Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! Yes, it’s finally Friday. Does anyone else feel like this last week of working and schooling from home has lasted longer than usual? If you’re already going out of your head with boredom, you’re in the right place. We’ve got seven ideas to keep you in top performance condition, all while having a blast. Let’s go!
1) Belt It Out
Take a stretch break from online homework to turn your bedroom into your very own Broadway stage. Sing along to your favorite musical theatre tunes and dream of seeing your name in lights. Ready to take Center Stage? There are still spaces available in Encore’s production-based summer camps: Stage Door (ages 11-15) and Center Stage (ages 14-18)!
2) Get Crafty
Did you know that Encore has a Pinterest account with recipes, crafts, and activities related to specific shows in our season? Well, now you do! Come check it out and let your creative mind wander.
Are performance arts more your thing? Try creating an Encore theme song, rap, or dance. We’re not on Tik Tok, so we’ll leave the epic dance moves to our participants; tag it #EncoreTikTok and our awesome apprentices will take a look for us. 🙂 We would love to see all of your wonderful creations; tag us @EncoreArlington!
3) Bust a Move
Release some of that pent-up energy in a way that’s creative, fun, and helpful! Invite your family members to a dance party. You can put on a playlist of your favorite songs or even take it to the next level. Check out some choreography videos on YouTube, like these from Disney on Broadway, and do your best to learn the routines. This will keep your body moving and help you pick up skills that will help you in future auditions!
4) Connect with a Board Member
Wondering what to do with your free time? Consider reaching out to the Arlington County Board (please get family help and permission if you’re under 18!). Let them know how much you appreciate their support of the arts in Arlington and how the arts have positively impacted your life. It’s important that Board Members continue to hear from their constituents. You can find a listing of contact information on our #ARLSaveOurStage page; thank you again to all those who came together last spring to celebrate and defend the arts in our county.
Looking for another way to support Encore’s mission during this period of social distancing? RSVP to our annual Benefit Breakfast, currently scheduled and on-track for April 29, 2020. Spread the word, invite your friends and colleagues, and consider making a gift to safeguard Encore’s important goals in this uncertain time. We thank you in advance for all of your assistance and support!
5) Catch Up on The Front Row
Take a break from streaming to catch up on the awesome interviews, advice, and information that The Front Row blog has to offer. Hear from our students and alumni, learn from our staff, and more. You’re already here; what’s another post or 10… 😉
6) Run the Rehearsal
Auditions for The Frog Prince of Spamalot got moved to April, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to participate in a production. Now is your chance to assume the role of casting director and choose your cast. Get together with some friends on Zoom or Google Hangouts and put on an informal reading of a script! Unsure how to begin? Try searching for public domain scripts. We’ll give you a great place to start: MIT’s unabridged collection of Shakespeare’s complete works. Start with a scene and watch what happens!
7) Show Us Your Spirit
In case you missed our last post, we’re currently celebrating Encore with a week of spirit days! So far, we’ve seen woodland creatures, villains, and more! Tag us @EncoreArlington and #EncoreSpringSpirit to join in the fun.
We’re excited to announce that there will be another week of themes…decided by YOU! Vote in our poll or send us a message with your theme day suggestion and it might make it into the final round.
Looking for more tips and activities? Our Education team sent some awesome age-specific suggestions to our mailing list. Want the content? Fear not! Subscribe to our list, then send us an email at info@encorestage.org; we’d be happy to send a copy your way!
We’re grateful to all of our Encore family for all of the love, support, and laughter during this uncertain time. Remember: “We’re all in this together!”
Photos by Kyla McLaughlin, Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, Clarence Chan, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Many of you have been following the news about the new coronavirus. We are following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local and state public health authorities, to safeguard our participants’ health and well-being. For more information about Encore’s response to COVID-19, please visit our website.