As part of Encore’s 50th Anniversary, we are collecting stories from people who went from “theatre by kids, for kids” to grown-ups making an impact. Here are 3 stories, messages and lessons from Encore Alumni that have filed our hearts!
Our mission at Encore is to build a life-long appreciation for live-theatre onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience. However, that life-long appreciation also comes with the invaluable life skills that theatre provides. Take a look at how some of our alumni take what they’ve learned from Encore and grown.
1) Stage Door to Board Room
“Being involved in Children’s Theatre of Arlington, Stage Door and now Encore Stage has been one of the major transformational experiences of my life. I was painfully shy as a child and was introduced to Stage Door at the age of 10 when a classmate recommended it. It brought me out of my shell and gave me a safe community and interpersonal skills that helped me from elementary school through graduate school, and beyond into my professional life. I felt like I found my groove somehow. I spent many years speaking and teaching in my industry, based largely on the experience with Stage Door. My daughter is now getting interested in acting, and has attended Encore Stage performances and camps. She loves it and I trust the team and program. Congratulations on your golden anniversary! And thank you for five decades of dedication to and support for all of our kids and the arts.”
2) Improvising the Way to a New Attitude
“I was one of those kids who would pray to not have a snow day so that I could go do rehearsal.” –Olivia T.
Olivia shares her story:
Here’s what she learned from her unexpected improv experience: “It showed me that I could adapt to a challenge. I could think on my feet. I could improvise. It kind of made me believe in myself that I could face anything that could happen on stage. I just want to thank Encore for everything; the memories and the friends, and it means a lot.”
3) From the Audience to On-Stage, to Life Long Friends
Thomas has been onstage, backstage, and in the audience. His Encore journey led him to learn life lessons, put on some fun shows and meet friends who he still keeps in touch with 600 miles away.
Here is his biggest takeaway from his time with Encore: “The greatest thing that I learned from Encore is the absolute and total respect that every single person deserves. No matter their race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Everyone at Encore is treated so well and it’s something I noticed from day one… I remember looking up to the older members of the show so much and they were just the greatest role models that they could be. And they rubbed off on me to be the a role model once I was the older kid in the show.”
Bonus! Here’s a look at how Encore helped Christine gain the confidence to follow her passion!
“I still draw tools and confidence I gained onstage and behind the scenes daily in my career now as a biomedical engineer.”
We’re so honored to hear these amazing stories from our alumni! Here are 3 things you can do to help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary:
1) Share your Encore Story! We are looking for participants past and present, parents, and volunteers to make videos just like Christine and Oliva’s! Click for details on our 50 for 50 Video Guidelines Be sure to share the link with your fellow cast and crew mates! BONUS–Take it a step further and share your Encore photos with us on social media with @encorearlington. Be sure to check our #WaybackWednesday & #ThrowbackThursday and reminisce on the good ol’ Encore days!
2) Buy your Tickets to the Bash! Party with us and enjoy a stylish evening at the Bash on Saturday, April 28th, 2018 at the Columbus Club of Arlington! Tickets are available online. Help us make it a reunion to remember and buy your tickets today.
3) Make a donation! Support “Theatre by Kids, for Kids” as we look towards 50 more years and beyond! Click here to donate to Encore Stage & Studio’s scholarship and access programs today. Be sure to select 50th Anniversary Bash for the Donation Designation.