Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans. First things first: Have you purchased your tickets to CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators yet? Remaining ticket supplies are limited, so do that now! I’ll wait…all taken care of? Great! Please enjoy this holiday message from Encore’s Board President, Carole Russo:
Thank you.
I simply can’t say thank you enough to the audience members, parents, actors, technical students, campers, auditionees, donors, partners, advertisers, staff, educators, and board members that make Encore what it is today. Each of you has made 2019 a magical homecoming success and we couldn’t do it without you.
The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more dancers or artists. [It’s] to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives. — Kelly Pollock, Center for Creative Arts in St. Louis
Some of you may wonder what exactly the board of directors does—even our board members themselves! We took some time at the start of the 2019/2020 season to get to know each other better as we’re from all across the region. We had some in-depth discussions on fundraising and also played some theatre games!
Following the recommendations of our volunteer consultants at Compass (compassprobono.org), the board is actually meeting formally less as a full board, and actually getting more done. That’s because we are dividing and conquering in committees. Soon you’ll see the new Strategic Plan, an analysis of where our programs are held, as well as a balanced checkbook.
All of this volunteer board work is in support of Encore’s accomplishments this season including a triumphant return to Thomas Jefferson, sold-out shows, our volunteer ambassadors, and our artistic achievements such as presenting Flip The Script with a grant from the Virginia Humanities Council.
Wondering how you might be able to be a bigger part of this awesome organization? Think about joining the board of directors and let me know of your curiosity (carolerusso@yahoo.com). The time you invest in being a board member will be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve ever had.
Thank you again.
– Carole Banks Russo
Looking to support Encore in other wonderful ways? Check out our 2019 Season of Giving Resource Guide to learn more about all the simple ways you can make a difference for “Theatre by kids, for kids” in your community.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Carole Banks Russo. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.