Happy Saturday, everyone! Today we’ve got a special treat for all of you. We’re chatting with an Encore alum who has tackled summer, production, and working for Encore as a camp aide. We’re excited to learn from all of his experiences. Please welcome…Max Belmar!
Encore: You played Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Encore’s Stage Door production of Anything Goes, and now in your school’s production; how was it like to play the same character again? How were the experiences different? Any new challenges?
Max: Playing Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in my school production gave me the chance to reflect on my growth as an actor and a person over the years. I used my experience with the Encore production to better understand the character and the show as a whole. Evelyn is such an interesting and exciting role to play. Being able to build on that past experience with Encore was an amazing tool. Encore has enabled me to grow in so many ways and for that, I am very grateful.
Encore: What is your favorite number from Anything Goes?
Max: I would have to say the title number, “Anything Goes.” The energy and dedication from the entire cast was an amazing thing. Watching the build-up from the first rehearsal to the final performance was so great to see. That song, in particular, had complex choreography and harmonies. The way the cast perfected each element showed how truly motivated everyone was to put on the best show possible.
Encore: Which Encore productions have you been involved in? What has been your most memorable experience and why?
Max: I loved working with Encore Stage & Studio for a number of years. I started by being a part of Stage Door Summer productions like Beauty and the Beast and Anything Goes. Later on, I was in the cast of The Best Haunted House Ever as Clyde and Night at the Wax Museum as Rolf. I also worked on run crew for The Jungle Book. Each production I was a part of at Encore allowed me to learn more and work on my acting.
My most memorable experience would have to be the Silver Diner outings after each final show. The cast and crew would celebrate a successful Encore run with a dinner at Silver Diner. It was always such a memorable event, so much fun, and a great reminder of the amazing friendships I made doing each of the Encore shows.
Encore: You’ve been a camp aide with us for many summers! What skills have you learned as a camp aide for Encore’s summer camps?
Max: Being a camp aide has given me the opportunity to work with amazing kids and help them experience the joy of theatre and expressing themselves in a creative way. I have always valued these things in my own life and sharing that with the campers is so great! Being a camp aide has taught me how to work with many different people and how to problem-solve a variety of situations. I am so appreciative of the lessons it has taught me!
Encore: What’s your favorite Encore show that you’ve seen as an audience member and why?
Max: One of my favorite Encore shows to see was Disney’s Newsies this past summer. The show was breathtaking. The camaraderie and dedication of each of the cast and crew members was evident from the audience and so inspiring to see.
Encore: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Max: Theatre has been my passion for my entire life. Ever since my first production at the age of nine, I have been in love with performing. Being able to work with Encore Stage & Studio has given me some amazing skills and experiences that I use each day now. I am truly thankful for all of the opportunities and learning experiences Encore has given me.
Thank you Max for taking the time to share your Encore experience. Our staff enjoyed seeing you perform on your very own high school stage!
Max has shown his dedication as a participant in our productions and as a staff member for our summer camps. Ready to be a role model and show your dedication this summer? Apply for our Camp Counselor and Counselor-in-Training positions for Summer 2020! Camp Counselors help make camp a smooth, successful, and fun experience for campers! Each day, counselors have the opportunity to lead or assist teaching artists with classroom activities including theatre games, warm-ups, and craft projects. Counselors may also help campers to rehearse scenes, learn choreography or movement combinations, or prepare for the final camp performances. Counselors also frequently take on administrative tasks, including helping to run check-in and check-out, preparing class materials, and setting up or cleaning up camp spaces. Counselors are expected to be punctual and fully present for each day of camp, and to model good behavior for campers.
Applicants for the Camp Counselor positions must be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2020. Applicants for Counselor-in-Training volunteer positions must be at least 14 years old by June 1, 2020. When applying for a camp counselor or camp counselor-in-training position, please keep the rest of your summer schedule in mind. The expectation is that you will fulfill your contract commitment. Winter break is the perfect time to start planning ahead and filling out an application. Happy Holidays and happy summer planning!
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos contributed by Max Belmar. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.