Theatre By Kids, For Kids!
#EncoreSpirit Week Revealed | Meet Encore Alum, Nora Huston
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- Nora Huston (“Nakooma”), The Jungle Book
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- Nora Huston (“Woman 1”) The Jungle Book
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- Nora Huston (“Princess Mary”), Princess and The Pea
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October 10, 2014
While homecoming and pep rallies roll around, there’s more than just Halloween and school spirit in the air! Meet an Encore alum who continues to share her Encore spirit beyond the stage and has inspired our #RepYourShow social movement!
Meet the stellar and fabulous Nora Huston:
Nora: I am a student at Christopher Newport University and plan to graduate in 2017 with a double major in Communications and Business with a Marketing concentration. I am the sophomore class president and sister of the Lambda Epsilon chapter of Phi Mu.
Encore: How did you first hear about Encore Stage & Studio?
Nora: When I was in middle school at St. Ann’s, I had friends that attended the Summer program, “Stage Door.”
Encore: What was your first Encore involvement and can you describe your experience?
Nora: My friends encouraged me to try out and my first show was The Little Mermaid in the winter of 2008-09. I was in eighth grade and loved every second of the experience. Working with Sara Duke as my director was amazing; she was so passionate about every practice and taught me so much about theater and being apart of Encore. I was one of “Anemone’s” (Ariel’s) sisters, Sandy. This was my first time dancing and singing with a big group and inspired me to dance and sing more in high school.
Encore: What is your most memorable experience at Encore?
Nora: The summer between my junior and senior year at McLean High School, I was given the opportunity to Stage Manage for Pirates of Penzance. I was able to work with director Evan Hoffman, musical director Doug Ullman, as well as Chris Sizemore and Erin Driscoll. Working with professional actors was a new experience for me, but for Encore as well, which made it more fun.
Encore: Can you list other Encore productions or classes you have been involved in?
Nora:
1) The Little Mermaid (Sandy)
2) Jungle Book (Nakooma)
3) Beauty and the Beast (Tech)
4) Princess and the Magic Pea (Princess Mary)
5) Velveteen Rabbit (Tech)
6) Anything Goes (Tech)
7) Hansel & Gretel (Tech)
8) Best Haunted House (Tech)
9) Brothers Grimm (Tech)
10) Wax Museum (Tech)
11) Pirates of Penzance (Stage Manager)
12) Legally Blonde the Musical (Tech)
Encore: What is your all time favorite Encore production you’ve participated in?
Nora: Working for Anything Goes was hands-down the most crazy and enjoyable summer I’ve had with Encore. I took the metro bus to the set-shop almost every day in June and July to help build the Anything Goes’ set. I learned so much about set design, painting techniques and set dressing. I was also able to be in the ensemble as a sailor while also working lights.
Encore: What motivated you to stay involved with Encore after so many years?
Nora: I’ve met some of my best friends at Encore. One example is Walter Lohmann; Encore insiders know we are practically connected at the hip during shows, but we never went to the same school and I would have never known him without Encore.
Encore: What skills or lessons have you learned from your time at Encore and how have you used them in other areas at your University or beyond?
Nora: Through working with Encore, I have learned how to work with professionals, how to problem solve and how to stay organized throughout a project. I was really pushed to be the best leader I could be through responsibilities that Encore gave me during shows.
Encore: Do you have any advice for students interested in auditioning for cast or crew?
Nora: Don’t be afraid to audition. If I could do it all over again, I would only audition years earlier in order to experience more. With that being said, if you don’t make it into the show after your first audition, DON’T STOP TRYING! Encore sees so much potential in every actor and sometimes just doesn’t have the right roll for you at that moment.
Encore: What are you most proud of as being an Encore alum?
Nora: I am proud to be an Encore alum because when I went to my first show at Encore I was a little kid at a birthday party, now I can say I was a part of that- that I had the opportunity to inspire other kids to discover the world of theater by kids, for kids. Encore has done so much for me and as an alum I can, once again, pay it forward.
Thanks Nora for your time to share about your Encore experience! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Nora definitely has Encore Spirit, so we challenge YOU to show off yours! Encore Spirit Week begins October 20 – 24, participate all week for a chance to win two tickets for each show of our 2014/2015 season! Here are the rules:
Dress up in our theme days and be sure to take a photo using the hashtags: #encorespirit and #encorestageandstudio on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (Tag or Mention @EncoreArlington as well so we can see your submissions!) Those who dress up all days will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win 2 season subscriptions.
Monday, October 20: “Rep Your Show” – Wear your Encore T-shirt or take an Encore inspired photo (with our poster, brochure, etc!)
Tuesday, October 21: “Tech Appreciation” Day – Wear all black just like our crew!
Wednesday, October 22 “Animation” Day – Dress up as your favorite character–it can be from a play, book or movie!
Thursday, October 23: “Scavenger Hunt” Day – Take a photo with either one of the following: a pumpkin, a tea cup, a feathered hat, something green or the number 48 (for our 48th season!).
Friday, October 24: “Seasons Day” – Wear an outfit that represents all 5 shows this year! Be creative.
Ready, Set, #RepYourShow and Share Your #EncoreSpirit!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Blog Contributor: Nora Huston