Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans. Today we’re hosting the first of the many holiday mini-camps of the 2019/2020 season. Our campers are busy getting in the Halloween spirit creating crafts and props for the skits and scenes they’ve devised, based on the characters or themes of Monsters University. Have I piqued your interest? Not sure if your student would enjoy a theatre-based day camp on those days when school’s out? Let me tell you a bit about the awesome students that join us for Mini-Camp/Play in a Day. Encore campers are…
Creators
Our campers collaborate to put on a final sharing, with just over five hours of devising and rehearsal time. Mini-campers in grades K-2, with the help of our camp volunteers and professional teaching artists, will present a dance combination and some jokes and scenes, in addition to creating a fun craft. Play in a Day students in grades 3-5 will work as a team to write and rehearse scenes of their own creation, while using their imaginations to construct key prop or set pieces from simple materials.
Caring
Research has shown that viewing and participating in theatrical productions aides in the development of empathy and compassion of young people. When they are asked to imagine and step into the metaphorical shoes of another person, creature, or being, students expand their world views and understanding of others, making theatre not only fun, but emotionally impactful in the long-term.
Chance-Takers
One of my favorite things about being an Encore staff member is being allowed the privilege of seeing our students grow in their confidence and abilities over the years. This process, more often than not, begins at mini-camp or in one of our weekly classes. Our teaching artists and educational philosophy encourages kids to take chances, make brave choices, and, most importantly, fail safely. When students are encouraged to try again, go bigger, and take things to the next level, their confidence in both their work and their personal worth continues to grow.
Connected
Here at Encore, we love the friendships that are founded and grown through our programs. It’s wonderful to witness students reunite with their Mini-Camp or Play in a Day buddies after a summer or winter break away. One of our core values is that Encore connects communities. Seeing camp friendships broaden into play dates, class companions, and cast or crew-mates is so fun. We can’t wait to see the new dynamic duos, trios, and more that will form during this season’s series of holiday camps!
Captivating
As any parent or caregiver knows, it’s amazing to see young people create a world of their own imagination. Our staff loves to attend the final sharing on mini-camp days to take in the wave of creativity and hilarity that gets released when so many young theatre-makers come together to create.
Do you know a student that checks all the boxes? Fits the bill? Would be a perfect match? What are you waiting for? Enroll in a Holiday Mini-Camp/Play in a Day program today!
Fall Camp Dates/Themes
November 4 (FCPS Student Holiday) – Coco (Limited space available!)
November 5 (Election Day) – Ralph Breaks the Internet
November 27 (Thanksgiving) – Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.