Outside the Box with Ms. A! #StudioSaturday

Welcome back for another #StudioSaturday, Encore family! Late Fall classes start in just one month, and we can’t wait to see many of you to explore together. Today we’re chatting with A.K. Nell, one of our awesome Teaching Artists, currently teaching several Early Fall classes here at Encore. Let’s see what she has to say about theatre education:

Photo by Cindy Kane Photography

Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?

A.K.: I started teaching for Encore when I was the Arts Apprentice last season. I’ve had the chance to teach after school enrichment classes, workshops, spring break and summer camps, and even Mommy and Me! I love getting to work with students of all ages in the many different areas of education.

“If you open your mind, oh, the thinks you will find lining up to get loose!”

Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?

A.K.: I’d have to say that one of the biggest things I have taken from theatre is to think outside the box. Once you can see things from a new perspective and maybe even step just a little bit outside of your everyday comfort zone, a whole new world of ideas and opportunities becomes available to you. In my experience, the thoughts outside of the box are far more fascinating (and fun) than the ones inside.

Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?

A.K.: I think arts education is not only important, but paramount for young people to experience. The arts give children a way to express themselves in creative ways in a safe space. They learn about emotions, communication, team work, leadership, confidence, and even pride. Theatre, specifically, gives kids a hands-on experience of creative thinking and self discovery.

Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”

A.K.: I am most looking forward to teaching Saturday classes because I love seeing my students come together as an ensemble and create such amazing work in just a few short weeks! I can’t wait for their final presentations!

We’re excited to see your Early Fall classes perform next week, Ms. A – and then on to Late Fall classes! To join in the fun, register today online or by calling our office at (703) 548-1154.

Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Connie Polnow. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.