Clementine Comes Alive – Interview w/ Actress Nyla E.

Today’s the day! You’ve been hearing about Encore’s new world premiere musical for months, and now opening night has finally arrived! We’re very excited to share this quirky and fun new work with all of our Encore family. For today’s #FrontRowFriday, we’ve got a special treat for our readers: an interview with The Talented Clementine herself!

Encore: Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you’ve been involved with Encore, including any shows, camps, or classes you’ve been a part of in the past?

Nyla: Hi, I’m Nyla Elder and I am the role of Clementine in The Talented Clementine. I started with Encore about four years ago. I had just moved here from Alexandria and my parents signed me up for Scenes for Tweens, a Encore summer camp. I didn’t know anyone and I really didn’t have much acting experience. The show we did was Robin Hood and I was Hermès the Hawk. I enjoyed the camp so much I decided, by myself, that next year I would do another camp. And that’s where my journey with Encore started. After that, I did a Shakespeare summer camp at Encore, All’s Well That Ends. We did Richard III, and I was the Duke of Buckingham. The next summer I did All’s Well That Ends again. After the show, our camp director Mr. Seth Rosenke, encouraged me to audition next season for a show. I took his advice and auditioned for Lion King Jr. I was so happy when I found out I made it! Lion King Jr was such a rewarding experience. After doing one show I had caught the theatre bug, and continued to audition in new shows.

Encore: What’s your favorite part about taking on the role of Clementine? Can you share any challenges or things you’ve learned in rehearsal?

Nyla: My favorite part of playing the role Clementine, was freedom I had with the role. Clementine is always moving, constantly fidgeting and playing around. I loved that I could always move around and I was never just standing there. Clementine is always imagining, thinking, and moving. One of the difficulties that came with this role was the responsibility. I had to memorize a lot of lines and songs, and I had to do it myself. I had to write down my cues and entrance and exits, on my own. But in the end everything came together.

Encore: How has working on a world premiere musical differed from other theatre experiences in which you’ve participated?

Nyla: Working on a World Premiere was much different then anything I had ever worked on. For one, no one has ever done The Talented Clementine and the backing tracks were brand new. We had to figure out the harmonies and some of the notes. But, it’s an amazing opportunity to do a show that no one has done before!

Encore: What’s your best Encore memory and why?

Nyla: My best Encore memory was the last show of The Lion King Jr. We had a full house and the audience was really engaged and active! Everyone in the cast gave it their all and we had a great time. That was truly something I will never forget.

Encore: How excited are you about our 2019/2020 season reveal on June 2nd? Do you have any advice for kids who are thinking of auditioning for an Encore show next season?

Nyla: I am so excited for the next season reveal! I am thrilled that new kids in the next season will have the same amazing Encore experience as I had. Some tips for auditions for new kids are to always be confident, and if you’re nervous, take deep breaths. Always be loud! Have a lot of energy! And don’t forget if you don’t make it, keep auditioning!

Encore: In your own words, please describe Encore’s production of The Talented Clementine in three words or short phrases.

Nyla: A cute, amusing and and insightful musical. A classic story brought to life. Sometimes Your Talents Aren’t What You Think.

A big thank you to the very talented Nyla for taking the time out of Encore’s busy tech week schedule to share her experiences with us. Be sure to get your tickets for The Talented Clementine to come cheer on this most excellent cast, crew, and production team. If you join us tonight, you could even meet Sara Pennypacker, the author of the original Clementine series!