We have so many exciting events happening this summer, our many camps, our Healthy Play Initiative program, Seussical and more! We’re delighted to have our newest addition to our team, Connie Polnow as our 2018 Arts Management Intern to assist us with our fun and busy summer!
Welcome to Encore Stage & Studio! Tell us about yourself and your role at Encore this summer.
Connie: I’m the Arts Management Intern this summer and I’ll be helping with a lot of the behind-the-scenes administrative and marketing functions of Encore. I’m from Springfield, VA and I’m studying marketing at Christopher Newport University and I’m going into my senior year. At school I’m on the club swim team. Previously, I’ve interned with CNU’s Center for Career Planning and I currently coach a local synchronized swimming team.
So far, can you describe what you’ve been working on at Encore?
Connie: My first week I helped make the big reveal book that we used at the our 50th celebration. Now I’m helping with the website as we get ready to make some changes as well as helping get us ready for the 2018-2019 season.
Can you describe your first theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?
Connie: I’ve never been in a professional production myself, but as a child I would put on little shows for my family all the time. I remember doing puppets, magic, skits, and really anything that gave me an excuse to play dress-up. But I also did synchronized swimming for eight years and at the end of every season we would put on a show. What I remember most about the shows is how different it is to perform for an audience instead of for judges. It always felt like we had more freedom and the applause seemed more real. It was always way more fun and I even had the opportunity to choreograph some routines for the show.
What’s your favorite musical?
Connie: That’s a hard question! I have a lot of favorites and all for different reasons. If I had to pick, I would say Dear Evan Hansen, but Mary Poppins is a close second.
What are you most looking forward to at Encore this summer?
Connie: I’m really excited to learn more about the performing arts and everything that goes on behind the scenes, both backstage and on the business side. As I’ve said, I’ve never been in a performance myself, but I love theater and I’m excited to be a part of it in anyway I can. Of course, I’m also excited to work with the marketing team and help them with outreach and coordination.
Seussical is coming up soon! What’s your favorite Dr. Seuss story or character and why?
Connie: I had Green Eggs and Ham memorized as a kid! That one, to me, was the most fun to read and I read it to my younger brothers a lot. But I also have a soft-spot for The Grinch and I watch the old animated version every Christmas.
Which show are you excited about for Encore’s 2018/2019 season and why?
Connie: Newsies for sure! I love musicals and Newsies is such a classic with really amazing songs and a great, timeless story. It’s one of those shows that you can love as a kid for the songs and dances and the young heroes, but can appreciate as an adult for the historical importance of the story.