mind. We’re pumped to bring back our camp for Ages 3-5 this summer as well, so registered on December 30th to join us!
June
10) Encore Named #OneOfTheBest by Catalogue for Philanthrophy
It was (and continues to be) a true honor to be included in the 2019/2020 Catalogue for Philanthropy under such a prestigious designation. We’re grateful for all of the support, resources, and advocacy that the Catalogue continues to provide to non-profits such as Encore Stage & Studio year in and year out.
11) 5 Life Skills Children Cultivate in the Performing Arts
As a product of arts education myself, I always relish the opportunity to showcase the benefits that spending time and around the arts can have for young people (and adults as well!).
July
12) “An Exercise in Courage” with Emma Kiely-Hampson
Here’s a glimpse behind the curtain for you blog readers: Emma and I are best friends from college, so I was thrilled when she finally came out to audition for an Encore show after supporting me from the audience for the last few years. I loved her insight into the rehearsal and audition processes and was thrilled to share my sweet friend’s interview with all of you!
13) From the Cast: A Newsies Rehearsal Update
The passion and enthusiasm of the Newsies cast this summer was utterly infectious and perfect for sharing. I love when we’re able to draw back the curtain and share some of the behind-the-scenes elements of a production, and the summer show is just perfect for doing so.
August
14) The Parents Speak: #EncoreSummer
The Encore community had an amazing summer in 2019! Not only did we debut two brand-new camp programs to serve additional age groups, but we also mentored dozens of camp aides and interns, produced several camp productions, and shared the magic of theatre with hundreds of young people. Let’s get ready to do it all again!
September
15) Delving Deeper with Patrick McGee
After witnessing his excellent work in both the classroom and rehearsal space, we were thrilled to welcome Mr. Patrick McGee to Encore’s full-time staff. I personally appreciate his teaching mentality and outlook; it was a pleasure to share his interview with Encore readers.
October
16) Audition Advice Round-Up
As an editor, I aim to make The Front Row blog a resource for students, parents, teachers, and beyond. Auditions can be stressful for even more experienced performers (guilty!), so I wanted to share the wealth of advice we’ve accumulated over the years to share with all of you!
November
17) Season of Giving Resource Guide
One of my favorite parts of working in Marketing is getting to assist and facilitate projects in all other departments of the organization. I’m personally proud of this guide, as it can act as a quick and easy resource during this busy season for Development.
18) Capturing Magic with Cindy Kane
Cindy’s photographs have honestly been such a meaningful and significant contribution to Encore’s marketing efforts. It was wonderful to sit down with her and learn more about her process. A definite must-read!
19) An Attitude of Gratitude
It’s always super enjoyable to check in with our staff and hear from them, especially during the happiness of the holiday season!
Photo by Anne Canon Photography
December
20) Alumni Friendship Going Strong: “A Decade and Counting”
We love hearing from our Encore alums and finding out what they’re up to. This month brought us a special BFF double dose of Encore friendship. Heart-warming enough to get you through even the coldest winter day.
Thank you for another wonderful year here on The Front Row blog. I’m excited to share the classes, camps, productions, and more that await us in the next decade!
P.S. Be sure to join us on Monday, December 30th, 2019 for the opening of Summer Camp Registration!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
In Theatre Anything Goes for Alum Max B.
Happy Saturday, everyone! Today we’ve got a special treat for all of you. We’re chatting with an Encore alum who has tackled summer, production, and working for Encore as a camp aide. We’re excited to learn from all of his experiences. Please welcome…Max Belmar!
Encore: You played Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Encore’s Stage Door production of Anything Goes, and now in your school’s production; how was it like to play the same character again? How were the experiences different? Any new challenges?
Max: Playing Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in my school production gave me the chance to reflect on my growth as an actor and a person over the years. I used my experience with the Encore production to better understand the character and the show as a whole. Evelyn is such an interesting and exciting role to play. Being able to build on that past experience with Encore was an amazing tool. Encore has enabled me to grow in so many ways and for that, I am very grateful.
Encore: What is your favorite number from Anything Goes?
Max: I would have to say the title number, “Anything Goes.” The energy and dedication from the entire cast was an amazing thing. Watching the build-up from the first rehearsal to the final performance was so great to see. That song, in particular, had complex choreography and harmonies. The way the cast perfected each element showed how truly motivated everyone was to put on the best show possible.
Encore: Which Encore productions have you been involved in? What has been your most memorable experience and why?
Max: I loved working with Encore Stage & Studio for a number of years. I started by being a part of Stage Door Summer productions like Beauty and the Beast and Anything Goes. Later on, I was in the cast of The Best Haunted House Ever as Clyde and Night at the Wax Museum as Rolf. I also worked on run crew for The Jungle Book. Each production I was a part of at Encore allowed me to learn more and work on my acting.
My most memorable experience would have to be the Silver Diner outings after each final show. The cast and crew would celebrate a successful Encore run with a dinner at Silver Diner. It was always such a memorable event, so much fun, and a great reminder of the amazing friendships I made doing each of the Encore shows.
Encore: You’ve been a camp aide with us for many summers! What skills have you learned as a camp aide for Encore’s summer camps?
Max: Being a camp aide has given me the opportunity to work with amazing kids and help them experience the joy of theatre and expressing themselves in a creative way. I have always valued these things in my own life and sharing that with the campers is so great! Being a camp aide has taught me how to work with many different people and how to problem-solve a variety of situations. I am so appreciative of the lessons it has taught me!
Encore: What’s your favorite Encore show that you’ve seen as an audience member and why?
Max: One of my favorite Encore shows to see was Disney’s Newsies this past summer. The show was breathtaking. The camaraderie and dedication of each of the cast and crew members was evident from the audience and so inspiring to see.
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Max: Theatre has been my passion for my entire life. Ever since my first production at the age of nine, I have been in love with performing. Being able to work with Encore Stage & Studio has given me some amazing skills and experiences that I use each day now. I am truly thankful for all of the opportunities and learning experiences Encore has given me.
Thank you Max for taking the time to share your Encore experience. Our staff enjoyed seeing you perform on your very own high school stage!
Max has shown his dedication as a participant in our productions and as a staff member for our summer camps. Ready to be a role model and show your dedication this summer? Apply for our Camp Counselor and Counselor-in-Training positions for Summer 2020! Camp Counselors help make camp a smooth, successful, and fun experience for campers! Each day, counselors have the opportunity to lead or assist teaching artists with classroom activities including theatre games, warm-ups, and craft projects. Counselors may also help campers to rehearse scenes, learn choreography or movement combinations, or prepare for the final camp performances. Counselors also frequently take on administrative tasks, including helping to run check-in and check-out, preparing class materials, and setting up or cleaning up camp spaces. Counselors are expected to be punctual and fully present for each day of camp, and to model good behavior for campers.
Applicants for the Camp Counselor positions must be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2020. Applicants for Counselor-in-Training volunteer positions must be at least 14 years old by June 1, 2020. When applying for a camp counselor or camp counselor-in-training position, please keep the rest of your summer schedule in mind. The expectation is that you will fulfill your contract commitment. Winter break is the perfect time to start planning ahead and filling out an application. Happy Holidays and happy summer planning!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos contributed by Max Belmar. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Board President’s 2019 Holiday Update
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans. First things first: Have you purchased your tickets to CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators yet? Remaining ticket supplies are limited, so do that now! I’ll wait…all taken care of? Great! Please enjoy this holiday message from Encore’s Board President, Carole Russo:
Thank you.
I simply can’t say thank you enough to the audience members, parents, actors, technical students, campers, auditionees, donors, partners, advertisers, staff, educators, and board members that make Encore what it is today. Each of you has made 2019 a magical homecoming success and we couldn’t do it without you.
The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more dancers or artists. [It’s] to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives. — Kelly Pollock, Center for Creative Arts in St. Louis
Former Board President Jerry Gidner presents check to launch The Theatre For All! Fund.
Some of you may wonder what exactly the board of directors does—even our board members themselves! We took some time at the start of the 2019/2020 season to get to know each other better as we’re from all across the region. We had some in-depth discussions on fundraising and also played some theatre games!
Following the recommendations of our volunteer consultants at Compass (compassprobono.org), the board is actually meeting formally less as a full board, and actually getting more done. That’s because we are dividing and conquering in committees. Soon you’ll see the new Strategic Plan, an analysis of where our programs are held, as well as a balanced checkbook.
All of this volunteer board work is in support of Encore’s accomplishments this season including a triumphant return to Thomas Jefferson, sold-out shows, our volunteer ambassadors, and our artistic achievements such as presenting Flip The Script with a grant from the Virginia Humanities Council.
Wondering how you might be able to be a bigger part of this awesome organization? Think about joining the board of directors and let me know of your curiosity (carolerusso@yahoo.com). The time you invest in being a board member will be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve ever had.
Thank you again.
– Carole Banks Russo
Looking to support Encore in other wonderful ways? Check out our 2019 Season of Giving Resource Guide to learn more about all the simple ways you can make a difference for “Theatre by kids, for kids” in your community.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Carole Banks Russo. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
You’re Invited to Encore’s Summer Camp Open House!
Encore Stage & Studio is excited to celebrate the start of summer planning with a Summer Camp Open House event on Saturday, January 4, 2020, 10 am – 12 pm, at Encore’s Main Campus! Students will experience 30-minute sample sessions of Encore’s various upcoming summer camps. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet teaching artists and Encore staff, as well as register for summer camps at Early Bird prices. Registration is free and recommended in advance to guarantee a spot in your favorite classes.
“Encore’s teaching artists bring professional excellence and passion for theatre to every class they teach. I love watching the final sharings for our classes because I get to witness the growing self-confidence and joy in each child.” — Sara Duke, Encore Stage & Studio Executive Director
Camp sessions include options of either one, two, or three weeks. Encore’s educational programs are designed to provide a fun and safe environment for children to explore theatre arts, from the newest beginner to the more experienced theatre fan.
10:00 – 10:15 am
Meet & Greet with Summer Staff
10:15 – 10:45 am
Fun with Pete the Cat – Ages 3-5
Broadway Kids: Classics – Ages 5-9
Villains and their Descendants – Ages 8-12
10:45 – 11:15 am
Activity Stations – Parents’ Lounge
11:15-11:45 am
Theatre Olympics – Ages 5-9
Movie Mash-Up – Ages 8-12
Stage Door Dance – Ages 11-15
11:45 am – 12:00 pm
Questions – Parents’ Lounge
Fun with Pete the Cat (Ages 3-5)
Pete is one cool cat, with his groovy buttons and white shoes. He doesn’t let anything slow him down and he never gives up. He just keeps singing his song while moving forward. With Pete’s groovy help, along with our classmates, we’ll learn about important character traits, such as courage, enthusiasm, honesty, patience, and perseverance.
Broadway Kids: Classic
“Cheer Up Charlie,” we’ve got more where that came from! “You Can’t Stop the Beat” as we sing and dance our way through some of Broadway’s biggest hits. This camp is the one for you if you “Can’t Stand Still!”
Villains and Their Descendants (Ages 8-12)
Does the apple fall far from the tree? The answer is up to you in this evilly delightful new camp. Collaborate with your fellow campers to create new scenarios starring your favorite villains and their descendants. What happens next? That’s up to you!
Theatre Olympics (Ages 5-9)
Get on your game face and go for the gold! You and your classmates will compete in a series of games designed to test your theatre skills. With fun events like costume relays, trivia tournaments, and improv challenges, everyone is sure to win!
Movie Mash-Up (Ages 8-12)
What would happen if Elsa and Thor took a road trip? Or if Pikachu and Nancy Drew had to team up to solve a mystery? The possibilities are endless and the plot is up to you! Collaborate with your fellow campers to bring famous movie characters to life in new, creative, and unexpected situations.
Stage Door Dance (Ages 11-15)
As the camp builds towards public performances of a fully-staged musical, you’ll be challenged to fully engage your creativity, to develop a memorable character, and to work as part of a team while gaining valuable stage experience.
Dramaturgy 101: CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators
Welcome back to Dramaturgy 101! This month, we’re excited to present CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators or…who stole Santa Claus? by Pat Cook.
CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators runs December 6-15, 2019 at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography.
It’s nearly Christmas and the students of Wendell Wilke High School are preparing to perform their Christmas play. This year they’re excited to present Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas ghost story, A Christmas Carol…if they can find the school’s Santa statue, a pillar of Christmas tradition at Wendell Wilke. Without it, the show can’t go on, according to Principal Crunge. With the help of the Clue Club, the cast and crew of one Christmas mystery try to solve another and end up finding more than just a yard decoration.
So, what is it about Christmas and mysteries? Why is a time of year associated with happiness and goodwill also inexorably tied to ghost stories, intrigue, and mischief?
The tradition goes back long before Ebenezer Scrooge saw Jacob Marley in his sitting room.
Christmas takes its roots from the Pagan holiday of Yule, a celebration of rebirth held on the shortest and darkest day of the year, the winter solstice. As Pagans converted to Christianity in the middle ages, the traditions evolved to incorporate images from their new religion but not all connection was lost. Christmas was still a time for feasting and celebrating through songs and storytelling, as Yule had been, though now held for the birth of Christ.
When Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in London in 1863, he saw a tradition largely ignored in his community because of the economic pressures of the times. Most people, like Bob Cratchit’s family, struggled to get by and very few got off work for Christmas Day. In this context, Bob Cratchit’s good heart and Christmas spirit shine all the brighter against Scrooge’s “bah-humbug.” Scrooge, who has all the money he could need, still shuns connection to friends or family, believing that his wealth makes him superior to his fellow man. Dickens’ story is a warning to the wicked, but it holds hope for the future in its belief that anyone, even Ebenezer Scrooge, is capable of change.
A Christmas Carol, like many holiday traditions, has become one of the most told and re-told Christmas stories, taking on a life of its own in new adaptations every year. With each new version, new life comes back to a timeless story and rebirths it for another year. Like the Pagans, for whom Yule represented the darkest moments before the coming of the spring, celebration and tradition were a part of an ongoing cycle of life, death, and rebirth. CSI, like A Christmas Carol and many Christmas stories, focuses on the value of evolving our past traditions to reflect our present and how doing so allows those traditions to survive long into the future.
So, enjoy your traditions, old and new. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Encore Staff!
Tickets for the final weekend of CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators are extremely limited. Buy your tickets today to ensure that you and your family won’t miss out on this hilarious Christmas mystery.
Performance Dates and Times:
Friday, December 13, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 3pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Blog contribution by 2019/2020 Production Apprentice Kyla McLaughlin. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Guest Reviewer: CSI is “the Perfect Family Holiday Show!”
What do you get when you cross a Christmas classic with a contemporary play involving a group of scene-stealing super sleuths and a missing Santa? Why, the perfect family holiday show, of course! What? When you think of the holidays, you don’t automatically think of kid detectives and a stolen Santa? I’m not sure I did either until I saw the young actors helping each other to put on a hilarious and fast-paced performance of Encore Stage & Studio’s CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators. This relatable show has practically changed my idea of Christmas forever!
Now, if anyone could pull off a children’s play of mystery, action, and humor, Encore Stage & Studio is certainly at the top of any list to do so. This was truly an entertaining story of intrigue, suspense, and laughter that deserved all the applause it received. Not only were the young actors professionals in every sense of the word, but the way Encore Stage & Studio presented the play was spectacular! The very idea of a play within a play where everyone discovers the true meaning of the Christmas spirit is a wonderfully fun way to kick-off the holiday season!
I really loved how this was a play by kids for kids. My favorite part of this theatrical experience was, not only did the cast make you feel like you were there in the theatre with them (the action was performed to three of the four sides of the theatre audience), but the cast was so energetic and never missed a line; it was clear they really loved what they were doing, making the performance that much better.
The cast transports you to the last rehearsal of a production of A Christmas Carol for the annual Christmas show which comes to a screeching halt when it is discovered that the light-up Santa Claus statue has been stolen. Without the Santa, the principal, Mr. Crunge, declares that the show must be canceled. To save the play, Mrs. Dickens, the theatre director, calls in the Clue Club, a group of ambitious students who are resolved to find the missing Santa and save the annual production. As the Clue Club begins to search for the missing Santa, the students bond and, ultimately, discover what Christmas is all about.
If you love Christmas and crime-solving detectives and are looking for a fun-for-the-whole-family theatre experience, purchase your tickets now to see Encore Stage & Studio’s CSI: Christmas Scenes Investigators – this hilarious seasonal play is the perfect way to start the holiday season off right. You will stop thinking about what you want or would like to do and will start thinking of other people; you will uncover your true Christmas spirit!
The show’s run-time is approximately 70 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Remaining performances run December 13th -15th at the Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two (2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22207). Friday’s performance is at 7:30 pm; Saturday performances are at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, and Sunday’s performance is at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Children, Students, Military, and Seniors, and are available online at www.encorestage.org or by calling the box office at (703) 548-1154.
Meet the Reviewer:
Mac Cronin is in the sixth grade at Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. Mac is an enthusiastic fan of the theatre, especially children’s theatre, and hopes to have the opportunity to view, and review, many more of these great Encore Stage & Studio shows!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Review by Mac Cronin. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
Alumni Friendship Going Strong: “A Decade and Counting”
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! We’ve got a special treat for you today. Two of our awesome Encore alums reconnected with us to chat about favorite show memories, lasting friendships, and the power of theatre. Please welcome Lauren Monsivaiz and Olivia Hammermaster!
This was taken the night after Robin Hood’s opening night performance! We had SUCH an adrenaline rush and performance high that we were loud and giggly late into the night. This is one of our favorite pictures together!
How did you meet?
Our families moved into a new neighborhood at the same time. As the only kids above the age of six, our parents wanted us to meet! Our families went out for pizza one night and we’ve been hanging out ever since…even though we were two grades apart, we became fast friends and went on countless adventures together; whether it was to the small church up the road or (when we could drive) all the way to our favorite shake place, Z Burger.
This is from Aladdin! We have such fond memories from this show!!!
What Encore shows were you involved in together?
We started our Encore journey together in the Robin Hood cast. Since then, we were in The Magical Lamp of Aladdin, The Hobbit, Big Bad, and Legally Blonde; mostly in the cast and sometimes in the crew. We also participated in Show Choir together!
Show Choir!!! This is one of my (Lauren’s) personal favorite Encore experiences. I love being able to combine acting, dancing, and singing… plus good friends!!
What’s your favorite Encore memory together?
We both moved around a lot growing up and didn’t always feel like we had roots or stability in our lives. During Robin Hood, we got so close with our castmates that it instantly felt like home. There are so many pictures of us sprawled onstage with some of our close friends, talking and laughing and just feeling like we found a place we belonged. It’s hard to describe, but some of our favorite memories come from these moments between shows. Since we were neighbors, we also carpooled to and from rehearsals and shows! This sometimes included other friends, but we spent so much of that time talking about anything and everything, while still belting it out to show tunes…our moms really appreciated every mini car performance, I’m sure.
From Robin Hood rehearsal! We were all such great pals instantly.
Post-Encore and undergrad life, where are you now and what are you up to? What are you currently working on these days?
Lauren: After graduating with a degree in Theatre Arts and English at Texas A&M, I worked at Walt Disney World on their college program for a semester. I got to be a character attendant based in the Magic Kingdom and it was such an amazing opportunity; I learned so much about myself, the company, and the beloved characters I grew up watching. Then I got engaged! I moved back to the Houston area and worked as a substitute teacher for a bit, and now I’m a fulltime nanny (and wife!). I hope to one day become involved in the children’s community theatre in my area- that will always be a huge passion of mine, and hopefully one day I can impact kids and teens the way Encore influenced me!
Olivia: I attended Florida State University and graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and English with a focus in creative writing. I then moved to the Seattle area and am currently working in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric facility. I’m thinking about going back to school for a master’s degree, but I don’t know what for just yet. I’m also pursuing writing and have hopes to be a published author someday!
This is right after Trevor and I (Lauren) walked back down the aisle, officially man and wife!!!
Congratulations to Lauren on your marriage Lauren, what was Olivia’s role in the wedding party and how did it feel to have your friends there by your side? Olivia, how was it like to be there for your friend on her big day?
Lauren: Thank you!! Liv got to be my maid of honor, which was so wonderful and exciting. Even though she had no experience being in a wedding party before, she took it in full stride and was beyond helpful, fun, and encouraging. Out of all the girls there besides my sisters, Olivia was my oldest friend. That was so special to me because I grew up moving (and changing friends) every couple of years. Olivia and I managed to stay friends for over a decade and counting, and best friends at that! She’s always been the kind of friend that supports and loves you unconditionally, but still keeps you grounded and humble. I love that about her.
Olivia: It was a wild ride! None of my other close friends are married yet, so it was really beautiful (and emotional) for my first friend getting married to be my best. I used Lauren’s wedding as an excuse to avoid school. It’s a little ridiculous how often I was on Pinterest during class…! I was so honored that Lauren asked me to be her maid of honor and I wanted to really dive into it and do everything I could to give Lauren her fairytale wedding.
We’re also close with Ana McMenamin, another former Encore participant.
Ana, Lauren, and Olivia! We all did Encore together and stayed good friends!!
Other than your amazing friendship, how has theatre and Encore impacted you today?
Lauren: Encore had a huge influence on my confidence. I was also involved with the theatre and choir programs at my school, but that truly doesn’t compare with the constant growth and education I received at Encore. All of our directors were wonderful, but some who truly stood out to both Olivia and I are Susan Keady, Doug Ullman Jr, and Kelsey Meiklejohn (now Bowen!). They are some of the many adults who inspired me. I learned an insane amount from each of them, skills and knowledge I still use to this day. From stage presence and projecting, to learning how to stand still and communicate with more than just words.
Oliva: I owe so much to Encore. I was in a pretty dark place when I was involved in this theatre and it was my saving grace. It gave me confidence, a network of friends and mentors, and something to look forward to. As Lauren said, I learned so much from Susan Keady and others that I worked with over the years. And I’m really good at public speaking now!
This is kind of random I suppose, but it’s a great indicator of our friendship! We were constantly baking or cooking yummy treats at each other’s houses, it’s one of the many ways we bonded and grew closer! Also a great excuse to stuff ourselves with sugar!
What do you enjoy doing together and how do you both keep in touch?
We text constantly and find ways to keep each other up to date. For example, since we live in different time zones and have busy schedules, one thing we’ve learned that works is sending each other voice messages. We don’t always have time to call, so we leave long audio recordings for the other to listen to and then respond with another. We FaceTimed to answer these questions together! We also definitely utilize Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram when it comes to random moments, funny memes, or old memories that pop up! We both have TimeHop installed, so we often send each other embarrassing moments from many years ago!
This is also a favorite picture of ours, it’s from our time in The Hobbit!
Many huge thanks to Olivia and Lauren for sharing your wonderful friendship story with us! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and the best of luck in all your future endeavors. We can’t wait to have you back on The Front Row and hear all about it!
CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators runs December 6-15, 2019 at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two.
Photo by Cindy Kane Photography.
Encore is where friendships are born. In the green room as a cast member, in the booth as a member of the crew, in skits as a front of house team, and…in the audience:
– Encore alums, get the band back together and join us for an Alumni night at our latest production, CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators, which opens tonight!
– New to Encore? What better way to bond than a group trip to the theatre! With a group of 10 or more patrons, you’ll access our group rate of just $9 per ticket.
It’s no mystery: CSI is going to be a blast for everyone. We can’t wait to see your reunions and new memories, all at one show (be sure to tag us – @encorearlington)!
Wedding photos by Anne Canon Photography (@annecanon on Instagram). Additional photos contributed by the Monsivaiz family. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan Christian. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.