“The Other Side of Things” with Encore Cares Director Sam Regardie

Welcome to this week’s edition of #TechTuesday! Today we’re excited to explore how student director Sam Regardie is taking “Theatre by kids, for kids” to the next level with his Encore Cares production of The Fairy Tale Network. Enjoy the interview and mark your calendars!

Encore: Tell us about yourself! How long have you been involved with Encore?

Sam: I’ve been with Encore for more than a year now. I’ve been in the cast of 3 shows and have been on crew once. My most memorable show is probably Night at the Wax Museum because it was my first show with Encore and I got to meet so many great people.

Encore: How did you first learn about Encore Cares? What prompted you to apply to be a student director?

Sam: I learned about Encore Cares from my friend Xander Tilock, who started this program and directed a show last year. I heard about him directing and thought it was something I would enjoy doing. I’ve only seen a play from the perspective of an actor and crew member before and I thought it would be very cool to see a show from the other side of things.

Encore: What skills have you gained from past Encore productions that have helped you in your role as student director?

Sam: Being in 3 other shows helps me know some things to do while directing, such as how to block a show. I also know how it feels to act in a play and I know what I want from a director, so that helps me shape what I do in rehearsals. The one time I worked on lights for crew helped me know how a show works behind the stage. Being on the crew helped me understand the more technical aspects of a show.

Encore: What’s been the most rewarding part of the rehearsal process? What about the most challenging?

Sam: The most rewarding part of the rehearsal process is simply watching the show and seeing what I’ve worked on and created. It feels so great to see an entire show and know that I made that happen. The most challenging part is that I’ve never directed before. Sometimes I don’t really know what to do in a rehearsal because this is my first time directing.

Encore: What is the biggest takeaway you hope the audience gets from seeing the show?

Sam: I hope that the audience will come out of seeing the show loving the theater. I have been doing theater for the majority of my life and have totally loved it. The show is very funny too, and I hope people laugh and enjoy themselves while watching the show. I want others to see how great the theater is and how it can inspire people. I also want to show what an amazing place Encore is and how dreams can come true there.

Encore: Describe The Fairy Tale Network in a few short words or phrases.

Sam: “Who knew fairy tales could be so hilarious?”

Join Sam and his Encore Cares cast in their hilarious hijinks March 3rd, 7th, and 9th!