This summer has been a special one, as we’ve been fortunate to share the magic of theatre to the greater community. Here are 3 special moments that made it a magical experience for all!
#1 – First Time Audience Members
On July 27, over 100 students were in the audience for two performances of Circulo/Circle at Theatre on the Run in South Arlington. The students attended as part of Arlington Housing Corporation’s (AHC) resident services. Madaline Langston, Director of Programming expressed how some of the young audience members had not attended a live theatrical performance before.
“I witnessed the magic of theater on their faces as they walked into the house and became audience members for the first time. They were full of amazement and wonder of what was going to happen,”
Madaline Langston
We are always honored and excited to be a part of a child’s first theatrical experience!
#2 – Learning through Theatre
Both original productions, A Sidewalk Stoll and Circulo/Circle take our audience on a special journey while recognizing and exploring emotions. Whether it’s playing in a puddle, or getting ready to go to the circus, our performances take a moment to recognize feelings of happiness, sadness, frustration and even excitement with a literal spotlight. In Circulo/Circle, our bilingual performance allows us to express these emotions in both Spanish and English.
In our performance at the Lubber Run Amphitheater Free Concert Series, the young patrons responded to the actors’ antics with laughter and glee. There was a moment in the show where they leaped to their feet wanting to participate. “Feliz” was called out several times in the audience! While some audience members were learning a new language, others were learning to recognize emotions!
#3 – The Joy of Theatre
In June, Encore performed A Sidewalk Stroll at the Fairlington community cookout organized by the Alexandria Police Department in partnership with various local organizations. There was great fellowship at the event! We concluded our performance with a Question and Answer session where families and children had a chance to ask questions for our actors and play with the props and set. The joy on their faces when they played with the actors was for sure a core memory!
Photos by Josie Ziemski and Sara Strehle Duke.