For the Love of Theatre

Hi all! This is Rosemarie, Encore’s Development Associate. Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day. While most folks take Valentine’s as a day to show the people around them just how much they are loved, we wanted to share some stories about how the love of theatre has brought positivity into the lives of folks at Encore.

For me, theatre has brought me some of my closest friends and happiest memories. My friend group that gets together every week met by doing a show together last summer. Let’s dive in and hear how the love of theatre brings positive things into the lives of people around Encore.

We heard from some of our student participants:

Oliver said, “Participation in theatre has given me a fantastic group of funny and theatrical friends. I have memories and skills that will last a lifetime.”

Lauren told us, “One positive thing that theatre has done for me is elevating my confidence. Before theatre, I was not very social and not willing to try new things. After experiencing theatre, I learned how to express myself with confidence, as well as making new friends and sharing new experiences.”

We heard from an Encore parent:
Catherine said, “Having all three of my children participate in theatre has been wonderful. Each child is unique and has benefited in different ways – but for each, I loved the way they learned to express themselves and gained a little confidence along the way. As a parent, I also value the safe and non-competitive environment, and the fact that their participation in theatre is time away from phones!”

We heard from our Apprentices:
Alana told us, “One positive thing that participating in theatre has done for me is giving me the ability to see reality, experiences and more through the lens of someone else. Playwrights, characters, set and light designers are always different from the next person, so their perspectives on topics are never the same and that is what I love!”

Caolan said, “Theatre has given me the courage to be unabashedly silly. I was extremely shy growing up, and far too self-conscious to ever truly let loose around other people. Participating in theatre, both onstage and backstage, gave me the confidence to be vulnerable and try new things, and now I can teach others to do the same!”

Wow! The power of theatre impacts people in so many different ways. If you feel the love for theatre this Valentine’s Day, help Encore bring theatre “by kids, for kids” to more kids by making a donation. Even just $14 for the 14th of February can help make a difference.