There’s a new, yet familiar face in the Encore administrative team! Meet Encore alum (2009-2012) and our newest Education Programs Coordinator, Liv Wilson!
Please introduce yourself!
Liv Wilson (she/they) is a dramaturg, playwright and theatre educator based out of Washington, D.C. Their work has been seen at The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Dramatic Question Theatre, Boise State University, The University of Texas at El Paso, The College of William & Mary and at The Premiere Theatre Playwriting Competition. Liv is the recipient of the Howard Scammon Prize for Drama and the Martin Jurow Theatre Arts Award for artistic excellence. She has worked as the dramaturg for Ford’s Theatre, Cadence Theatre Company’s Sitelines BLM series, and several independent works developed by artists across the country, including two new musicals at The Tank in New York City. They have also assistant directed two productions in the musical theatre intensive at Summer@Potomac. Led by the educational drive of dramaturgy, Liv has begun work as the Education Programs Coordinator at Encore Stage & Studio in Arlington, VA. Liv received their Bachelor’s degree in History from The College of William and Mary in 2021 and is a recent National Theatre Institute alum.
You’re an Encore alum! What was your first Encore production and can you share any favorite moments from that experience?
My first Encore production was Dracula. I was in fourth grade and only appeared to say one line in the third act and I thought I had made it to stardom. I so greatly admired Encore that I felt lucky to even be in the show at all. I remember looking up to the older kids in the production as an example of how to be a good performer and castmate. They made the show special because of their level of sincerity and dedication to the production and I wanted to be just like them. I also remember a distinct lack of hierarchy; adults treated every performer with the same compassion and respect, no matter your age, role, or experience. Similarly, there was no pretension between kids in the production, everyone was there to work together to create a piece they were proud of and we could not do that without every single person’s presence. Finally, I remember my parents coming to see all eight performances of a three act show solely to hear me say the singular line that led to my fame, “I’m Lisa, I am the daughter of a blacksmith”.
What other Encore shows did you participate in?
After my Dracula debut, I was in a few more Encore productions. I played Echo in Hansel & Gretel, Ivy Sweet (of the Historical Society) in Night at the Wax Museum, and a duckling in Charlotte’s Web.
What is your favorite role you’ve played?
Echo was probably the most fun role to play because there was so much room to make exciting choices and make it your own. Through rehearsals and working to find the character, Echo turned out to be a very sassy, vocal spirit that Hansel and Gretel had to figure out how to deal with on their journey. I also took it upon myself to bring in this gigantic blue and green fuzzy knit infinity scarf that I wore as a floor-length gown to get into sprite-like character. Thankfully, the costume designer, Deborah, had no qualms about the idea and I shuffled on stage fulfilling all of my feisty forest dreams for the role.
What brings you back to Encore and can you share what your new role is here?
Encore has always been the heart of Arlington to me. The way this organization brings the community together through inclusive performing arts and educational outreach is unparalleled. While looking to transition into theatre arts education, the welcoming spirit of Encore made returning feel like coming full circle in my artistic journey. So many of the values I hold as an artist were implanted here and still live in the mission of Encore. I am now the Education Programs Coordinator so I get the opportunity to teach at mini camps, summer camps, and school residencies as well as handle the logistics of coordinating staff, volunteers, and teaching artists for our other educational programming, including classes, enrichment, and TYA performances.
What have you enjoyed during your time on Encore’s staff so far?
Something wonderful about the environment of Encore is the constant willingness to think big, start new projects, and imagine new possibilities. For an admin staff of five, Encore is never at a loss for ideas or creativity. When someone has an idea, a spark for a new collaboration, partnership, or performance that will benefit the community we strive to serve, it is met with support and a “Let’s make it happen!” attitude. This spirit is what makes Encore an ever-growing, thriving organization that listens to the needs of their community and seeks to fulfill them in creative, innovative ways. I love being a part of action and mission-driven staff here at Encore.
Why do you think performing arts are important for young people?
The benefits of participating in the performing arts are bountiful. From confidence building to clear communication to effective collaboration, young people are able to learn skills through theatre that they will take with them into the world. In my own experience, I have always felt as though theatre was a place to belong, to be accepted. I know the impact the performing arts has had in my life; the friends I’ve made, the mentors I’ve met, the community created, and I hope to provide that same space for self-discovery, creative risk-taking, and joy for other kids. Especially in this time, when so many of us have missed out on the face to face connection for the past two years, it is vital for us to create these artistic, collaborative environments for kids to thrive.
Welcome aboard, Liv! We’re so excited to have you join our mission of inspiring young people to develop the creativity, empathy and confidence they need to create meaningful connections with peers and have a positive impact in their communities.
Photos from Liv Wilson.