1) Assemble the Team
The awesome upside of virtual classes and camps is that students can participate from anywhere. If you’ve ever wanted to invite your cousins, neighbors, or faraway BFF’s to experience the Encore magic with you, now is the time! You all will collaborate to create a unique online performance experience.
2) Send [You] to Zoom!
Encore has so far successfully utilized the Zoom platform to offer our online classes, camps, and private lessons. We recommend downloading the platform in advance, to ensure smooth sailing when class time arrives. As a security measure, your account’s display name should be set as the student’s first name and last initial (ex. “Shannon M.”) when you sign up for Zoom. This will allow Encore’s teaching staff to match your Zoom account to the class roster and guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
3) Get Some Space
Find a place in your home that feels like your personal stage. You’ll want room to move around as we warm up, learn more about camera angles, and, in some cases, work on dance or combat choreography. We’ve found that most of our virtual students are most successful in a living or family room type of environment.
4) Find Your Light
Lighting is such as important in online settings as it is when a performer goes on stage. We recommend finding a place to film that faces a source of natural light, such as a window, if possible. If not, try to set up near a light source that will allow the camera to capture all sides and angles of your face as you perform. Don’t worry if it feels a bit confusing; our awesome teaching staff will help you adjust as needed.
5) Check, Check
If you can, try a practice call with a friend or a member of your family before class begins, to make sure that your audio is working well. This way, the teacher and other members of your virtual program will hear your great work perfectly. You’ll also be getting the best experience possible when you’re able to capture all of the instructions that are being said.
6) Prep Your Materials
Some teachers may share script selections (called “sides” or a “cut”), worksheets, or other helpful materials throughout your class or camp. Be sure to print these out ahead of time or have them available to view on another device. This will allow you to fully participate without any scrambling to get ready for class. It’s also helpful to have a pencil and some scrap paper on standby, just in case.
7) A V.I.T. (Very Important Task)
*Drum roll* please… Have fun! Above all, the purpose of Encore’s virtual programming is to engage students in a creative and exciting way, especially during these potentially confusing or grey days. We know that a new format sometimes takes a bit to get used to, but we encourage everyone to shake off the nerves and enjoy the human connection and magic that comes along with creating theatre.
To learn more about how Encore is preparing for the possibility of virtual and combination summer camps, please join us for a virtual Open House event on Saturday, May 30th. Virtually meet the teachers that will be joining us this year and see some of their special talents. Hear from the camp directors and learn their plans for taking summer online if necessary.
Experience a sample class to get a taste of what a virtual camp program could look like for your students. Our staff will also be available to answer questions from the audience. Participants will receive a secure Zoom link via email the day before our event.
10:00 am – 10:45 am – It’s Elementary (Ages 3-9)
11:00 am – 11:45 am – Scenes for Tweens (Ages 8-12)
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm – Stage Door and Center Stage (Ages 11-18)
Registration is free.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Aimee Pangan, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.