Encore Stage Team

Tips of the Theatre Trade – “Yes, and?”

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Have you heard the phrase “yes, and?” It is the most popular approach to improv, to always say yes to whatever prompt or suggestion you receive. Saying “no” stops the momentum of the scene and it’s hard to get moving again. But this posture is applicable outside of improv, too, you can choose to say yes and support other people’s ideas in many ways. 

One of the ways to say yes in theatre, is to sign up for every audition you can! This gives you valuable experience in the audition room, helping to calm the nerves that naturally arise at auditions. In addition to that, it gives you more opportunities to be seen by different directors and raises your chances of being the right fit for a show. Even if a show looks like something you might not be interested in, it can be a great experience to show up anyway and give the team the opportunity to change your mind! 

We have another round of auditions coming up for Flip the Script: Foodways of Arlington, a Cultural Celebration. Click here to sign up for an audition slot!

Another example of saying yes is in the rehearsal room. The director is your fearless leader, bringing the creative ideas to the room with your safety in mind, so it is respectful to say yes to their suggestions. Sometimes it can be nerve-wrecking when your director asks you to do something that feels unfamiliar or even silly, but the director is putting you within a greater picture within the show, so let go of your hang-ups and give it a try! As an actor, you are bringing your talents to the director, and it is their job to shape a show out of it. 

The Lion King Jr has been working hard in their rehearsals and are almost ready for shows. Get your tickets now, or buy a Flex Pass for 10 tickets you can use on any show all season!

Your safety and comfort are very important in the audition and rehearsal room. It is always best to advocate for yourself and bring any concerns to the attention of the director or stage manager. Here at Encore, we strive to make a safe place for everyone to try something new. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Tips of the Trade! 

Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Larry McClemons.

Meet Crewton of the Year: Sam Regardie

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Meet Crewton of the Year Award Recipient: Sam Regardie

Encore Stage Team

Hello Encore friends! 

We’ve got an exclusive interview with our latest Crewton of the Year and STAR award recipient! For those who are new here, the STAR Award recipients show extraordinary dedication and ability. Recipients have participated in at least eight Encore productions: two onstage, two backstage on tech crew, three in either capacity and one front of house crew. In addition, one crew member, or as we call them “crewton” who has gone above and beyond is recognized from our Technical Director and production team every season with the Crewton of the Year. Meet this extraordinary crewton, Sam Regardie! 

What inspired you to audition for your first Encore show?

Throughout elementary school, I took many acting classes but never acted in an actual show. In sixth grade, my mom found out about Encore and took me to see my first show there, The Best Haunted House Ever. I was immediately amazed at the level of professionalism that children my age were performing with, so I signed up to audition for the next show, Night at the Wax Museum. Although nervous about my very first audition, I had the privilege of being cast in that show, leading me to continue working with Encore for the years to come.

How many Encore productions have you worked on, can you name a few (or all!)

I have worked on a total of 25 Encore productions! Six of these have been as an actor, including acting as Sherlock Holmes in The Enchanted Bookshop and D’Artagnan in The 3 Musketeers. I have worked backstage in many different capacities, including directing The Fairy Tale Network, serving as the sound board operator for Riley O’Brien and the Lost Leprechaun, stage managing An Enchanted Bookshop Christmas, designing the set for The Hobbit, and working other jobs for many more shows.

What does receiving the STAR award mean to you?

The STAR award signifies my commitment to all areas of theater. Receiving the award shows me that the work I’ve done at Encore has influenced lots of different people working in very different positions. Many people choose to work only in one area of the theater, and I think that is a great thing. However, I also think that the STAR award teaches the valuable lesson that gaining a variety of experiences will actually help to improve skills in a certain area. My work as an actor has led me to work well backstage and anticipate what actors may need. My work backstage has allowed me to be a respectful actor who can help with the technical side when needed. All sides of theater work together, and the STAR award shows that experimentation can lead to greatness.

What crew positions do you enjoy, which positions are the most challenging and why?

My favorite crew position is the Assistant Stage Manager (ASM). ASMs work backstage and are in charge of scene changes and the backstage crew, and they communicate directly with the Stage Manager. As an ASM, I often find myself enjoying the challenges of arranging the set so it fits backstage, making sure actors do not get in the way of set pieces, and creatively solving any problems that may arise. ASMs have an important leadership role at Encore and I enjoy every time I am able to work as one.

I find being the soundboard operator challenging yet still enjoyable. Also called the microphone op or just mics, this position is in charge of setting up all microphones that will go on the stage and on individual actors, as well as operating the board that controls them. This position is difficult because it requires constant attention to the show. The sound operator must always be aware so that they turn actors’ mics on and off at the correct times. Despite it being challenging, this job is very rewarding because microphones are undoubtedly very important to any show.

You were the recipient of the Crewton of the Year award for 2022, how did you react when you received the award?

I was very shocked and excited to have received the Crewton of the Year award. Due to the pandemic, it had been several years since it was last awarded, so I was very honored to be the first to receive it after a long gap. When the award was announced at the ceremony, I was surprised that it was even being awarded, and even more surprised when my name was called. I also felt very happy that I had received it because I worked very hard that season as an Assistant Tech Director, Stage Manager, Set Designer, and more. The award helped affirm that my work with Encore that season had paid off.

What skills have you learned through your time at Encore?

Encore has taught me the skills of collaboration, organization, and time management.

As an actor, I have learned to work alongside my peers in order to create a beautiful final show. Working on the technical side, I often have to work with other tech members or Encore staff members on the production team, sharing and developing my ideas to work for the whole group.

Being a Stage Manager has caused me to be very organized. I need to keep paperwork, spreadsheets, emails, and more in places where I can easily access them when needed. Encore has taught me how to find an organizational system that allows me the greatest success.

Going to rehearsals, tech days, and performances that often don’t end until late in the evening has made me think critically about how to manage my time. On weeks when I know I will be busy at Encore, I try my best to get my schoolwork done ahead of time. I also need to manage my time in rehearsals and tech days well. While a rehearsal process may seem very long, I’ve come to realize that every individual day matters greatly. Because of this, I’ve been able to think about what I need to do each day in order to make the entire production as successful as possible.

Thank you Sam for taking the time to share your Encore journey with us!

Meet 2022/23 Arts Apprentice: Matthew Cibak

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Meet 2022/2023 Arts Apprentice: Matthew Cibak

Our season is in full session, so we’re glad to have our apprenticeship in action! It’s a roll-call! Meet one of our three 2022/2023 Arts Apprentice, Matthew Cibak! 

Tell us about yourself!

I was born in Arlington and raised in Reston, Virginia. My introduction to theatre was in an after-school program in elementary school where we put on short ten-minute plays and played drama games. But I really took it up in high school, as an alternative to band which I had done for about five years. I found a great love and appreciation for theatre, and I decided to pursue it. I graduated a Highlander Honors Scholar from Radford University with a Major in Theatre, class of 2019.

Through my experience in theatre, I have performed in multiple productions such as Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, The Scottish Play, and The Importance of Being Earnest to name a few. I have also had experience backstage as run crew and a props master. I even directed a play that I wrote called A Day at the MAT, about a fictionalized meeting between some of theatres greatest acting theorists and teachers trying to figure out what to teach a group of incoming students. 

Why did you apply for the Encore apprenticeship?

In college my interest in theatre education grew. My honors requirements had me do extra assignments around my major, so I decided to make lesson plans and presentations that went beyond what we were taught in class. Which gave me the opportunity to educate my peers on a couple of different topics. My interest hasn’t gone away, and Encore felt like a good place to grow that interest into a potential career path. As well as learn even more aspects of theatre that I have not experienced yet. 

What shows, classes, or skills are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore?

Anything I possibly can. Theatre is a multi-faceted business and I’d love to be more well-rounded and knowledgeable in our field.

Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable? 

It’s hard to pick, but two that I really loved were The Importance of Being Earnest and Stuart Little. For they were just very fun productions to work on as an actor. For Earnest our director was a huge Oscar Wilde fan and his enthusiasm just trickled to the rest of us. With Stuart Little, it was handled by a student who had experience in children’s theatre before and he also had a great enthusiasm that filtered to all of us in the cast. Plus, one day of Stuart Little I’ll never forget was when we were waiting backstage to go an and out of nowhere the kids started chanting Stuart’s name! To me you can’t beat experiences like that.  

What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member? 

One of my favorites that I’ve seen is Anything Goes. I’ve seen a couple productions and they are always funny and a great deal of fun to see. My college did a production of it when I was a freshman and a couple years ago, I saw it at Arena Stage in D.C. and they were both exemplary. 

Why do you think performing arts are important for young people? 

It allows them to use their imagination which itself breeds creativity; it shows them the value of working together towards one goal and to express themselves in a creative way. Each of these reasons are all important for a young person’s development, and it allows them to break out of their shell and make friends. 

What is your dream character role or dream production to work on and why?

One that I would love to play is Gabe in the Donald Margulies play Dinner With Friends. I read the play for an assignment in college, and I loved it. It’s an interesting look at the fragility of relationships and Gabe is caught in the middle trying what he can do to keep the peace between his wife Karen and their friends Tom and Beth who are separating due to Tom cheating. He struggles as he wants to keep his friend Tom despite his wife’s objections but can’t understand the mindset of someone who is perfectly fine leaving his family for another woman. When Beth and Tom move on rather quickly it makes Gabe and Karen question their own marriage in the process. 

What theme day should Encore have at the office?  

I can’t think of a theme day specifically, but I think at any holiday we should have a fun day or small party. Like Halloween and we dress up or Christmas we do a White Elephant gift exchange or Secret Santa. Those would be fun! 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

One thing I absolutely love is movies! While my passion is in theatre, I am a little bit of a cinephile and love to watch movies when I can. I am an Eagle Scout as well, getting the honor in 2015 before I graduated High School. 

Finally, I am looking forward to doing everything I can at Encore to grow as a theatre professional and to work with such kind and intelligent people! 

Meet 2022/23 Arts Apprentice: Brielle Perry

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Meet 2022/2023 Arts Apprentice: Brielle Perry

Tell us about yourself!

I was born in California, but I moved with my family to Burke, Virginia when I was four years old. The first thing we did when we got to our new house was paint the walls of our basement—we invited grandparents, friends, and neighbors over to help us customize our space with colorful portraits, dragons, oversized turtles, and anything else we could imagine. Growing up, our basement served as a constant reminder of creativity and teamwork, two things that remain extremely important to me today.

When I was twelve years old, I started seventh grade at Lake Braddock Secondary School and quickly found my first theatre family. I auditioned for Storybook Theatre, a program that brought middle and high school students together to perform spoofs of various popular fairytales; I got cast as a mermaid and was instantly hooked. I continued doing theatre throughout high school, where I made amazing friends and got to explore different elements of production. I then went to William & Mary for college and (surprise) participated in more shows there. I also earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature and a minor in creative writing. 

Why did you apply for the Encore apprenticeship?

I applied to be an Encore Education Apprentice because my dream has always been to combine my passion for writing and art with my love for people and community. Encore is special to so many people—to students who have found courage and belonging by joining shows, to teachers who have passed on valuable lessons, to parents who have supported Encore for years. I knew that becoming a part of this organization would not only mean getting to create alongside dedicated artists and learners but would also provide me with opportunities to encourage others and contribute to a meaningful and impactful legacy. 

What shows, classes, or skills are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore?

I’m looking forward to working with a variety of age groups and expanding my understanding of how students at different levels imagine, create, and perform. Sometimes it can be relaxing and liberating to put yourself in the shoes of a child, to get goofy and return to the roots of play. Sometimes it can be enriching and enlightening to dive deep into research and discussion with older students. I feel so fortunate to be able to do a little bit of everything with Encore and develop my teaching skills along the way. I also can’t wait to work behind the scenes as we put together Encore’s fantastic season of shows; following projects from start to finish is always incredibly humbling and rewarding.

Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?

My absolute favorite theatre memory has to be winning the state championship of the Virginia High School League one-act play competition during my senior year at Lake Braddock. Our school had never won a state title for theatre before, and being the first cast to do so was an amazing honor and a truly unforgettable experience. 

What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member?

As cliché as this might sound, I absolutely adore Hamilton. The complexity of the music and emotional depth of the characters make the show magical to watch again and again. I haven’t always been a fan, though; for years, I refused to listen to the music because I was convinced that the show was mainstream and overrated (I know, call me a hater). But when Disney Plus released a recorded version of the Broadway performance and my dad corralled us into the living room to watch it, I had no choice but to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I did. About a year later, I was able to see a live performance of the show in England on London’s West End, and even though I already knew the entire story, I cried an embarrassing number of times. 

Why do you think performing arts are important for young people?

The performing arts are crucial for young people because young people inherently possess an extraordinary amount of creativity within them. They need spaces where they can express their imagination and insight, explore and take artistic risks, and most importantly, be their authentic selves, unafraid to try. When I was younger, performing pushed me to gain confidence, make discoveries, and empathize with others by stepping into characters and stories outside of what I was familiar with. Theatre also gave me a home away from home, enabling me to form lasting friendships and realize that our different individual strengths coming together are what make us strong as a whole. My sincere hope is that young people who participate in performing arts classes, camps, productions, and other programs—through Encore or elsewhere—leave with a sense of inspiration, accomplishment, and belonging that they hold close for years to come. 

What is your dream character role or dream production to work on and why?

My dream production to be a part of would either be High School Musical or Mean Girls, simply because I grew up loving those stories. High School Musical is iconic for so many reasons, and I definitely relate to Troy Bolton’s struggle of trying to be both the sporty and artistic kid. Mean Girls is a quotable classic packed with fun and memorable moments. Both seem like they would be a blast to bring to the stage, and I hope I get the chance to work on one of them someday. 

What theme day should Encore have at the office (explain why)?

I think the Encore office should have a decades day! Over the summer, I lived with my grandparents for a few months, and they have a costume room in their basement full of racks of vintage clothing and thrifted treasures. I would love nothing more than to wear a poodle skirt and saddle shoes to work or show up to the office with sequined disco pants on. And with such a broad topic, the possibilities are endless. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Something else I want to share is that in addition to theatre, another one of my passions is creative writing. I started writing poetry when I was seven years old. I used to carry a red scrapbook around with me everywhere, and anytime I saw something remotely inspirational, I would scribble a poem onto a page. I wrote about everything, from family to seasons to tiny caterpillars crawling through the grass. I still read that scrapbook from time to time, especially when I want to be reminded of what I love doing and how far I’ve come. As I continue my work with Encore, I plan to keep an eye out for opportunities to incorporate more creative writing into our programs. I hope we can explore how creative writing complements theatre and has the potential to shape us into imaginative, observant, expressive storytellers. 

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Meet 2022 Encore Cares Student Director: Gabby Wilson

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We’re so excited for our 2022 Encore Cares production this fall. Meet the student-extraordinaire directing this production, Gabby Wilson!

Can you introduce yourself: name, grade, and why did you reach out about the Encore Cares program.

Hello everyone! My name is Gabby Wilson, I attend Kenmore Middle School as an 8th grader. I’ve been working with Encore for many years, whether that means being a 5 year old in Encores summer camps or acting onstage in their mainstage productions. Over the years I’ve grown very fond of Encore and the experiences I’ve had there. I was recently Bat Mitzvahed, whenever a child gets Bar/ Bat mitzvahed they have to do a service project to give back to the community. A few years back, two other  Encore participants did Encore Care projects for their Bar mitzvahs. Ever since I heard about this project, I’ve had my heart set on it. Encore is such a welcoming and happy place that I love to be part of, I’m glad to get the chance to give back to this amazing place.

What shows have you worked on with Encore (list cast and crew roles).

So far in my Encore career I’ve been a part of 8 mainstage productions. My cast roles include Toto in Enchanted Bookshop, a Squirrel in Narnia, Della Young in Enchanted Bookshop Christmas and most recently Blind Pew and Annie Bonny in Treasure Island. I also did backstage crew in The Hobbit as well as participating in front of house crew for Cinderella Commedia, Riley O’Brien and The Lost Leprechaun, plus Annie Jr. I definitely love doing all things theater but my favorite part of Encore is performing as an actor.

What has been one of your most memorable experiences at Encore?

I think some things that are really special at Encore are the memories and friendships you make. One thing that stands out to me was when I was in my first Encore show, The Enchanted Bookshop. I was one of the youngest people on cast. I was so amazed at being introduced to the theater. I remember looking up to the older kids and I gained a lot of knowledge from them. Not only was that show my first Encore show, it was my first anywhere show too! I think it’s awesome how at encore no matter your age, you are always learning. For example then I was learning where stage left is and now I’m learning more about things like timing and stage combat.

What skills have you gained in theater that will help you direct this production?

Because I’ve been able to work onstage, behind the scenes, and in front of the stage I believe what I’ve learned will definitely help me as a director. While rehearsing and pushing through long tech week hours I’ve learned what I like about rehearsal processes and what I don’t enjoy. Every director you will work with in the theater will have a certain distinctive style. As a 13 year old girl I definitely know my likes and dislikes. I will strive to do my best working with what I think would make me most successful, which I hope can transfer to you. I’d like to say that ive had many Encore experiences that will help me direct and lift this show higher.

In your own words can you tell us the story of Rainbow Fish and why you chose this play?

The Rainbow Fish tells the story of how a very arrogant fish becomes a humble swimmer. The Rainbow Fish is a gorgeous (and of course rainbow) and shiny fish, and he is well aware of his beauty and reminds everyone about his glamor. Other fish are awed by his presence but when they meet him and his cranky, self absorbed attitude, they quickly realize that beauty comes from within. Soon the Rainbow Fish realizes that it’s better to be kind. He goes on a search and then reaches his heart out to his neighbors. He apologizes for his past and is kind to the other sea creatures. He even demonstrates a big aspect of kindness : sharing. By sharing his most valuable items, his shiny scales. I chose this show because it teaches multiple life lessons and it’s good for a younger audience. It will also (hopefully) make you laugh.

Who are you presenting this production to and why is it important?

Regular mainstage Encore productions are usually shown to the community. The Rainbow Fish will also be shown to an elementary school extended day program. This is special to me because we are performing this production for kids who may not usually be able to see and experience theater. I also hope it can introduce Encore’s program to other families because Encore has most definitely changed my life in an amazing way. I want other kids and families to learn about this wonderful community.

What can our audience look forward to when they come to see the show?

If you are interested in seeing the show, for starters it would make me the happiest ever ;). At the show you should expect a quaint one act, one set show. It’s a family friendly show with laughs for anyone and everyone in the crowd.

Do you have tips for students at auditions?

I would be beyond delighted for you to audition. Here are some things I recommend for the most successful audition!

1. Be prepared: Come ready and with energy, make sure you’ve had a bite to eat and some water if possible.

2. Be in the best mindset possible: Stay positive and do your absolute best.

3. Stay focused as best as possible, the director wants to see how you work with others.

4. Act your best, I know this sounds kind of obvious but really, you should! Even if you mess up, do a movement wrong, flub a line, directors are more focused on how well you can act and project.

5. Have fun, enjoy yourself!

Thank you so much! I hope to see you auditioning on October 25! More information here: https://www.encorestageva.org/auditions/encore-cares/

Click here to sign up for an audition time slot today!

Photo credit: Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos provided by Gabby Wilson.

Meet 2022/2023 Arts Apprentice, Amanda Willis

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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!!

Be Our Guest Ball

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Be Our Guest Ball

Give your family the royal treatment at the Be Our Guest Ball on January 21, following the 11am performance! Dress up in your royal best and make your theatre experience a lasting family memory! Join us for a delicious lunch, fun arts and craft activities, and a chance to interact with the cast of Beauty & the Beast Jr!

Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
(125 S. Old Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22204)

Tickets: $15 for Adults; $12 for Children, Students, Seniors, and Military
Choose Be Our Guest Ball addon for January 21, 11am performance
Ball Tickets: $30

Congratulations to our 2022 STAR Award Recipients and Crewton of the Year!

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We presented our STAR Awards on Sunday, June 5 at the Annie Jr. performance. These dedicated Encore students must have participated in at least eight Encore Stage & Studio productions: two onstage, two backstage on tech crew, one front of house crew, and three in any capacity. They join the ranks of many other Encore actors and technicians that have expanded their own boundaries and areas of expertise. We also presented our Crewton of the Year award to an Encore student who has gone above and beyond in the technical aspects of our season! 

2022 STAR Award Recipients:
Matthew Bloss-Baum
Jacob Bowen-Glazeroff
Riley Dennis
Nyla Elder
Jordan Funk
Bryce Gastelum
Lindsey Gradowski
Sebastian Ramthun
Sam Regardie
Declan Roberts
Brian Tatum

2022 Crewton of the Year Award: Sam Regardie

#IndoorEncore: Fun Ideas for Theatre at Home

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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!

Encore students at the Celebration of the Arts (2019) Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian

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.

The cast of Enchanted Bookshop performs at the 2019 Benefit Breakfast

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… 😉

Photo by Clarence Chan

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.

Photo by Aileen Pangan Christian

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!”

Jimmy Mavrikes (“Troy”), Ellen Chapin (“Gabriella”) and cast Encore Stage & Studio/The Act III Theatre Company July 19, 2007

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.

In Theatre Anything Goes for Alum Max B.

Alumni Encore, Blog, From The Vault / By

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.

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