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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Aileen Pangan Christian Director of Marketing and Design aileen.christian@encorestage.
Encore Stage & Studio Phone: (703) 548-1154
Website: www.encorestage.org
“Organizing an Encore Cares project has been something I’ve long aspired to do since it’s such a special way to be able to give back to the community,” Katie shared. “I specifically chose to bring the production to Children’s National because I was a patient there in 2023. While I was there, I discovered that they have a stage there and I wanted to be able to bring theater to kids who would not have access to it while they are patients in the hospital. Also having been there I was able to fully understand how much of an impact it could have for the kids there and I really want to bring the joy of theater to brighten their day.”
On October 21, 2025, Katie and her Encore Cares cast performed Disney’s Frozen Kids on-site for patients and families, transforming a hospital afternoon into a moment of wonder, imagination, and “warm hugs.” The performance was designed to give children — many of whom cannot currently attend live theatre — the chance to experience storytelling, music, and connection.
Encore Cares provides student-led volunteer performances, giving young artists the opportunity to use theatre for service, empathy, and uplifting others.
The cast performed Frozen Kids again for the public on October 25, 2025 at Cherrydale United Methodist Church. Tickets were pay-what-you-can, ensuring accessibility for families of all backgrounds.
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About Encore Stage & Studio: “Theatre by Kids, for Kids!” Founded in 1967, Encore Stage & Studio inspires young people to develop the creativity, empathy and confidence they need to create meaningful connections with peers and have a positive impact in their communities. Encore strives to educate and entertain by offering productions each season that are by and for young people, and through enriching classes and workshops with qualified, enthusiastic teaching artists. Encore Stage & Studio is committed to promoting inclusion and equitable access to all of its programs. We believe that an artistic community is enhanced through diversity.
www.encorestage. | (703)548-1154 | Arlington, VA
Previous Stories
Disney's Beauty & the Beast Jr.
January 13-22, 2023
Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. Originally directed by Robert Jess Roth. Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, meeting a Beast, who is the young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed to his former self. If the Beast does not learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls, he and his household including Mrs. Pots, Lumiere and Mr. Cogsworth will be cursed forever. Join us for a tale as old as time in Encore’s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr!
Treasure Island
October 14 - 23, 2022
Play by Matthew Heap. Adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
What starts as a mystery turns into an adventure in an Encore adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. Young Gemma Hawkins escapes a dull life to search for where “X” marks the spot on a mysterious treasure map left behind by an old sea captain. Gemma meets a slew of thrill-seeking sea farers as he races to find the treasure before any pirates do.
A Fairytale Christmas Carol
December 2 - 11, 2022
By Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus
Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two
In this remake of a Christmas classic, your favorite fairy tale characters bring to life the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s magical Christmas Eve. Mother Goose lends her talents to narrate the story as the Big Bad Wolf takes on the humbugging lead role. Cinderella, the Three Little Pigs, Old King Cole, and many more help create a new twist on the traditional Dickensian story told every December.