Happy #TechTuesday friends! Today we’d like to give you a backstage pass of Encore’s education department and meet a familiar face. An Encore arts apprentice alum, Shannon McCarthy now joins the Encore team as the Registrar! Shannon shares with us her newest role and what she’s looking forward to this season!
Encore: Share with us the many roles you’ve had with Encore, onstage and off?
Shannon: Hello, Encore fam! Onstage, I’ve participated in several Encore productions. I had a blast as kooky mayoress Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man and loved taking on a new challenge as Mayzie LaBird in this summer’s Seussical.
Offstage, I started working with Encore in 2016 as the first ever Arts Apprentice. I spent the season learning in all of our different departments, but I particularly enjoyed delving into Marketing, as well as working with our awesome Front of House crews. Following the end of my Apprenticeship, I came back part-time to assist Aileen with marketing projects for the 2017/18 season and Encore’s 50th Anniversary events.
Encore: What is your newest role at Encore and what does it entail?
Shannon: I’m excited to be joining Encore’s full-time team as the new Registrar, helping students enroll in our incredible collection of classes and camps and acting as the point person for coordinating our private lesson offerings, which include voice, piano, and acting lessons. I’ll also continue as a member of the marketing team, curating our social media accounts and publishing content here on the Front Row blog!
Encore: What is your greatest Encore memory?
Shannon: Oh, that’s so difficult to choose! So I’m going to cheat and give three:
1) Taking silly “family” photos with my onstage husband and two daughters from The Music Man: We had so much fun working together as a unit and developing those onstage relationships over the rehearsal process. It was hard to say goodbye!
2) Pre-show conversations before Seussical: Because we entered from under the set in the opening number, a group of us had to hide under the central platform before the main curtain opened. David (Horton the Elephant), Sierra (Gertrude McFuzz), and I would get to places early to avoid crawling under in the dark. We shared a lot of great conversations and funny moments in the “dab palace,” so named for the pop culture dance move, which we could perform out of sight of the audience.
3) Post-run staff breakfasts: After both the 2016 and 2017 Costume Capers, I’ve ended up getting breakfast with my fellow Encore staff members. Nothing beats a stack of delicious pancakes after a busy and successful event!
Encore: What are the most valuable skills/lessons you’ve learned in theatre and what do you think students in the classroom will take away?
Shannon: Confidence and collaboration are two of the biggest gifts I’ve gained since beginning theatre in 6th grade. I was a super shy kid who felt awkward in my own skin – I mean, who isn’t, in middle school? But theatre gave me more of an identity to latch onto, as well as a supportive family of castmates and mentors that helped me grow, not only as a performer, but as a person.
I believe that theatre is a valuable experience for anyone, even those who aren’t interested in performing as a career or ever auditioning for a show. The ability to imagine the feelings or circumstances of someone different than yourself can be applied anywhere – on the playground, in sports practice, in the boardroom. Empathy goes a long way in creating meaningful connections with others. I think that might be the most significant takeaway for any of our students.
Encore: What are you looking forward to this season?
Shannon: The Enchanted Bookshop! I loved reading growing up and go to the library weekly to this day, so the idea of so many iconic characters interacting has definitely piqued my interest. I’m looking forward to many laughs as an audience member!
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working at Encore Stage & Studio?
Shannon: I love the community! The staff is so lovely to work alongside (plus, we have awesome theme days), but our wonderful students, parents, and volunteers form such a fantastic community to work with. I still chat with former Front of House students when they come through the office for rehearsal. I love seeing students grow over the course of the seasons, from getting onto their first cast/crew to landing their first big lead or auditioning for their first summer production. It’s so rewarding to literally see Encore’s mission at work and knowing that I’ve been able to play even a small role in each student’s development.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Shannon: The Costume Caper is one of my favorite events to cover on the blog, so y’all better bring it with your costumes this year! #challengeaccepted =)
Photos by Larry McClemons, Connie Polnow, Shannon McCarthy, and Aileen Pangan. Headshot by Kim Kiely Photography. Blog contribution by Aileen Pangan.