A very lovely #FrontRowFriday to all of you, Encore fam! As the end Women’s History Month draws near, we want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the excellent and wonderful female leaders we have on staff here at Encore Stage & Studio.
Our Heroes
Sara Strehle Duke
Executive Director
Time at Encore: 10 years
I’m proud to work with an amazing group of women leaders at Encore. We take our individuals talents and apply them to our mission every single day.
These are individuals that would be amazing leaders regardless of gender!
Read More: Exec Director Sara Duke is Chosen as an Honoree of Leadership Arlington’s Forty Under 40!
Susan Keady
Artistic Director
Time at Encore: 30 years
One of the highlights of my job is working alongside a smart brilliant team in education, administration, and production. The Encore staff bubble over with creative, imaginative, daring ideas to assert Encore’s mission.
Read More:
Turning the Tables: Hannah and Susan
“A Community Treasure” – Looking Back w/ Susan Keady
Susan Keady Named 2018 Connect with Kids Champion
Aileen Pangan Christian
Director of Marketing
Time at Encore: 8 years
I think representation is vital…
…seeing women take the lead in the arts and other realms, it allows other young girls to dream bigger. When I think of strong women in the arts, I think of Lea Salonga! She’s a true Disney princess — not only is she a musical theatre legend, but she has shed a light on environmental issues around the world.
Madaline Langston
Educational Programs Manager
Time at Encore: 18 years
Since the beginning of time, many artists have referred to a thing of beauty and strength as “she” or “her.” Women bring a natural balance to all things that touch the soul. It is a wonderful time to have our voices heard.
Read More:
Meet Encore’s Education Programs Manager: Madaline Langston
So Much More! #SummerPlanningSunday with Madaline Langston
Rebecca Pfeil
Production Manager
Time at Encore: 5 years
I think it’s important for kids to see all types of people in leadership positions, especially on the tech side of things.
It encourages young girls to explore the world of technical theatre, while allowing young boys to learn from women in the field as well. Working with a group of strong women, at Encore specifically, also fosters a very supportive work environment.
Read More:
Turning the Tables: Isabel and Rebecca
3 Spots & 3 Reasons: Tech Camp w/ Rebecca Pfeil
Carole Russo
Board President
Time Involved with Encore: 5 years
Can we continue to provide kids in northern Virginia with the chance to take a risk, be a part of a team, learn to trust one another and make some great theatre? I suggest a resounding yes. Because Encore provides all of this great inspiration and makes northern Virginia a unique and special place where kids can be kids while stretching their boundaries.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is to include them, and that’s what Encore is all about.
Read More:
A Board President’s Holiday Wish
Here at Encore, we pride ourselves on being a safe space, for our students, for our families, and for our staff. We work hard to create equal opportunities for participants of every gender expression, allowing students to play roles typically cast in another gender, or even bending the traditional casting in our original productions, such as the character of Jemma (Jim) in Matt Heap’s Treasure Island.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Cindy Kane Photography, and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
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