Meet Encore 2016 Senior: Reiss Gidner

Encore: What motivated you to first get involved with Encore?
Reiss: I had seen some of the Encore shows and decided that I wanted to be a part of them. I wanted to be on the other side of the curtain.

Encore: What was your first experience with Encore like?
Reiss: I don’t remember any specifics, but I remember that it was very welcoming, and I felt like I immediately had a place there.

Encore: What roles have you performed on cast with Encore? Which was your favorite to play, and why?
Reiss: Gretchen van Doorn (Legend of Sleepy Hollow), Knight/Corny (Princess and the Magic Pea), Rubber Duck (The Velveteen Rabbit), Zombie (The Best Haunted House Ever), Josette (Brothers’ Grimm Out of Order), Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web), Thorin (The Hobbit), Perfume Girl, Ensemble (Legally Blonde The Musical). I think my favorite was the ensemble in Legally Blonde, because that was such a fun show to be in, and I got to bring so many different characters to life.

Encore: Have you worked on crew with Encore? If so, what was your favorite position on crew, and why was it your favorite?
Reiss: My favorite position on crew is the assistant stage manager, because I felt like I was able to keep everything going smoothly backstage, and I enjoyed that responsibility.

Encore: Can you describe your favorite experience with Encore (What role or production, and why was it your favorite)?
Reiss: My favorite experience with Encore would have to be participating in The Best Haunted House Ever. I originally didn’t get in, but when someone dropped out, the cast was in need of someone to play the Zombie. I volunteered, and I came into the cast a week before tech week. I had such a blast creating that character in such a short time, and looking back on it, I feel like I was there for the entire rehearsal process.

Encore: What are your plans after graduation?
Reiss: I am going to be double-majoring at Virginia Tech in theatre and Animal Science (Pre-Vet).

Encore: How do you plan to use what you’ve learned through Encore or theater in general after graduation?
Reiss: Throughout my years of doing theatre, I had learned to be a more open and accepting person in general. I am always ready to try new ideas and to listen to what others have to say.

Encore: Do you have any advice for this year’s rising seniors at Encore?
Reiss: Senior year can be stressful, but try not to let yourself get caught up in it all. Make this year about new experiences. Branch out and find out more about yourself.

Encore: If you had to use an emoticon to describe your experience with Encore, what would it be and why?
Reiss: A simple smiley face would do the trick for me, because I have so many fond memories of Encore, but I’m excited to go out and try new things.

Photo credit Larry McClemons