Encore Stage & Studio

Auditions

Skills We Look For in the Encore Audition Room

Creativity

Projection

Teamwork

Kindness

 Encore Stage & Studio is proud to be the premiere theatre “by kids, for kids.”  Students ages 9+ and older are invited to audition for the cast, and ages 12+ can step up for the crew. Students not only gain performance opportunities, they learn about the entire production process and build skills in leadership, teamwork and more. There is no fee to audition.

While our mainstage productions and programs primarily feature youth performers, Mamma Mia! is a unique opportunity that brings together both young performers and adult actors in a collaborative, multigenerational cast. This production is part of our continuing effort to create enriching learning experiences for young artists by working alongside experienced adult actors in a supportive, educational environment. Mamma Mia! auditions are open to both teens and adults, and we welcome performers who are excited to be part of a dynamic, community-centered process. 

Upcoming Auditions:
Encore's production of Disney's High School Musical Jr
and
Jingle Bell Jam The Remix

 Thank you to everyone who auditioned!

Callbacks will be held on October 10th from 5:30-8:00pm at Cherrydale United Methodist
Church (3701 Lorcom Lane). Students should plan to stay for the full two and a half hours.
Please wear clothing that allows for active movement and closed toed shoes.
Please Note: We extended callbacks by 30 minutes to better accommodate seeing everyone.

We realize this is a change on our end; let us know if you have a conflict.

If you weren't called back for this production, we encourage you to try out again next Tuesday,
October 14th for Jingle Bell Jam The Remix! We thank everyone for coming out, we had over 100 young actors audition!

Encore's Jingle Bell Jam returns! This fun, family centered revue celebrates the winter holidays.  Audition to perform heartwarming scenes and classic holiday songs with a live band.

Auditions for Jingle Bell Jam The Remix: October 14, 2025

This is a special opportunity to perform in a Black Box Theatre!

All rehearsal calendars listed below.

Optional Pre-Audition Workshops

Our optional pre-audition workshops help students learn what to expect at an Encore audition and how to present themselves. Join us to remove the mystery from the audition process and prepare yourself for the next open call!

Pre Audition workshop: Jingle Bell Jam & High School Musical Jr.
Friday, October 3
6:30 - 8:30 pm

Pre Audition workshop: Sherlock in Wonderland
Saturday, January 10, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Pre Audition workshop: Dare to Dream
Friday, February 27, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 pm

The Full 2025/2026 Audition and Rehearsal Schedule

The Best Haunted House Ever
August 12, 2025 | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates: September 26 - October 5, 2025

Jingle Bell Jam the Remix
October 14, 2025 | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates: December 5-14, 2025

Disney's High School Musical Jr.
October 7 & 8, 2025 |  5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates: January 9-18, 2026

2025-26lineup (5)

Sherlock in Wonderland
January 20, 2025 |  5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates:  March 20-29, 2026

2025-2026 Student Directed

Student Directed One-Act Plays
March 11, 2026 |  5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates:  April 17-19, 2026

Dare to Dream Jr. A Disney Musical Revue
March 3 & 4, 2026 | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates:  May 29-June 7, 2026

Mamma Mia!
Mary 12 & 13, 2026 | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
Production Dates:  July 17-26, 2026

Rehearsal calendars are frequently updated. Please be sure to review our most current calendars. Walk-ins are welcome.

Getting Ready for Your First Encore Audition

We are pleased to welcome you to Encore Stage & Studio’s auditions! For over 50 years, Encore Stage & Studio has offered young people a professionally staffed program that includes both production and educational opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Front of House Crew?

The front of house is part of the theatre that is experienced by the audience before entering the theatre "house," including the box office, the lobby, concessions and more.

At Encore, our Front of House Crew (FOH) is the face of the theatre. Our FOH crew learn about excellent customer service and are responsible for providing a fun and memorable experience for our theatre-goers.

Using both acting and backstage skills, our Front of House crew members use the lobby as their stage to create a welcoming and seamless atmosphere for all patrons to enjoy the show.

On show days, Front of House tasks include ushering, ticket-taking, the concessions table, will-call, pre-show event set-up, social media take-overs and more. The student Front of House manager takes on the leadership role of guiding parent volunteers and the front of house crew. The student Front of House manager assists the box office manager with problem-solving.

This season, the Front of House crew is taking on new marketing projects. With our Box Office manager, the FOH crew will meet on select days to hang up show posters and fliers, assist with creating exciting content, and learn how to be an Encore ambassador.

FOH crew members will be required to attend 2 Front of House meetings and 1 Shop Date, Crew Watch, boths Load-ins, Dress Rehearsal and Strike. FOH crew members are called 90 minutes before the shows and stay during the entire showtime.

Auditions Location

Encore @ Cherrydale: 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington VA 22207

Encore Extras

Star Awards

Encore Cares

Following the Joy: Encore Alum Will Westray on Pursuing a Life in Theatre

By Encore Contributor | October 9, 2025

This summer, our Alumni Relations intern Matthew Bloss-Baum interviewed a fellow Encore alum! For those who were with us for the summers of 2012-2014, you may remember him! Meet Will Westray! Since it’s been almost 10 years since you were an Encore kid, introduce yourself to the readers! My name is Will Westray and yes […]

Get’cha Head in the Game with Encore Alum, Jimmy Mavrikes

By Aileen Christian | October 7, 2025 | 0 Comments

All thanks to Theatre Washington for connecting us, we are so thrilled to catch up with an alum whose Encore role knew how to “break free” and remind us that in theatre, we are all in this together. Meet Encore alum, Jimmy Mavrikes! My name is Jimmy Mavrikes! I did one show with Encore, High School Musical […]

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By Encore Stage Team | July 8, 2025

Encore intern Matthew Bloss-Baum is here to catch with up alum and friend, Jane Gerrard! Since it’s been almost 10 years since we were Encore kids together, introduce yourself to the readers! Hi! My name is Jane Gerrard (she/her). I am a recent graduate of James Madison University, and I am currently finishing up as […]

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By Encore Stage Team | June 15, 2025

Today we are bringing you the second, and final, installment of our apprentice interview series. We are lucky to hear from Mery today, she will be working all summer at our summer camps so she is not quite done here yet, but we wanted to hear a bit about her experience so far! Parker: Are […]

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By Encore Stage Team | June 10, 2025

Guest post by Nicole Kovar, Director of Piano & More Author’s Bio Nicole Kovar is the passionate founder of Piano & More, a Northern Virginia-based music education company that brings private piano, guitar, voice, and drum lessons straight to families’ homes. With a background in early childhood education and a love for creative teaching, Nicole has built […]

Close Up with the Encore Apprentices: Part 1

By Encore Stage Team | June 5, 2025

Today we are bringing you the first in a two part interview series with the current Encore Apprentices, Mery and Parker. We are reaching the end of our time here, but before we go, we want to leave you with a glimpse into our experiences and what we have learned. In this interview, Mery asked […]

The Courage to Be Yourself with Alum Lucy Rocchio

By Encore Stage Team | May 2, 2025

Today we are highlighting a new member of Encore staff, who also happens to be an alumni of our program, Lucy Rocchio! We just shared an interview with her sister, Zoe, so check that out and then come back to meet Lucy. Encore: Please introduce yourself to us, how you were involved with Encore, and […]

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Welcome back to the Front Row Blog! Today, we have another interview conducted by Arts Management Intern Matthew Bloss-Baum with Encore Alum Zoe Rocchio. Zoe last performed at Encore 8 years ago, so we are delighted to catch up with her again to see what life has looked like since she moved on. Encore: Please […]

Meet the Student Directors – Radhika B.

By Encore Stage Team | April 25, 2025

Tonight is opening night for Student Directed One-Acts! It has been a super quick process, and it is already show-day. Our final director is Radhika B, who directed The Accident. She has been working with Encore for three years, and we are excited to have her step into this role. Encore: Why did you choose […]

Meet the Student Directors – Kate D.

By Encore Stage Team | April 25, 2025

Our next student director is Kate D! Kate has worked with Encore since Treasure Island, way back in the fall of 2022. She is directing The Still Alarm, and is so excited to work with her fellow students to bring it to audiences at the end of this month.  Encore: Why did you choose to […]

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