Meet Encore 2016 Senior: Sam Barrett

Encore: What motivated you to first get involved with Encore?
Sam: I wanted to participate in a theater program outside of school, and I had seen Encore productions since I was very young. I also knew a few friends who had been or still were involved with Encore.

Encore: What was your first experience with Encore like?
Sam: I was given the role of the Goblin King’s Assistant in 2013’s The Hobbit, and also picked up the role of Essie the troll when one actress had to drop out due to conflicts. It was a strange experience wearing a goblin costume under a wig and baggy skirt, but a very fun first production.

Encore: What roles have you performed on cast with Encore? Which was your favorite to play, and why?
Sam: I have performed many roles, including Essie in The Hobbit, a turkey in Honk Jr, a pie-thieving woodsman in Big Bad, Mr. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Dr. Watson in The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes, and Farmer Stuyvesant in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. My favorite role to play was Dr. Watson, since I enjoyed the character interactions he had with Holmes and the various patients at the mental hospital.

Encore: Have you worked on crew with Encore? If so, what was your favorite position on crew, and why was it your favorite?
Sam: My favorite position that I’ve worked on was when I worked the fly loft in The 3 Musketeers, which involves pulling ropes that make backdrops and curtains rise and fall. I enjoyed this because it kept me active, and it’s an important skill to learn in tech theater.

Encore: Can you describe your favorite experience with Encore (What role or production, and why was it your favorite)?
Sam: My favorite experience was when I stage managed A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol, since it combined everything I had learned about acting and tech up to that point, and taught me new skills as well. I was very proud of the final outcome of the show, and I’m glad that Encore is continuing to run it in their next season.

Encore: What are your plans after graduation?
Sam: After graduation I will be attending Christopher Newport University, where I plan to study science or computer science.

Encore: How do you plan to use what you’ve learned through Encore or theater in general after graduation?
Sam: I plan to continue participating in theater, though not academically or professionally, and hope to participate in or attend Encore’s summer productions. I also know that many of the skills I’ve learned in theater such as public speaking, adaptability, and working in groups, will aid me for many years to come.

Encore: Do you have any advice for this year’s rising seniors at Encore?
Sam: Try to make your last season with Encore the best season you can, not only for you but for everyone else involved too.

Encore: If you had to use an emoticon to describe your experience with Encore, what would it be and why?
Sam: A happy face, since I am very happy with my overall experience at Encore!

Photo credit Larry McClemons