Audition Advice Round-Up
The party doesn’t stop here on The Front Row. This weekend is your last chance to catch Disney’s Frozen Jr. before the cast lets it go for the final time. Just next week, we prepare for Encore’s next two productions with a double audition! The process of auditioning can be intimidating at times, whether it’s your first audition or your 15th. You’re in luck this #FrontRowFriday because we’ve collected some excellent advice from across the board (production staff, current students, alums, and more) to help calm your nerves and get your head in the game.
Auditions for CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators and Narnia
October 22 & 23, 2019
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Old Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)
“At Encore, we look for 4 things that we think are HUGE in terms of being part of an acting company: Projection, teamwork, creativity, and kindness.” – Narnia Music Director Sarah Markovits
These post contains heaps of advice from not one, but two, talented music directors. If the thought of singing a tune makes butterflies flutter through your insides, give this helpful post a read to calm your nerves and help you feel prepared when auditioning for a musical, such as Narnia.
“I had learned from what I did in the previous year’s audition and made sure I did my very best this time.”
Learn from an experienced participant, student editor Hannah Knittig, as she shares about her Encore from the very beginning. Her positive attitude shows that there is always something to learn in the theatre-making process.
“Auditioning is an exercise in courage, and sometimes you have to push yourself farther than you think you are capable of going.”
Emma Kiely-Hampson came out to audition for this summer’s production of Disney’s Newsies after several years away from the stage. She shares her perspective on the challenges and joys of auditioning, rehearsals, and more.
To anyone interested in participating in the arts- don’t let fear hold you back. Jump in!
Encore creates more than young actors; we create friend groups and memories that last a lifetime. Ethan Stern joined us on The Front Row this week to chat about how participating in Encore helped to shape his young adult years and even beyond.
Take all this advice to heart and, most importantly, have fun! Theatre is a wonderful way to build community, try new things, and explore new possibilities. We look forward to seeing all of you at auditions next week!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Dare Mighty Things – Encore Alum Ethan Stern
Here we are, on another wonderful #TechTuesday. After a fantastic opening weekend of Disney’s Frozen Jr., where over 1,300 patrons joined in our homecoming to Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, we’re definitely in the mood to keep the party going. You’ve heard from Sarah Conrad, our Encore alumna turned director, a pair of lovely sisters who are performing together for the first time, and now, for your reading pleasure, another important member of our Encore family: an alum! Ethan Stern was kind enough to take the time to chat with us about his years at Encore, what theatre has taught him, and more.
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved with Encore?
Ethan: My name is Ethan Stern and I was involved in Encore Stage from a young age. I took my first acting class when I was a child and continued to take acting classes with Encore. I remember telling my mom I wanted to go every day because I was so excited for class. From there I started auditioning for shows. I was in several shows throughout the years and I also had the ability to learn the technical side of the theatre and I was on the crew for several shows as well.
Encore: How do the arts impact your life, both as a student and today?
Ethan: As a young person being involved in the arts impacted me greatly; I fell in love with theatre from the first class I took and as a child it taught me so many things, but most of all it helped me express myself and let me be creative in a way that no other outlet could. I think those early memories and experiences I had doing theatre definitely helped shaped me into the person I am today. The arts are so powerful, and being around so many other young people that had the same passion for creativity that I did added so much to the experience.
The Merry Wives of Windsor, August 1998
Encore: What is your favorite Encore memory?
Ethan: I have many amazing Encore memories. One that sticks out in my mind all these years later is being a part of The Merry Wives of Windsor in 1998. The set was one of the most elaborate sets I had ever seen at the time and it was really a work of art. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to transform Gunston Theatre into something magical for the audience. When the show was over, I remember striking the set until some crazy hour in the morning, and even though we were all exhausted we knew we had been a part of something amazing so everyone stayed until the end. There was a real sense of community in all Encore casts, but The Merry Wives of Windsor felt special because the cast was so large and had such a mix of ages/backgrounds and levels of acting experience. We were really proud of what we had accomplished together.
I also have fond memories of the show The Reluctant Dragon because that giant dragon costume was the first time I had worked with a costume that was essentially a large puppet. The actors had to use levers and pulleys inside the costume to move the character around. I was the voice of the Dragon so learning to sync up with my character’s body on stage was a really interesting challenge.
Encore: Which skills did you gain from participating in theatre as a young person?
Ethan: I gained a lot of skills from participating in theatre as a young person. Being a parent now, I would say it is useful to any child. I learned so many things that help in all aspects of life, such as public speaking. I know being involved in Encore gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence that every young adult needs. And even though I didn’t know this at the time I was acting, I think being involved in theatre helped me be a more mindful person and pause more. When you get a note from a director in front of the rest of the cast/crew, it is hard not to take it personally, but if you have a good director they will teach you to take it as constructive criticism and to pause before reacting. This is true about so many things in life; pausing before you react is one of the best lessons I learned from Encore.
Artistic Director Susan Keady
Encore: Were there any Encore staff members that really made an impact on your experience?
Ethan: The Encore staff member that truly had an impact on my experience was without a doubt, Susan Keady. She worked on many of the shows I was involved in and was wonderful. I have great memories of her jumping on stage in excitement to show me a new idea of blocking while rehearsing, coming up to the catwalk to show us how to change the gels in the lights up there, making us go through a dance number or a fight scene several times and re-working it on the fly. As a young adult at Encore, she held the cast/crew to a high standard that was much needed- it made us feel like she saw so much potential in us and she would hold us to that until we were able to see it in ourselves. That high standard she held everyone to gave me a sense of self-worth and encouraged me to learn and grow in so many ways. I am truly grateful for the passion and enthusiasm she brought to Encore and gave to all of us.
Encore: Do you have any advice you’d like to share with young people who are interested in participating in the arts in some capacity?
Ethan: To anyone interested in participating in the arts- don’t let fear hold you back. Jump in! Encore is a great place to land and you will learn more than you ever expected and you will make great friends and amazing memories along the way.
Encore: Any other fun Encore memories you’d like to share with us?
Ethan: Another great memory I have from Encore is winning the Star Award. After all these years I still have the award because Encore made such a big impact on my life.
Encore: Any final words (for now)?
Ethan: I wish everyone a successful Homecoming Season at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre!
Many thanks to Ethan for sharing so many wonderful and insightful memories with us. We love hearing about all the varied Encore experiences our students have had throughout the years and what they’re up to now. If you have a story to share or would like to be featured on The Front Row blog, please reach out to us at info@encorestage.org.
Feeling nostalgic for all the good times you’ve shared with your Encore friends, whether it’s been years or just a few months? Bring the family back together on Thursday, October 17th for an Alumni Night at Disney’s Frozen Jr!
Remaining Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30pm (Encore Alumni Night!)
Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 3pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and A.K. Nell. Additional photo contributed by Ethan Stern. Encore jerseys designed and created by 2019/2019 Arts Apprentice Alana Gibson. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
A Frozen Family Affair: The Payne Sisters
A Frozen #FrontRowFriday to all the Encore fans out there! We’re buzzing with anticipation leading up to the opening of Disney’s Frozen Jr. this evening at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. It’s our first production back in our home theatre since The Jungle Book back in 2017. We are definitely full of family feeling, returning to our Encore home with a show that focuses on the significance of sisterhood. We found the perfect duo to continue this theme: sisters Sydney and Molly P!
Encore: Say hello! Briefly introduce yourselves (how have you been involved with Encore and/or the arts before, who are you playing in this production, etc).
Molly: I’m Molly P. and I’m nine years old. This is my first Encore show and I’m playing Young Anna. I’ve seen every show that my older sister has been in — I actually saw The Music Man eight times! I’ve always loved musical theatre and we’ve been going to musicals together since I was three years old.
Sydeney: Hello! My name is Sydney P. I have been performing in Encore shows for four years. Disney’s Frozen Jr. is my eighth show. I am playing the role of Sven in this production.
Following Sydney’s performance in Encore’s 2017 production of A Little Princess
Encore: What’s been the best thing about doing a show with your sister?
Sydney: There are a few reasons why I love doing this show with my sister. We get to practice all of the songs and dances together! I also love watching Molly develop as an actor. She has been coming to my shows since 2015. She has been waiting for the time when she could be up on the stage. I enjoy watching her learn about the process of putting a show together and everything that goes with it.
Molly: I’m excited that my first show is with my sister.
Encore: What was the audition process like for each of you? How did you feel?
Sydney: My audition process was kind of stressful but at the same time exciting. The weeks leading up to the audition involved lots of belting of Frozen songs and watching the movie. Molly and I saw the Broadway show last year. I knew a little more about what to expect when I walked into the audition room.
Molly: I was at Girl Scout sleepaway camp that week and I went back and forth twice for the audition and callback. I was nervous. I’d practiced the songs and harmonies from the Broadway show with my sister and a teacher.
Disney’s Newsies, 2019. Photo by Cindy Kane Photography.
Encore: What’s been your favorite Encore memory so far?
Molly: I love singing “Let the Sun Shine On” and being IN a show!
Sydney: My favorite Encore memory has been meeting so many new and amazing people. Every show has so many fun people. I have met some of my best friends through Encore. I love working onstage with all of them but also hanging when we are off of the stage. I love joining a new cast and seeing everyone that I have done shows with before and have not seen in a long time.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about performing?
Molly: I love solo and ensemble singing.
Sydney: The thing that I enjoy most about performing is getting to try things that you wouldn’t get to do otherwise. You get to explore so many different sides of yourself. There are so many different roles that you could take on and there is always more to learn. It’s fun to leave behind everything that is happening in your life and just become a new person.
The Music Man, 2017. Photo by Larry McClemons.
Encore: How would you describe Encore’s production of Frozen Jr. to someone who had never seen the movie before?
Sydney: Disney’s Frozen Jr. is a fantastic musical. It’s a story about the journey of two sisters who don’t know much about each other. As the story goes on, both sisters learn about the other as well as themselves. Encore does a great job with all the little details going into this show. We have all worked hard on all of the songs and dances. The is so much energy and emotion put into this show by everyone who is a part of it.
Molly: It’s a really fun story about sisterhood. There is great music and funny scenes.
Encore: What are you most proud of/excited about regarding our upcoming show? Why should people come to see the show?
Molly: I feel proud of my work on Young Anna’s harmonies. People should come see the show because it’s a fun story with lots of good songs, fun dances, and lots of talented actors and actresses!
Sydney: I am most excited about exploring this new character and having lots of fun on the stage. I can’t wait to interact with all of the audience as we walk through the audience and after the show. This is show is so much fun for everyone. It’s a new version of Frozen, different than the movie.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Sydney: I hope everyone comes to watch this amazing show!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos contributed by the O’Dell-Payne Family.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
4 Reasons to “Let [Us] Go” to Frozen Jr.
We can hardly believe it, but “For the First Time in Forever,” it’s almost opening night! Our production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. opens this Friday, October 11th, at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. Never has the title #TechTuesday been more apt, because today we have a few behind-the-scenes photos from our cast and crew’s load-in rehearsal this weekend. Read on to get a sneak peek at what’s in store and to find out why your attendance at our royal event is required!
1) To hear the beautiful and catchy songs!
This production will feature some of your favorites from the 2013 film (“Let It Go” and “In Summer,” to mention a few), but also introduces several fun and upbeat new melodies for your ears. Our cast has been hard at work since August perfecting harmonies and dance moves. They got their first taste of the real stage on Saturday and can’t wait to share it all with you!
Wishing you were belting it out on stage alongside Elsa? You’re in luck: we’ve got a wide variety of classes and private lessons available for anyone interested in enrolling.
2) To see the kingdom of Arendelle come to life!
As our cast drilled musical notes and dance steps, our Encore Crewtons…drilled! Our crew of 12 to 18-year olds have been busy creating the world of Frozen. We can’t wait to see the various locations of the tale come to life before our eyes.
Interested in learning more about crew or trying your hand at construction and front of house? Auditions and crew interviews for our next two productions, CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators and Narnia will take place on October 22 and 23, 2019.
3) To see the magic come to life!
Are you itchy to see how Elsa’s ice palace will emerge or how Olaf’s snow cloud will take shape? Us too! The adaption of this iconic film and characters have created unique and interesting challenges for our technical designers and crews. We’re looking forward to being swept away, not just by an icy breeze, but by the magic of theatre.
4) To improve literacy and empathy!
Did you know that attending live theatrical productions, while a heartwarming and fun way to create family memories, can also help to make you a better person? A large claim, but stick with us. Studies have shown that engaging with live theatre helps young people in areas such as vocabulary and emotional identification. A pretty great way to spend a day, if you ask us.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30pm
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Kyla McLaughlin. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Dramaturgy 101: Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore friends! You’ve had the chance to meet Production Apprentice Kyla McLaughlin – now you get to discover one of her wonderful talents. Kyla has a background in the art of dramaturgy and is kind enough to share some of her knowledge with all of us here on the blog. We look forward to learning more about dramaturgy and diving deeper into this season’s productions throughout the year!
Dramaturgy is the study of how and why a play works the way it does. A dramaturg works with the director, cast, designers, and other members of the production team to investigate a script and figure out how best to represent it on stage for their particular audience. The dramaturg might ask how and why characters interact with each other and their world the way they do, as well as elaborate on connections made in the script. Whether or not a production has a designated dramaturg, everyone does a bit of dramaturgy as they get to know the world of the play through their artistic work.
In Encore’s upcoming production of Disney’s Frozen Jr, the dramaturg might first look into the production history of Frozen. As you probably already know, Disney released the film Frozen in 2013 to immediate acclaim. Within a few months of release, Disney executives had announced the development of a Broadway musical adaptation which would delve into “how the…princesses’ psychological scars drive them to make certain decisions,” according to composer Kristin Anderson-Lopez in an interview for Time Magazine.
The musical expands on the magical world of Arendelle with brand-new songs and scenes that let the audience into the mysteries of the kingdom and explore questions left unanswered in the film. The musical opened at the St. James Theatre in New York City in March of 2018 and received several Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations as well as one Drama Desk win for Outstanding Puppet Design.
The story of Frozen is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, published in 1844. In The Snow Queen, a young boy named Kai falls victim to a frozen heart and, subsequently, disappears into the wilderness to the Snow Queen’s ice palace where he is held captive. His friend, Gerda, with the help of a reindeer, sets out to rescue him and thaw his frozen heart. The Snow Queen allows them to return to the village and, when they do, they find they’ve grown up and it is now summer.
While Frozen is only loosely based on The Snow Queen, a dramaturg would take note of the pieces that remain and the elements that have changed in the adaptation from Hans Christian Andersen’s story to the film and, subsequently, to the Broadway production. The dramaturg would note the ways The Snow Queen survives in Frozen through Arendelle’s Nordic culture which connects to Andersen’s native Denmark and the maintenance of a fairytale structure across both versions of the story. Even the characters’ names indirectly point to the original author (try saying “Hans Kristoff Anna Sven” out loud.)
So, what? What do all these connections tell us about the story and why does it matter? By reading and considering the script and its history deeply, we can see that the most significant shift between The Snow Queen and Frozen was in changing the act of true love saving a person from a frozen heart to the significance of true love between sisters. This shift runs inherently counter to traditional fairytales, which always seem to end with a Prince, a Princess, and a Happily Ever After, and works to unsettle the presumption that Anna would give up her sister in exchange for a Prince Charming.
Instead, these sisters choose, over and over again, to protect and trust each other, even when no one else does and when the world tells them they’re wrong. To anyone investigating this script for deeper dramaturgical meaning, Elsa and Anna’s love for each other in the context of distrust and fear in Arendelle as a result of Elsa’s powers are paramount to understanding what drives all the characters toward their actions within their world.
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sunday, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3 pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Kyla McLaughlin. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.
September Highlights to Get You Jumping for Joy
September is a great month, full of new beginnings, big plans, and the crisp air of autumn. It can also be one of the busiest months for our Encore families, as students get back in a school routine, sports and extracurriculars pick up, and the wonderful laziness of summer drifts away like a leaf on the wind. All this to say: I don’t blame you if you missed out on some of our goings-on here at Encore. Read on to get caught up and get excited for what’s ahead!
ICYMI: Encore has welcomed three new friends to our office staff this past month (+ the lovely Gloria this August!). You’ll be seeing a lot of them, so please head over and get to know them:
Photo by Claire Buffie
Kyla McLaughlin, 2019/2020 Production Apprentice
Jordan Wells, 2019/2020 Education Apprentice
Speaking of lovely faces…did you see Madaline Langston, Encore’s Education Programs Director, in her own Arlington Magazine interview?
Join us on Saturday, October 19th for the Frozen Princess Ball, following the 11 AM performance.
Selling Tickets
When we saw the positive response to our upcoming Frozen Princess Ball, we got chills…of joy! We cannot wait to celebrate this wonderful production with so many of our dear Encore friends. Get your tickets today – we promise not to finish your sandwiches. 🙂
Speaking of tickets – did you realize that single tickets for CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators have been released? This holiday production will be running at Gunston Arts Center’s Theatre Two, which is a delightful black box space. Black boxes mean more intimate performances and, therefore, fewer seats, so be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone!
Getting Prepared
Our fall education season officially began on September 23rd with two Monday evening classes specially designed for our older acting students, Supernatural Shakespeare and Broadway Musicals. Our Monday evening series of Education offerings are ideal options for actors that are constantly seeking to improve their craft and, in doing so, their hopes of being cast in fully staged productions.
Are you feeling prepared? Come out to auditions for Encore’s next two productions, Narnia and CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators, October 22 and 23, between 5-7 PM. Visit our Auditions page for more detailed information by clicking here.
Building Community
Last month, our three new apprentices had the opportunity to join Executive Director Sara Duke at a community event for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This event gathered local non-profits to share more about their organizations with federal employees, who are encouraged to give back and support non-profits by the CFC’s matching program: “The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.”
Are you interested in learning more about Encore’s history, programming, and mission? Please visit the link below to learn more about how your donations help to support “Theatre by kids, for kids” in the DC Metro area.
Opening House
We were delighted to welcome a number of new students and families to our first-ever Fall Open House event. It was a wonderful opportunity to share who we are as an organization and what it’s like to experience an Encore class. Saturday Fall classes begin this week, on Saturday, October 5, so now is the time to get registered, if you haven’t already!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos provided by staff.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Meet Education Apprentice Jordan Wells
This #FrontRowFriday, the welcome wagon is back for another round here at Encore. You’ve met two of our new apprentices, Gloria and Kyla, so now it’s time to chat with Jordan Wells who’s joining Encore’s team as the 2019/2020 Education Apprentice.
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your experience with theatre and/or education/youth activities?
Jordan: I’ve been involved in theatre since I was 6 years old. I’ve performed in a variety of plays, including Measure for Measure, The Diviners, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, in addition to doing technical work on several productions while pursuing my undergraduate degree in Production Studies in Performing Arts from Clemson University. I’ve also been a workshop presenter at the South Carolina Theatre Association’s annual conference, a guest lecturer, and I completed a 10-week education internship with Lexington Children’s Theatre in Lexington, KY this past summer.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime with The Clemson Players. Costumes by Katie Carrillo, Lights by Tony Penna, Photo by Breanna Strife.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Jordan: The most memorable theatre experience I’ve had was assistant directing Godspell at Clemson. This was the experience that led to my deciding to pursue a career in theatre education.
Encore: What led you to apply for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Jordan: I really liked that Encore wanted to help young people develop an appreciation for all elements of theatre, not just performing. I applied because I wanted to work for a company with a mission statement that was compatible with my own.
Circle Mirror Transformation at Clemson University. Photo by Breanna Strife.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Jordan: I’m most excited to experience the wide variety of class structures that Encore offers students because they allow community enrichment to happen in so many ways.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season and why?
Jordan: I’m most looking forward to Narnia this season. I loved the movies and the books as a kid, and I’m excited to see it onstage for the first time.
he Revolutionists with The Clemson Players. Costumes by Kendra Johnson, Lights by Tony Penna, Photo by Breanna Strife.
Encore: If you had to describe yourself in 5 words or short phrases, what would they be?
Jordan: Honest, Dedicated, Passionate, Genuine, and Reliable.
You can expect to meet Jordan during our theatre education classes, teaching after-school enrichment, and assisting with our Scout Workshops this season. Early Fall Saturday classes begin next week, so there’s still time to sign up and join Miss Jordan!
A Q&A with Kyla McLaughlin
With the turning of the seasons comes a new team of fresh faces here at Encore. On this #TechTuesday, we’re elated to introduce Kyla McLaughlin, Encore’s newest Production Apprentice. Read on to learn more about her experiences in the arts, her favorite theatre experience, and more.
Encore: Briefly introduce yourself: what’s your past experience with theatre and/or education/youth activities?
Kyla: I recently graduated from James Madison University with a degree in English and Theatre, concentrating in Theatre Studies. I’ve been teaching summer camps with young actors for several years in between studying directing, theory/criticism, and writing. A lot of my work at school focused on developing, producing, and directing new plays originally written and conceived by other students.
Encore: What’s the most memorable theatre experience you’ve ever had?
Kyla: I had the opportunity to direct a production of Jen Silverman’s The Moors during my senior year at JMU. The play combines the literary legacy of Victorian women novelists with a modern theatrical and social perspectives that were really exciting to explore with the cast. I had an amazing opportunity to combine and share my loves of literature and theatre.
Encore: What led you to applying for Encore’s apprenticeship program?
Kyla: I was excited by the opportunities at Encore to work with many different departments in many capacities supporting young people’s access to the arts in their communities. Encore’s dedication to providing high quality arts and artistic education to so many students, their families, and community members struck me as an excellent way to be involved in the arts of DC.
Encore: What are you most excited about during your time with us?
Kyla: I’m excited to continue to support the high caliber of art created at Encore by students of all ages and to help them discover the kinds of art they’d like to make.
Encore: Which show are you most looking forward to in our 2019/2020 season and why?
Kyla: West Side Story has been one of my favorite musicals since I was little. I’m looking forward to getting the music stuck in my head!
Encore: If you had to describe yourself in 5 words or short phrases, what would they be?
Kyla: Writer, curious, book nerd, idealist, excited
You can keep an eye out for Kyla during auditions, in the shop, and during productions this season. We’re thrilled to have her experience, creativity, and sense of humor as a part of our staff this year. Want the chance to work with us? Check out our Opportunities page and see if there’s a spot on our team waiting for you.
3 Reasons to RSVP for Tomorrow’s Open House
Tomorrow morning marks the official start to Encore’s 2019/2020 Education season with our first-ever Fall Open House event. Join us at Encore’s Main Campus (4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207) for a morning of community, learning, and, above all, fun! What, specifically, do you have to look forward to? Read on to find out!
Come experience 30 minutes samplings of some the classes upcoming in Encore’s Early and Late Fall sessions. The Open House offers selections for ages 3-5, as well as grades K-5, featuring movement and literature themed theatre classes. One of our older theatre students? Feel free to stop by to enjoy some treats, meet our awesome staff, and get registered for your next theatre experience.
Fun and Friendly Faces
The Open House is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with the talented and knowledgeable staff here at Encore Stage & Studio. For this event, we’ve brought on three of Encore’s well-known and beloved teaching artists: Mr. Seth, Ms. Gabe, and Ms. Cici. Members of the full-time staff will also be in attendance to help guide you to the best theatre experience for each participant. Questions about classes, donations, or auditions? Our staff will be happy to help you out!
Creating Community
One of our favorite parts of hosting events like the Open House is seeing how our wonderful theatre community continues to grow. Connect with other parents and caregivers, bonding over commutes to rehearsal, the hunt for the best-fitting jazz shoes, or the hilarity of rehearsing lines with our young participants. Our experienced Encore families make for an excellent resource and are always happy to share the knowledge (and the love)!
Fall Open House Schedule
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Meet and Greet
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Stories & Fairytales (Ages 3-5) (9 spots left!)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Disney Dance (Grades K-1) (12 spots left!)
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Adventures in Narnia (Grades 2-3)
(Sold Out – Join us to meet our staff!)
10:45 am – 11:15 am: Meet and Greet + Registration
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Best of Broadway (Grades 4-5) (8 spots left!)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Adventures with Clifford (Ages 3-5)
11:15 am – 11:45 am: Fairytale Fun (Grades K-1) (10 spots left!)
11:45 am – 12:00 pm: Registration in the Parents’ Lounge
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Delving Deeper with Patrick McGee
A very cheerful #TechTuesday to all of you Encore fans out there. This fall, we’re welcoming many new faces to the office and teaching teams; you’ve already met the lovely Gloria, our Marketing Apprentice, but stay tuned for even more introductions coming up this month. Today, however, we sit down with a familiar friendly face: Patrick McGee!
Photo by Claire Buffie
Encore: Please (re)introduce yourself!
Patrick: I started working with Encore as a teaching artist in August 2018, having just moved to the Northern Virginia area. Previously, I spent 12 years working as a professional actor and teaching artist in New York City. In New York, I worked as an actor in a variety of mediums (musicals, new plays, readings, television/commercials, and independent films), but I was always inspired by my work as a teaching artist. My favorite teaching project was the “I am an Islander” project, which was connected with the Broadway musical Come From Away. I helped students to examine interviews to create an original art piece based on the information that they gathered.
Encore: What does your new position at Encore entail?
Patrick: I am very excited to be stepping into my new role as Education Programs Manager, because it allows me to still inspire actors in the classroom, while allowing me to highlight and bring a spotlight to the theatre education that happens at Encore. In this position, I will help to expand classes and programming for our slightly older actors in grades 6-12. I am excited to discover and create a series of classes that older actors can really delve deeper into, developing their tools and create more meaningful work in a studio-style classroom approach.
Encore: What are you most excited about?
Patrick: I am very excited to be teaching a Shakespeare class this fall on Monday evenings. This class will explore the language in a fun and active approach through the creepy and eerie in Shakespeare’s plays. I am also excited to find ways to help support teaching artists through resources and professional development. Having spent 13 years as a teaching artist, some days can be isolating and challenging. I want to develop opportunities and resources that help teaching artists create curriculum that inspires not only their students but also their own artistry.
Encore: What’s been your favorite Encore moment/memory so far?
Patrick: This past summer, I had the opportunity to direct Willy Wonka Jr. at Stage Door. It was inspiring to watch the hard work of all the actors [to put together a show] in just three short weeks, but it was also seemed like everyone had a lot of fun, including myself.
The Glass Menagerie, The Old Creamery Theatre Company. Photo by Jonesy McElroy.
Encore: Could you share a bit about the most [unique/intense/choose-your-own-adjective] theatre experience you’ve had in your life so far?
Patrick: One of the most rewarding productions I had the opportunity to be a part of was The Glass Menagerie in Iowa. We performed in a tiny black box where the audience was five feet away from you. I performed the role of the Gentleman Caller and the whole second act the audience was completed invested in the world of the play. You could hear a pin drop. When my character revealed he was going steady with another girl, these two women in the front row just gasped. It was just a beautiful moment to show how theatre is like no other art form.
Encore: Why do you think the arts are important to young people?
Patrick: The arts are important, because they teach children to problem solve and celebrate multiple perspectives. I think both of these skills are very important in today’s world.
Encore: On a lighter note, if you were a breakfast food, which would you be and why?
Patrick: I would be a Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast, because I think it completely describes me and my work. 😊
Encore: Which show from Encore’s 2019/2020 season are you most looking forward to and why?
Patrick: I’m looking forward to Narnia, because I grew up reading those books and love musicals.
From left to right: Aslan (Sean Hackes), Lucy Pevensie (Isabel Tate), Peter Pevensie (Richard Bew), and Susan Pevensie (Lauren Monsivaiz).
Thanks for sharing a bit of what’s coming up this season, Patrick! If you’d like to connect and learn more from Mr. Patrick, check out some of his upcoming classes this season:
Supernatural Shakespeare
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.” Love Shakespeare’s ghosts and witches? Things that go bump in the night? Mysterious apparitions? This is the class for you. This fall, we will delve in to the supernatural plays of Shakespeare. We’ll tackle the language of the Bard with easy to understand methods while exploring the eerie and fascinating characters within his plays. Join us…if you dare.
Grades 6-8
Mondays, September 23-November 4, 2019 (No Class October 14)
Six Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $110
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Acting Motivation, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Just 8 spots left!
Tragedy vs. Comedy
Shakespeare’s plays are among the best-known works of literature in the world, and Encore wants to give you a chance to get in on the classical action! Get up close and personal with Shakespeare’s characters and themes as you work to bring classic texts to life. Whether you’re portraying royalty or ruffians, a knight or an inn-keeper, you’re sure to uncover some remarkable scenes as you explore the emotional extremes of the Bard’s works.
Grades 6-8
Mondays, November 18 – December 16, 2019
Five Class Session
Times: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fee: $90
Skills: Literary Interpretation, Character Development, Staging, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Just 9 spots left!
Your Best Audition
Learn techniques to help make your next audition a fun and relaxed breeze. You’ll learn how to find the auditions that are best for you, how to prepare audition materials, how to pack, and so much more. As we hope to move quickly beyond the basics, some previous experience with acting is recommended.
Grades 6-12
Mondays, November 18 – December 16, 2019
Five Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee: $115
Skills: Stage Presence, Acting Motivation, Professional Technique, Building Repertoire
Location: Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Grades 6-8: Just 7 spots left!
Grades 9-12: Just 5 spots left!
Click here to learn more about all of our fall classes, for ages 6 months up through age 18!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Larry McClemons.
Blog contribution by Patrick McGee. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.