This is a special season for us, as we have new Arts Apprentices joining the admin team! Meet one of our amazing arts apprentices, Amanda Willis!
Tell us about yourself!
Amanda: I just recently graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Performance and Education. I was born and raised in a small town outside of Boston, Massachusetts so I grew up visiting Cape Cod and seeing theatre at the Boston Opera House. My whole family has been involved in the arts in one way or another, beginning with my Grammie on my mom’s side and grandpa on my dad’s side who were both professional actors!
Why did you apply for the Encore apprenticeship?
Amanda: I was looking for a great opportunity right after college where I could learn not only more about education, but also other processes that happen inside the theatre. I knew the position at Encore would allow me to develop a well-rounded passion for more than one department.
What shows, classes, or skills are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore?
Amanda: I am looking forward to all the vast possibilities that will come to me this year! I began acting at the age of 5 so I especially enjoy getting involved in productions and helping any way I can with those. I am also looking forward to getting the privilege to teach a multitude of classes for all different ages. A skill I am especially excited to keep developing is my flexibility. Especially in the theatre and classroom, you really never know what curveball could be thrown your way so I would love to engage in situations that’ll keep me thinking and on my toes! Some of the best learning comes when you stray off schedule a little bit.
Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?
Amanda: hat’s so hard! Something I really enjoyed was acting in my first show post-pandemic because it was so refreshing to be back in the theatre after 2 years of online performances. Theatre for me is all about community and working together as an ensemble. So being able to be back in person with everyone to continue to build art was amazing!
What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member?
Amanda: I have 2 very different answers for this! One of my favorite types of theatre to sit in the audience for is anything that conveys an important message. I believe that theatre has the capacity to make real world change and so being able to watch a show with a really driven message leaves me thinking about that show for a long time. My second favorite type of theatre to see is any Disney musical because that’s what I grew up watching and performing so it will always hold a place in my heart. If I had to choose shows I’ve seen professionally that left me speechless it would be Hadestown for the incredible ensemble; and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella for the design!
Why do you think performing arts are important for young people?
Amanda: The performing arts are so incredibly important for young people because they can find a community that accepts everyone for who they are and allows everyone to shine in their own way! Being in theatre growing up allowed me to find a home outside of home and truly made me the person I am today. Not to mention the real life skills that theatre teaches! Including public speaking, collaboration, creativity, and so much more.
What is your dream character role or dream production to work on and why?
Amanda: My dream roles in theatre would definitely be Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Anastasia in Anastasia.
What theme day should Encore have at the office? (Explain why) Amanda: Encore should have different movie theme days where we pick a different movie each time and each pick a character from that movie!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Amanda: I <3 Encore!!
