We’ve got another new person in the office! Derrick is our Programming Associate, and he just started rehearsals for Flip the Script as the Assistant Director. Keep reading to learn more about him!
Tell us about yourself and your latest role with Encore!
I was originally born and raised in Detroit Michigan. I moved to Fayetteville, GA at age 12, where I stayed until graduating high school. I graduated from Mercer University in 2023 with a B.S in Biology and a B.A, in Theatre. I spent the last year as the Education and Community Engagement Apprentice at Olney Theatre Center, training as an arts administrator. Outside of my new position as Programming Associate, I was a teaching artist for Encore’s Scenes for Tweens staged combat camp, and I am the Assistant Director for this year’s Flip the Script play. As an artist, I consider myself an actor and singer, with a deep love and experience for staged combat. I have proficiencies in Broadsword, Double Stick, and I am constantly working on adding new weapons and skills to the list.
What projects/programs did you work on previously with Encore?
At Encore I worked as the Assistant Director for the writing portion of the 2024 Flip the Script program, and as a TA for the Scenes for Tweens Staged Combat camp this past summer.
What made your decision to join Encore Stage & Studio this season?
After working with Madaline and the rest of the Encore Team this past season, I felt that this was a wonderful company to help me both grow as an artist, and professional. Additionally, the values and visions of the company align heavily with my own personal goals. Simply put, I want to give as many children as possible the opportunities in the arts that I did not have access to, and allow them to explore their interests and curiosities to grow into the best versions of themselves.
What shows and projects are you looking forward to this season at Encore?
This may be a little biased, but I am very excited about Flip the Script. Not just because I am Assistant Directing, but also because I believe the Script and story are beautiful and have a wonderful message to give to everyone. Another show I am excited about is Footloose. This is the first show that I had a named role in, so it holds a special place in my heart whenever I see it done.
Can you describe your favorite performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?
This is a hard one, but I would have to say my favorite was playing Percy Jackson in the Percy Jackson Musical in my Senior show in college. Not only was this my first time playing the titular character in a show, this was the culmination of all the work I had put in during my 4 years at school. I got to see the results of all my hard work both in my performance skills, and the community that I helped to build around the theatre.(which included getting to perform with my sister for the first time in 4 years), but the cherry on top occurred following one of the shows. I got the chance to meet a young child whose mom drove him 3 hours to see the show because he was obsessed with Percy Jackson, his mom reads the books to him every night. The child was so excited to meet me and we talked for a long time about the show. This moment showed me the magic and joy that my artistry brings to the world and people, and serves as a core memory for me.
What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member?
My all time favorite musical to see as an audience member at the moment is Six.
Why do you think the performing arts are important for young people?
I think the performing arts gives young people a crucial outlet to express themselves and explore the depths of storytelling. It’s a great way for young people to learn skills critical to succeed in the adult world like team work, focus, public speaking, technical/computer skills, and communication skills. Additionally it allows for a space for young people to better learn about their own emotions, and better equip themselves at dealing with them, and using them in their lives. Additionally, like sports, the performing arts gives students a community space where there are only winners, no losers, everyone succeeds and fails together, and it creates a space where people from tons of backgrounds can gather and learn from each other. But, and what I think is most important about the arts. It teaches young people the importance of the heart. The arts are unique in that they are able to touch and interface with people regardless of language, or life experience and allows young people to learn new ways to connect with others.
What is your dream character role or dream production to work on and why?
My dream role would be to play Jack in Into the Woods. Into the Woods is one of my all time favorite musicals. For tons of reasons, firstly it is the first musical I have ever seen live, the second is that I love fairy tales and folklore, and Into the Woods combines them all brilliantly. Jack has my favorite song in the show Giants in the Sky. Thus I really, really want a chance to play him, plus it is always fun to play a kid on stage. An honorable mention goes to Dr. Facilier in Princess and the Frog. This is my Favorite Disney princess movie, and if it ever got adapted to the stage, I would love to play the Shadow man! Friends on the other Side is easily top 3 best Disney villain songs, and his overall vibe is just so magnetic, I would love a chance to play him,
What theme day should Encore have at the office?
Encore should have a Dinosaur/Jurassic Park themed day because I love dinosaurs (before changing career paths I was planning on becoming a paleontologist) and Jurassic Park is my favorite movie.
This season is about courage — what courageous experiences and lessons can we learn in the arts?
There is nothing more courageous in the arts than presenting your work to others. Regardless of if it’s visual, performing, or technical. When you present your work you are giving a very personal part of yourself and identity to the world for them to see, and potentially, criticize. It is not easy putting yourself out there to be judged by your peers. It takes a lot of courage and experience to learn how to be confident, and display your work with pride. It takes a lot of restraint to ignore the negative comments and feed into the positive, and it takes a lot of strength to show the world who you really are and your artistic vision. Which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful lesson the arts can teach.
Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to share?
To all my young people out there uncertain about their skills and abilities, or are hesitant to explore the arts due to social pressures. I say Just try, even if you’re bad, even if you’re looked down upon at first, just Try. Art is simply what happens when someone expresses who they are, do not let your fears keep you from sharing that inner beauty with the world. You are unique, and incredible in every single way possible. you’re are a light in the world, and the world is brighter when you express yourself. So Get up! Sing, paint, Dance, Act, make art, and make the world beautiful.