We’ve got an exciting summer coming your way and we’re thrilled to introduce you to our summer team! You’ve seen him in Encore’s past Stage Doors and season productions on cast and crew, meet one of our newest 2024 Arts Management Interns, Matthew Bloss-Baum!
Welcome back to Encore! Please introduce yourself to those who are new here and let us know what you are up to now:
Hello! My name is Matthew Bloss-Baum and I am currently a rising sophomore at Fordham University in New York City. I am a communications major with a double minor in Film /TV and Political Science. At school, I am very involved in the arts. I am in an A Cappella group that I am also on the E-Board for and I am very involved in our main stage theatre club which does four productions a year. This year I was on the cast for three and did costumes for the last one!
What years and programs/productions (and roles) were you involved in Encore?
During my time participating in Encore, I was a part of almost 30 productions. I was doing shows from the second I could, I started when I was just 10 years old and did productions until I was a junior in high school. Some of my favorites were Snow White, The Little Mermaid Jr., and Newsies! I always enjoyed the musicals the most because my favorite was being able to joke around and sing with my friends!
What career or latest projects are you working on right now? What is your latest role at Encore?
A big project that I am working on right now is building my TikTok page. Over the past few years, I have had the best time making content and short videos about all of my interests online and have been really taking off recently. TikTok has given me the opportunity to work with brands that I love and make content for them! It is a really great creative outlet for me and cannot wait to continue making content.
This summer I am currently back at Encore as the Arts Management intern. It is truly a wonderful full circle moment to know I am coming back to a place that feels like home to me and be on the other side of things and can be a role model to the new age of Encore kids. While I am interning at Encore, I am also interning at another theatre in Washington, DC. So you could say I have a busy summer ahead of me, but I could not be more excited to be working in the arts every day.
What Encore experiences or moment(s) were most memorable for you and why?
The most memorable experiences for me at Encore were the friendships I made through doing the productions. Encore created a space that made everyone want to bond so much by bringing us together through making art. I made so many lifelong friends through doing shows with Encore and could not be more grateful.
What skills or lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?
What I gained so many skills through my time at Encore. When Encore says “By Kids, For Kids”, nothing could be more true. I learned how to sing, dance, act, build a set, make costumes, market a show, work with customers, and so much more. Encore really set me up to work in theatre in any capacity and am constantly using the skills I learned here at college.
Were there any friendships or people who resonated with you at Encore?
I have made so many friends through Encore and met so many amazing people. I met one of my best friends in the entire world through Encore, Hannah Knittig. We met doing my first Encore show together all the way back in 2014 and ever since then have been best friends. Even though we are not running around in fairytale costumes anymore and are adults living far from each other we are still so close because of the bond Encore built for us.
Any words and wishes to share with students interested in trying out theatre?
My biggest piece of advice for someone thinking about trying out theatre is to do your best to take all the different opportunities you can and put yourself out there because you won’t regret it. There are so many different aspects to theatre that are more than just acting, including set building, sewing, crafts, education, marketing, and the list just goes on. The theatre community is so special and I think there is a place for everyone in it. So, if you have any inkling to get involved DO IT, it will be the best decision you will ever make for yourself.
How has theatre and Encore impacted your life?
Encore and theatre more than just impacted my life, it has made my life what it is. Encore provided me with learning that the arts are my greatest passion. Theatre has given me the relationships, confidence, and skills that make me the person I am today. I know for a fact I will be working in the arts industry for the rest of my life and I have Encore to thank for that.
Speaking of impact, we have an announcement! This summer we’re delighted to introduce the Encore Alumni group: The Encore Impact. Join us as we relive the Encore memories, rewind to the start of our journey, and learn how to give back to our Encore family!
Photo credit: Larry McClemons, Cindy Kane Photography, Aileen Pangan Christian | Other Photos Courtesy of Matthew Bloss-Baum