No Strings Attached! Meet Pinocchio Actress, Ryely R.

Happy Opening Night to Encore’s production of Pinocchio! Today we’re excited to chat with Pinocchio herself, Ryely Rogers. We hope you enjoy the interview and look forward to cheering Ryely and the cast on in person tonight!

Encore: Welcome to the blog! Could you briefly introduce yourself and share how you’ve been involved with Encore, including the shows and roles you’ve played in the past?

Ryely: Hi my name is Ryely Rogers and I have been involved with Encore for 2 years now. I have been in 5 productions and have played supporting roles, lead characters and I have even been apart of backstage crew for Madeline’s Christmas this past winter. Some of the characters I’ve played were Professor stitch in The Best Haunted House Ever, Mowgli in The Jungle Book, and most recently as Gas House Gertie in Sherlock Holmes.

Encore: What’s your favorite part about taking on the role of Pinocchio? Can you share any challenges or things you’ve learned in rehearsal?

Ryely: My favorite part about taking on the role of Pinocchio is learning and growing with my fellow cast members and actors. Some of whom I’ve worked with in the past and some that I’ve never worked with before. I really enjoy getting to know everyone and also learning from different directors.

Throughout our rehearsal process, I have come across many challenges while playing such a complex character as Pinocchio. At first I did not know how to express or act out some of my lines so I did a lot of character work with Directors Mara and Amanda. It helped me dig a little deeper into the character of Pinocchio so that I could embody the core of who he really is. I’ve learned a lot during this show and hopefully I can take the audience on Pinocchio’s journey to meet all the interesting characters along the way and all the lessons that he learns.

Encore: What’s your best Encore memory and why?

Ryely: My best Encore memory would have to be during my first Encore show The Best Haunted House Ever. When I saw the set and got to try out the peekaboo picture frame where my actual face was a live painting. It was really exciting and fun for me to be on stage for most scenes as a painting just making facial expressions. I got to experience theatre and it encouraged me to audition for more roles.

Encore: How excited are you about our 2018/2019 season reveal on June 17th? We’ll be celebrating our birthday by singing Hamilton songs and announce the upcoming season and audition dates! Do you have any advice for kids who are thinking of auditioning for an Encore show next season?

Ryely: I cannot wait for 2018/2019 season reveal! I am excited to find out what’s in store for the next season. I know there will be a lot of fun and interesting shows.

My advice to kids auditioning next season is just simply be yourself and have fun! Do your best and let your personality shine through and break a leg!

Encore: In your own words, please describe Encore’s production of Pinocchio in three words or short phrases.

Ryely: The Pinocchio production is a fun, adventurous journey of a really special puppet that would do anything to become real. He is boy that just wants to be loved!

Many thanks to Ryely for sharing about her Encore experiences. “Break a leg” tonight and for the rest of the run! You won’t want to miss Ms. Rogers as Pinocchio, so join her on the adventure today. Buy your tickets online or by calling our Box Office at 703-548-1154.

Photos by Aileen Pangan and Larry McClemons. Graphic design by Aimee Pangan. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.