All Stars & Heart: Meet our STAR-Fundraiser Winner, Sarah Strunk.

Last November, we set out a challenge for our students to raise at least $250 by December 31st for Encore’s 5th STAR Fundraiser. The proceeds support Encore’s operations, purchase costumes, props, and scenery, and provide scholarships and free tickets to low-income families. One fabulous student, Sarah Strunk, not only succeeded this challenge, but also won the most dollars and donors! Here to share her Encore experience and some fundraising tips is Sarah Strunk:

Emma & The Lost Unicorn (2007) Cast

Encore: What was your first production with Encore Stage & Studio?

Sarah: My first production with Encore was in 2007 in Emma and the Lost Unicorn. I was in third grade and played a fairy named Dewdrop.

Honk Jr. (2013) Cast

Sarah: I have been in various cast as crew productions such as A Night at the Wax Museum, Aladdin, and Honk Jr. I’ve been in 6 shows on cast and 5 shows on the technical crew and have been camp counselor at Encore’s It’s Elementary summer camp.

Encore: Congrats on winning the STAR Fundraiser! What made you decide to participate in the STAR fundraiser?

Sarah: Thank you! I participated in the online fundraiser a couple years ago and found it to be really fun and a great way to give back to Encore for all the lessons they have taught me there. I wanted to do it again for the same reasons and because Encore is my home away from home and my family.

Encore: How would you describe your fundraising efforts and do you have any tips to share from your success?

Sarah: I reached out to people by sending multiple emails and shared my link through Facebook. I think what really made people want to donate was telling them about my experience with Encore and how important this organization was to me. After each person donated I sent them a personal Thank You to show my appreciation. My tip for future fundraisers is to add a personal touch to their emails and to send update emails with the progress of their fundraiser.

Encore: You won some cool prizes! How did you celebrate your big win?

Sarah: I celebrated my big win by inviting my friend over to help me eat all those yummy cupcakes!

Encore: In the spirit of Valentine’s day weekend, what do you love about Encore or theatre?

Sarah: I really love the ongoing support shown by all the cast and crew mates during every show at Encore. Encore brings in people who have never seen each other before and turns them into family by the end of each run of a show. No matter what mistakes people make, others are constantly there to help them improve and remind them to never give up. That is one of the best things I love that Encore has to offer.

Big Bad (2013) Crew

Encore: What are some of your favorite moments at Encore?

Sarah: I think some of my favorite moments at Encore would be making the friends I have today. I’ve never made so many good friends that I can both work well with under pressure and have fun with. Also, I cannot count how many inside jokes I use on a regular day basis that have come from Encore. It really confuses people sometimes and makes me laugh. The memories I make with these students and adults I will never forget.

Encore: Any advice for students who are interested and passionate for theatre?

Sarah: I think the number one most important thing is to never give up. If you love something and you are passionate about it, then go for it! Practice makes you better so get involved with your local theater group and make your dreams come true!

Thanks Sarah for all your hard work over the years and showing us how theatre is a great place to learn and grow!

Sarah Strunk was also involved in the following productions: