Encore: Please introduce yourself, what are you up to now ?

Hi my name is Hannah Knittig and I am a proud Encore Stage & Studio alum! I am about to start my senior year as a musical theatre major at Lees-McRae College in NC.

Encore: What years and programs/productions (and roles) were you involved in Encore?

I was involved in Encore productions from 2014-2019. I got to be in the cast and crew for over a dozen shows with Encore, as well as worked as a summer camp counselor and student editor.

I performed as Jungle Ensemble in Seussical (2019), Scar in Lion King Jr. (2019), Mrs. Murphy in Madeline’s Christmas (2018), Ensemble in Mary Poppins (2018), Jolene Fairchild in Night at the Wax Museum (2017), Lavinia in A Little Princess (2017), Ensemble in Snow White (2016), Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland (2015), & Citizen #1 in Cinderella (2014).

I also got to be in a backstage role in The Talented Clementine (2019), Enchanted Bookshop (2019), Jingle ARRGH the Way (2018), Ghostchasers! (2018), James & the Giant Peach (2018), Sherlock Holmes (2018), The Jungle Book (2017), and Treasure Island (2016). 

Encore: What career or latest projects are you working on right now?

This summer I am on tour with the Missoula Children’s Theatre getting to continue my passion for children’s theatre that started when I was a kid in shows with Encore! My latest role at Encore was as an ASM for The Talented Clementine in 2019.

Encore: What Encore experiences or moment(s) were most memorable for you and why?

One of the most memorable moments from my experiences with Encore was performing in my very first show with Encore way back when I was in 5th grade. I was cast as Citizen #1 in Cinderella and realized how fun it was to do theater! I also have quite a few fond memories of many hours spent in the shop building sets as a crewton.

Encore: What skills or lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?

At Encore I learned how rewarding creating theatre is and how incredibly fun it can be. Encore was a great way for me to channel my energy & creativity & feel part of something bigger than myself. I got to be a part of a lovely theatre community and get involved with some pretty awesome shows.

Encore: Were there any friendships or people who resonated with you at Encore?

Kristen & Margie Jepperson were two of my all time favorite people to work with at Encore. I only knew Margie for a short time but she was the first person I met at Encore and I remember how kind she was to me in my first show. Kristen always made set construction and run crew super fun and was a great mentor for me in the Encore community. I also have to mention Sarah Conrad, Rebecca Pfeil, Aileen Pangan Christian, Galina Tarasova, & Kelsey Meiklejohn who were some of my favorite staff/directors I worked with at Encore. 

As for friendships, Matthew (current Arts Management Intern) and I met way back in 2015 in Alice & Wonderland. We participated in many Encore shows together, and are still friends almost 10 years later!

Encore: How have theatre and Encore impacted your life?

Theatre helped me gain confidence & grow to be the artist I am today. Encore was a huge part of my middle & high school years and played a big role in cementing my love for performance.

To anyone interested in trying out theatre: Definitely do!! You never know until you try! You might find out that theatre is something you love to do and you’ll be so glad you have it a try. Just like I discovered when I auditioned for my very first show at Encore way back when. 

Encore: How has theatre been in your life since Encore?

After I participated in Encore’s shows, I was very involved in Signature Theatre’s high school programming, as well as my high school theatre program. I studied theatre for a year at New York University, then transferred to Lees-McRae College where I will be graduating this spring with a BFA in musical theatre! This summer I am currently working as a touring performer & director with Missoula Children’s Theatre!

Thanks for catching up with us, Hannah! It’s always awesome to see where Encore students go after the curtains close on their time here. We’re so proud of all you have accomplished and we look forward to seeing where you go next!

To hear more stories of courage, reserve your ticket today for “The Courage To…”, Encore’s annual Benefit Breakfast.

Interview by Matthew Bloss-Baum, edited by Parker Nelson. Photos by Cindy Kane and Aileen Pangan Christian.

The post Gaining Confidence through Theatre with Alum Hannah Knittig appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Congratulations on your recent performance as Diana Morales in A Chorus Line! What is one piece of wisdom that you learned from that production?

I learned so much during the process for A Chorus Line. Diana has been a dream role of mine since I learned about ACL, but I never really thought I’d be able to play the role, as I am not a trained dancer (shout out to all the strong movers out there!). As soon as I learned about auditions, I really committed myself to becoming a stronger dancer, and I carried that level of commitment into every aspect of the show. It really taught me to stop putting limits on myself. It is never too late to jump into a dance class and become that dancer that you don’t consider yourself to be! Hard work will win every time!

When did you first start doing theatre?

My first role was ensemble in Claremont Elementary School’s 2005 production of Oklahoma! 

What is one of your favorite Encore memories?

One memory that really sticks out for me was my first production at Encore, Pirates of Penzance. That year, Encored hired two Equity Actors, Erin Gardiner and Chris Sizemore. I had never worked alongside performers of their caliber, and I just remember being so inspired by their talent and work ethic as a young actor. It was definitely a very impactful experience! 

We love highlighting Encore friendships, are there people you are still in touch with from your time at Encore?

It is hard to be away from home as I moved out of VA in 2017, but I love getting to follow many different people I did shows with at Encore on social media and seeing what they’re all up to! I also had the privilege of seeing Encore Alum Usman Ali Mughal in Life of Pi on Broadway in 2023. 

What was it like revisiting Legally Blonde? What is your favorite moment from the show?

Getting to not only do LB again, but also reprise the role of Serena, was amazing! It is one of my favorite shows. I would do it a million times! My favorite moment every night was Bend & Snap. It was a blast to perform. Really felt like a party on stage!

Legally Blonde photo by Larry Clemons

Legally Blonde LTM photo by Chris Huestis

What is one way your theater experience has helped you offstage?

I can 100% attest my confidence to starting theatre at a young age. The courage and confidence you build by performing is something I have carried into school presentations, public speaking, job interviews, and even calling to order a pizza!

Lastly — we’re having an Encore alumni reunion in July at Footloose, will you be there!? Or can you share a message from you to share at the event?

I am so sad to miss it! I would just like to send all my love to my Encore Family! I am so grateful for everything Encore gave me while I had the privilege of performing there!

Thanks for catching up with us, Carla! It is awesome to look back at your Encore memories, and we look forward to whatever you do next.

Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post Never Limit Yourself with Alum Carla Astudillo-Fisher appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Introduce yourself to the blog! How were you involved with Encore?

Hi there! I’m Abby, I started at Encore trying out for cast and crew when I was 11, and stage managed my first show at Encore as a senior in high school!

What’s your proudest moment at Encore?

The proudest moment I had at Encore has to be the first show I got into. The first couple I tried out for I did not make the cast, so when I was cast I was over the moon. I was a double cast as Scarlet Fever Virus and Real Rabbit in the Velveteen Rabbit and I floated around in a red poncho when not in a bunny suit.

Can you describe an Encore “core” memory?

I really loved doing The Brother’s Grimm. The cast got really close so a lot of the rehearsals and backstage moments was spent building friendships. I think that show stood out especially because we got to perform a matinee on the Mall in DC as a part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was beautiful to perform around all those flowers, and the show was one of the more comedic shows I was a part of, so I got to try out an earnest, unassuming comedic role as Cindy (Cinderella). Prince Charming was written as a New Yorker Italian American which was also fun, because my family is Italian American. We had to work out blocking where my character clumsily got his fingers stuck in a closing umbrella, which was more difficult than most blocking I had done before, and really rewarding when we got it down.

What lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?

I think getting off book is such a great skill to take on and accomplish as a kid, and I’m sure helped my brain in ways that are still with me as an adult. Being a part of the tech crew was also critical for problem-solving and thinking on your feet, and gave me a lot of confidence to work with power tools. In college, I studied Sculpture and Extended Media, and became a wood and metal shop monitor because of my prior experience. I still monitor a metal shop at the local visual arts center, and have even decided to start a business of my own. I never used tools at home growing up, so that trajectory I can credit Encore with.

Can you share with us your singer/songwriter journey?

Oh wow, I didn’t even think about that in your last question. Before Encore I would not have sung in front of anyone, at least not without a choir or ensemble. I think acting helped me express emotions that I didn’t get to every day, which has been the best part of performing songs I’ve written. I mostly write about true thoughts and feelings I am working through, and how I feel about situations evolve so much as I perform them over time. I get to understand myself, singing about old feelings while living through new ones, seeing how I’ve changed and what has become ironic or true in a way I didn’t expect. It motivates you to keep writing and performing, even when you don’t see accolades.

What current projects are you working on?

Lately I’m working on a store in downtown Richmond! I met a man who owns a storefront that’s been empty, that he used to run a jewelry shop out of. There are a lot of tools and stones for me to use to make jewelry so I am working on a collection and displays, but I am trying to think about how the space can be more communal for artists like me. I have a friend who works in a tattoo shop, and I think I want the business to be modeled after tattoo parlour businesses, where people come in to connect with any number of individual designers, either for something custom in the style of that artist or something the artist has pre-drawn. In the tattoo world premade designs are called “flash” which I think is a fun term to use for jewelry too. I’ve never dreamed of being an entrepreneur so there is a lot of newness involved, but I’m grateful to be moving towards a new adventure to be excited about.

How would you describe your music?

That’s tough. It’s undeniably soft and airy, vocally. I pull any interesting guitar chords I can find from jazz and bosa nova, but write simple songs and just try to use a small number of them at a time. Everything is made up with no knowledge of music theory  but what my ears can provide, which keeps me on my toes. I think most people who listen to music can have a good idea of what order to put the notes in without training, although it may take longer. 

Who are a few artists you listen to or are inspired by?

We love Chappell Roan at our house, although she hasn’t inspired any new music. I love Cleo Sol, Syd from The Internet, Corrine Bailey Rae, Lianne La Havas, Hiatus Kaiyote, Gretchen Parlato. I used to focus on music local to where I’m living in Richmond, but I’ve become a homebody since having a baby and don’t know what’s happening outside.

What’s one hobby or interest you wish you got to talk about more?

I don’t know if raising a baby counts as a hobby or interest, but that’s at the forefront of my day-to-day. My little guy doesn’t speak very much so we use a lot of singing and reading to get him to practice using his words. He’s a nut and full of love. He’s beautiful. Very few of my friends have babies, so I feel like I talk about the whole experience too much sometimes, but it is a part of everything I do now. Now I go to the library multiple times a week, and have ceased to have uninterrupted thoughts. It’s just living, so I’ll concede it’s not a hobby. Getting him on the pot, helping little toy farmers find their toy chickens. Very important living.

Our season this year is all about courage– how has theatre/performing taught you courage?

I love that the season is themed! And what a great theme. I’ve had stage fright since I started, which taught me you can always pour that energy into preparing. The nerves are always worth it to get to perform. The way seeing and performing theatre has affected me, I know it’s a beautiful thing to share. 

Lastly, we’re having an Encore alumni reunion at Footloose this summer, will you be there? If not, do you have any wisdom you want to share with our community?

Oh wow, I’d love to! That sounds like a blast. I know the music, but I’ve never seen Footloose! I’ll go with my mom. No wisdom whatsoever.

Thanks for sharing your memories and updates with us, Abby! If you haven’t already, check out our other recent alumni interviews on the blog, and keep an eye out for more coming next month!

Photos by Larry McClemons or provided by Abby Huston. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post Moving Towards a New Adventure with Alum Abby Huston appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Hello Encore Family!  My name is Erin Driscoll Gardiner and I was involved in several shows at Encore. Now, I am a full time professor of Musical Theater at George Mason University and a professional actress in the DC area. I have worked at a ton of the professional theaters in town from Signature Theater to the Kennedy Center to Round House Theater. I have been a member of the Actor’s Equity Association for 20 years now. I just recently played Mrs. Cratchit at Ford’s Theater production of A Christmas Carol.

From starring as Maria in West Side Story to being a professional hire for Pirates of Penzance, you have had so many Encore experiences! Do you have any fun or funny offstage memories from your time here?

I am sure there are so many that I just don’t remember because each show I have done with Encore has been a blast. 

What skill or word of wisdom did you take away from working with Encore?

I learned SO much! I basically learned how to act at Encore. I was a good singer when I joined the cast of West Side Story but I was pushed to connect to the material in a way no one had asked me yet. Then when I played Eliza Dolittle, I really had to let go of being the pretty ingenue and commit to getting messy and real with the character. It is something I continue to strive for in my work today.

Why do you think theatre is important for young people?

For some, it it the first time they are working towards a larger goal that is bigger than the themselves. You all have to come together and the show is the thing. Not ego, not friendship drama, not anything. You learn to work with people, you learn to lean on people, you learn how much goes into something…all the hours of work and commitment. You also get the joy of seeing it all come to fruition. You learn how to treat people and basically be a person in a functioning society.

What is one way your theater experience has helped you offstage?

I am not afraid to try. I am not afraid to fail. I can look at the big picture and see how do I help it happen. Oh, sorry, you asked for just one and that is too hard to pick!

We love highlighting Encore friendships, is there anyone you keep in contact with from your days at Encore?

Yes several! This is one of my favorite things to talk about with Encore. I am still friends with many of the people I worked with on shows. One of them was in my wedding party! Friends for life!

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

Oh, that is hard too! I love ensemble shows. I love when the ensemble is integrated into the story all along and helps tell it, even it means singing and moving furniture while they do it. Like how the ensemble works in Waitress, is really inspiring for me.

Encore’s season this year is about courage — how can we learn courage through theatre?

To do theater is courageous! To audition and be brave enough to show your talents….to stand on a stage or work behind knowing an whole audience is watching is brave. To commit to a common goal and work hard to see it come together is all about courage. To tell stories because they need to be shared is courage. Theater is courage.

Lastly — we’re having an Encore alumni reunion in July at Footloose, will you be there!?

I will try to be there! I am always trying to support and be apart of Encore any way I can! If I can’t, tell them that they are the best and I continue to shout that from the rooftops!

Thank you for catching up with us, Erin! We look forward to seeing what you do next.

Photos by Larry McClemons, blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post Not Afraid to Try with Alum Erin Driscoll Gardiner appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Reintroduce yourself to us! Where are you now and what are you up to?

My name is Gabriel Ashton Brown, and I am currently living in southern Utah. I moved here after visiting my grandparents one winter, and I absolutely fell in love with the nature and Red Rocks of Utah. I’m currently working as artistic director at a local community theater here in St. George UT. As artistic director, I have a hand in all of our productions, assist with casting and team building per project, creative planning for events and how to promote our shows. St. George Musical Theater, SGMT, is a family-friendly in-the-round theater, and are currently constructing a brand new building in town which should be finished in 2026.

Do you have any fun or funny offstage memories from your time here?

I have so many fond and funny moments on and off stage with Encore. My first show I did with Encore was The Little Mermaid Jr, and my little brother, Zollie, joined me in this cast. In the song “Kiss the Girl,” all of the ensemble characters were involved in some form; either as seagulls, starfish, water, moving the boat around, etc. However, Zollie, was the only fish put on stage, which I found extremely amusing, as the fish costumes were the felted fish heads. I nicknamed him “lonefish” and together we created a VERY silly backstory for this lone fish singing chorus to this romance song. Every time I listen to that song, I think of my brother and I know he does too!

What skill or word of wisdom did you take away from working with Encore?

I have learned so much from working with Encore. Both from doing shows and from working throughout their summer camps and from interning with Encore. It is the foundation to everything I do as an artistic director in a family-friendly theater. I feel very confident teaching and working with people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the greatest takeaways I’ve had from working at Encore was improving on my active listening skills. And that’s been useful in my work and in my day-to-day life!

Why do you think theatre is important for young people?

Theater is SO important for young people, even if it’s not what you decide to pursue for your career. Theater, like sports, a club, or social hobby hones team building skills AND creative problem-solving. It can build confidence and be an avenue of expression, and it can be a creative playground for people to make friends, get up on your feet and move your body, and to feel a shared experience with other people. The power of community, especially in the disconnected, 21st century and in an AI-driven world, cannot be stressed enough. Encore, I would argue, is not just a fun outlet for kids, but rather an essential tool in connecting communities together when so many people are feeling pulled apart.

What is one way your theater experience has helped you offstage?

 Doing shows at Encore helped me become more aware: aware of myself, aware of others, and aware of my environment. It was a crucial step towards being the person in a cast who says “I’ll play” to whatever game/scene/activity. At a certain point, once you’ve internalized that awareness, you don’t need to be reactive to what goes on on stage, you just behave and do. I also know so many games from my time at Encore, and they’ve become handy in EVERY show I’ve directed.

We love highlighting Encore friendships, is there anyone you keep in contact with from your days at Encore?

 There’s a ton of people at Encore that I love! Both from a teaching and production team standpoint, and also from a cast perspective; Meagan Pierce, Carla Astudillo-Fisher, Martha Grace Berkeley Moore, Lisa Shaw, David Armando, Will Westray, just to name a few gems!

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

My favorite musical changes very often, but right now I would say my favorite musical as an audience member is Jersey Boys. All the Frankie Valli songs are so much fun and the way the story is told has been my favorite format for a jukebox musical!

Encore’s season this year is about courage — how can we learn courage through theatre?

The first step to cultivating courage through theater is by pretending you are “a brave person”. What does that look like to you? Is there someone this embodies in your life or maybe look up to? Are you outspoken about your beliefs? Are you leading with curiosity and compassion? You have the ability to be a hero, too, but first you have to believe it and adjust your self-perception. Courage is grown.

Lastly — we’re having an Encore alumni reunion in July at Footloose, will you be there?! Or can you share a message from you to share at the event?

 I won’t be there, unfortunately, but to everyone there I say hello, I miss you, and that if I’m ever in town again, we’ll all have to catch up <3 . Love Gabe!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve been doing voice over professionally since 2021, when I booked my first commercials and have been working in VO ever since. I mostly do commercials and explainer videos, but really enjoy educational content, video games and character roles. I can’t say what the next job is yet because I’ve signed an NDA, but it’s an animation and I’m SO excited!!

 Just this past May, I joined the creative team at the St. George Musical Theater in St. George, Utah, where I was brought on board to be their new artistic director. This means I have a hand in how each show gets created, who’s on board for each team, and am there to help the directors and production team create a cohesive show.

I still perform from time to time, and have even worked on some film projects.

Encore really propelled my career forward. I did my first show with them when I was 16 for their 2013/2014 production of The Little Mermaid. Then I was in their summer production of Once Upon A Mattress and then in The Music Man.

After doing a few shows with Encore, by the time I started studying musical theater in school, I knew I wanted to intern at Encore. This was so valuable for me, as I learned to hone my craft as a director and then was brought on to work their summer camps and classes throughout the year.

Community theater and educational theater are a driving force for me. It’s so important in building communication, teamwork, social, and confidence skills. I really do believe that extracurriculars like community theater, a club sport, a book club, etc. are how we “save” young people. I believe this, because I have lived it.

Thanks for catching up with us, Gabe! It’s awesome to see what you’re up to now, and we look forward to seeing what awesome things come next!

Photos contributed by Gabriel Ashton Brown, blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post Being a Hero with Alum Gabriel Ashton Brown appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

You were involved in so many Encore shows, tell us about your top 3 favorites!

I could talk about why every single one of the more than a dozen shows I was involved in and why each one was special to me.  It’s hard to choose but here are a few!

The Hobbit– my very first Encore show directed by Marji Jepperson.  I played an elf and a hobbit.  This show will always have such a special place in my heart (To this day, I still remember my two lines, and the hobbit dance!)  I turned 11 on the day of one of the performances and had a birthday party between the shows.  In that moment I knew I wanted to spend as many birthdays on stage as I could!

Monster in the Closet– directed by Susan Keady.  I remember getting notes during this show, and so many of the notes were ‘you’re doing this- it’s great- keep going- do it bigger!’  This show boosted my confidence so much.  Confidence can be a very hard thing for me to find, even now.  I often think back to my 12-year-old self on the Encore stage and try to hold onto the confidence that I found there.

Legally Blonde- my most recent Encore Show.  It felt like such a homecoming, and I had so much fun connecting with everyone.  The show was an absolute blast.  At this time I was studying hard at NYU-Tisch and studying lots of serious drama.  It was so nice to just get to let go and have so much fun onstage.

When did you know you wanted to pursue acting professionally?

My dad is the one who tells this story.  I was a year and a half old at a wedding.  My dad and I were on the dance floor when the buffet opened up.  Naturally, the adults all went to get in line for food.  I kept dancing all by myself.  When the song ended, everyone looked at me and started clapping.  My dad says my face lit up and he knew at that moment I was going to be a performer.

One of my early memories is seeing A Winnie the Pooh Christmas at Encore and desperately wanting to be Piglet or Roo (Roo had one line- “Merry Christmas everyone” and I practiced it over and over again.)

What was it like to come back to Arlington for your recent short-film premier?

It’s always wonderful to come back to Arlington.  As my family and I drove to the premier, we took the exact same route that we took to Encore countless times throughout my childhood.  As a kid, I would drive this route and imagine what it would be like to be a professional actor.  Now, as a professional actor, I’m driving the same route, reminiscing about what it was like to be an Encore kid.

We love highlighting Encore friendships, is there anyone you keep in contact with from your days at Encore?

Yes- one of my oldest friends who I met at Encore and I are currently co-creating a show.  Morgan Sendek and I met during Harriet the Spy and we have been friends ever since!  More information about our show is coming soon!  

Where are you based now and what have you been working on?

I am based in New York City.  I am a professional actor and am working in ‘edutainment.’  I’ve most recently performed in award-winning play premieres and film productions, and have an educational one-woman magic show that I tour to New York Public Libraries.

Tell us a little about your many special skills! Is there one you’ve always wanted to use in a performance?

Magic is one!  I’ve also been swing dancing for a few years now, and I’ve learned to do some aerial tricks- I’ve always wanted to fly onstage!

Encore’s theme this season is “courage”- how can theatre give students courage?

Getting up on stage is scary!  And honestly, I think auditioning can be even scarier.  Theatre is such a beautiful opportunity to practice being vulnerable.  It’s really nerve-wracking to put yourself out there, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.  And you never know what impact your courage will have on others- your courage can inspire others to do the same.

Any advice for current Encore students?

Don’t give up!  It took me 8 tries to get into an Encore show.  Not getting a role doesn’t mean that you are a bad actor, it just means you weren’t the right fit for that show at that time.  As a professional actor, I have to constantly remind myself about this.  I often think back to my Encore days, and how if I had given up after the first, second, or seventh audition, I would have missed out on so many awesome experiences.

Thanks for checking back in with us, Eileen! We are so excited to see everything you are up to. If you are a current student and you are hoping to put yourself out there like Eileen is encouraging us to, keep your eyes peeled for our next round of auditions, coming soon!

Photos by Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post The Magic of Theatre with Alum Eileen Sugameli appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Audiences want to know — are you and Andrew still together?

Yes! Andrew and I are still together! Andrew works as a lawyer at Mount Sinai and both of our careers are focused on human nature, relationships, and lifting communities up. We live on 78th Street on the Upper West Side where we have a beautiful rooftop garden that is an oasis for us in this busy city. Our interests are mostly the same as when we were kids! Aside from doing theatre, seeing theatre, concerts, and films together, reading great books and traveling, we love to have our friends over to our place for parties and hangs in the garden. I’m a lucky guy that we both benefited so much from being involved with CTA as kids- that’s why he was able to recognize me when we reconnected as adults!

Are there other Encore (CTA) alumni whom you keep in touch with? Are there fun reunion stories you’d like to share and how have your friendships grown over the years? 

So many! Katelyn Prominski has a gorgeous family and we see eachother whenever we can. Jordan Kai Burnett lives around the corner from me! She’s in London doing a new musical right now, but I see her all the time. Justin Scribner didn’t do plays with me at CTA but he took ballet across the hall at Gunston with Arlington Center for Dance and all of us found ourselves hanging out and connecting in the hallway between our rehearsals and then inevitably becoming friends around town in Arlington. When I first moved to New York Justin included me in his book club and I made a bunch of new friends thru him! Justin’s husband Ben is a great playwright and he and Andrew I are all friends! They both came to our Christmas party last year. Justin is stage managing the amazing new musical “Maybe Happy Ending” on Broadway.

You mentioned the pizza parties after a CTA performance, what were other memorable traditions you had with your CTA friends and what made it so special?

Another special memory is driving from TJ to Ballston Mall between matinee and evening performances of our plays. Cathie Gayer would pile us into her car, we would blast TLC (“No Scrubs” or “Waterfall”) and sing along until we all hit the food court for sushi or Sbarro. A nice hang at the mall, all of us painted up in our full stage make up looks, was the perfect way to break up our time in the theatre. I also cherish the connections I deepened with Mom and Dad on our beautiful drives thru Arlington coming to and from rehearsals and performances. The seasons changing as we would drive past the rose gardens at Bluemont Park, or down route 50, watching the sun light fade into the horizon and sharing my ideas from the day with them and hearing about theirs. Or just listening to tape cassettes of Broadway Cast Recordings together. We wore out Les Miz and Rent. Mom and Dad realized when I was really young how much I loved the theatre and every Christmas my big gifts were tickets to see Broadway shows. Dad and I would take the train together up to New York to see plays together. CTA was how we were all able to discover together what the theatre means to me. When I wanted to start working professionally I would scour the local library and the weekend section of the Washington Post- the Guide to Lively Arts- for opportunities- and the rule was that Mom and Dad were willing to drive me anywhere within a forty five minute trip. Once or twice I stretched that to about an hour, but I don’t think they minded because we all treasure the time our drives afforded me to connect one on one with Mom and Dad.

We last connected during the pandemic, how has it been to be back in person creating art? 

The reason I love to do this work is for the opportunity to connect with people! Getting to be back on stage and in rehearsal rooms with people has been incredible! For me it’s similar to the different between exercising on a treadmill or going for a beautiful hike in nature with friends. Having somewhere exciting to go each day that is full of possibilities and creative people is such a gift- and you can get new ideas out of theatre coming thru a computer screen, but you don’t feel it in your nervous system the same way when you aren’t sharing space.

Can you fill us in on what you’ve been working on since then? 

A film I starred in is available to rent or own on demand on all digital platforms. The film is called “Chrissy Judy” and I am so proud of it. The film isn’t suitable for children, but parents can find and enjoy it! 

Last fall I played a strange little boy in a world premier play at the Theatre for the New City in the East Village. The play is about internet addiction, and extremely theatrical and absurd.

I’m also on a series on called “After Forever” and last month the final season was released on Amazon. Right now I’m excited about finding out what’s next! One exciting thing about this job is getting to discover which projects are right for you as you continue to show up and do your best.

Encore’s theme this season is “courage” — how can theatre give students courage? 

By taking the chance to make yourself vulnerable, with your feelings, with your ideas, with your desires and interests, you provide yourself and your audience the opportunity to connect and be seen. Doing theatre allows you to investigate your complicated feelings. To be brave enough to share what you’ve discovered from this self reflection is an incredible gift to give to yourself and your community. None of us wants to think about something awkward like struggling in the subject we have most trouble with at school, getting a pimple, worrying if there is any sandwich or Oreo stuck in our braces at lunch- but we all have these kinds of experiences every day. When we know we aren’t alone in what may be awkward or uncomfortable we are liberated from our insecurity around those things! Coming together and sharing ourselves from a genuine place gives us all the opportunity to recognize that we aren’t alone, and in fact the aspects of ourselves we may be insecure about are often exactly what we can afford to celebrate. 

What is one unexpected way that your theatre training has been applicable outside of performing?

My experience as an actor has helped me practice patience and has allowed me to appreciate my own sensitivity. Theatre has developed my patience with others because in learning not to judge a character I’m playing I’ve also learned that in life everybody is generally doing their best out there. When I encounter a frustrating experience I can remind myself that a person who may be annoying me probably isn’t aware of what’s wrong with their behavior, and it isn’t intentional. Then I can usually let it go. Theatre has also illuminated how sensitive a person I am- which would be the case whether or not I worked in the theatre- but, fortunately for me what I do allows my sensitivity to be something I utilize. Being in touch with my emotions and my creative ideas is how I do my best in my work! So when I am feeling my sensitivity I can allow myself to appreciate it because I know how important it is to my ability to do my work as an actor.

What special skill have you always wanted to use in a performance? 

I’ve always wanted to use my diving skills! I was a junior Olympic diver as a kid and actually stopped training as a diver when I had to choose between diving and doing “A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s Theatre. Side note!: I encourage anyone reading this to get yourself an audition for that amazing production! They always need new talent to play the Cratchit kids and urchins and doing that play helped start my professional career! Back to diving- A few years ago I played Peter in “Peter and the Starcatcher” and I had an opportunity to dive from a set piece into a circus balloon/net thing. That was thrilling!

What moment(s) encouraged you to pursue acting?

Every time I’ve heard from someone what they appreciated about the work I do as an actor I have been encouraged. Marcia Gardiner is a wonderful woman who used to run Signature Theatre. She mentored me as a kid and she always told me what she appreciated about each performance of mine she saw- which helped me feel good about my instincts, my work ethic, and my ever unfolding path. Tell other people why you appreciate them! You have no idea how it might inspire them to accomplish whatever is next for them.

Lastly — we’re having an Encore alumni reunion in July at Footloose, will you be there!? Or can you share a message from you to share at the event?

I would love to come! Hope to see you all there!

Thank you for reconnecting with your Encore roots, Wyatt. We wish you all the best in whatever is next, and always know that your Encore family is rooting for you!

Photos by Larry McClemons and others from Wyatt Fenner. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post Diving into the Arts with Alum Wyatt Fenner appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Briefly reintroduce yourself to us. How were you involved with Encore?

My name is Lauren Maho (she/her) and I worked with Encore in several capacities. I started out as a camper at Stage Door, then became a counselor at Scenes for Tweens and Stage Door. I also have acted and worked backstage in a few seasonal productions. 

What was your favorite role or experience at Encore?

I would say my favorite experience was coming back to Stage Door year after year. Specifically, singing Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr in 2016 was my turning point and I began to consider singing and acting as a career. 

What skill or word of wisdom did you take away from working with Encore?

One summer at Stage Door, I remember hearing that casting a production is like putting together puzzle pieces.  When entering a creative space (or any space, really), your abilities have to fit together with the other people in the room to create a vision. It has really helped when dealing with rejection or not getting the results I hoped for.

Where are you now and what are you up to?

I am currently a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University earning my B.M. in Vocal Performance. At the time when I am writing this, I have finished applying to graduate school to pursue opera performance and am waiting for my results! 

We love highlighting Encore friendships, is there anyone you keep in contact with from your days at Encore?

I think the lasting friendships you make in theater are a huge reason I kept coming back to Encore. I had a reunion dinner last week with my friends Matthew Bloss-Baum, Jane Gerrard, Ella McHugh, and Kiernan Almand – most of whom I met doing The Little Mermaid Jr! 

What is one way your theater experience has helped you offstage?

Going back to those words of wisdom, I have carried that “life is a puzzle piece” sentiment outside of theater. I think that idea has helped me be able to zoom out and see the bigger picture in rehearsal settings, as well as on a day-to-day basis. 

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

I think my all-time favorite musical is Into The Woods. I love singing in the show, but I love seeing different interpretations of the score, costumes, and set design.

This Encore season is about courage — what courageous experiences and lessons can we learn in the arts?

I have been told time and time again in music school that the more you perform and put yourself out there, the easier and less nerve-wracking it becomes. I have become very comfortable on stage as I have been in several productions throughout my time at Encore and VCU. I also think of the stage as a safe space, since there are no mirrors or ways to receive immediate feedback (besides the audience). That mindset has made it easier to take risks and be courageous. 

Lastly — we’re having an Encore alumni reunion in July at Footloose, will you be there!? Or can you share a message from you to share at the event?

It’s on my calendar, but here’s a message if I cannot be there: My time at Encore was the catalyst for being a performer, but it also gave me valuable life skills and lifelong friends. Do not underestimate the power of the arts, especially on young people, whether or not they enter performance careers. 

Many thanks to Lauren Maho for catching up with us during this busy time of year! We look forward to seeing where you go next, and we wish you luck on your graduate school journey!

Photos by McNair Evans, Nick Seitz, and Aileen Christian. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

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You may have seen this familiar face in the previous summers on stage including Freaky Friday and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We’re so excited for her return to Encore for another amazing summer! Get to know our 2024 arts management intern and Encore summer show alum, Alex Beach!

We’re so glad to have you back! Please tell us about yourself!
Hi there! My name is Alex Beach and I am thrilled to be working as an Arts Management Intern for Encore this summer! I grew up in Annandale, Virginia where I have lived my whole life. I am 21 years old and am currently a rising senior at Long Island University where I am studying Arts Management. In my free time, I love to make my own music, paint, and go to the gym. In the future I would love to work full time doing marketing or finance for a music/theater company while also creating my own music on the side. 

What made your decision to apply for the Encore internship? 
As an Arts Management major, I was particularly excited to gain experience working in the field I hope to pursue after graduation. I have really enjoyed working on shows with Encore in the past, so when I saw the internship posting on Encore’s website, I knew I had to apply. During my time with Encore, I’ve met wonderful people and made lifelong memories. I was so impressed by the talent and professionalism of the young performers and crew members, as well as the kindness and attentiveness of all the staff. It made the decision to apply an easy one! 

What shows have you participated with Encore before and please tell us all about it!
I have participated in Encore productions the past two summers while home from college. During the summer of 2022, I was in the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was a collaboration between 3 local theater companies: Encore, Arlington Players, and Avant Barde. This was my first time ever working with Encore, and from the start I knew I wanted to work with them again. 

Last summer I was in the cast of Freaky Friday as a part of Savannah’s Clique. I absolutely loved working with this cast, especially my friends in Savannah’s Clique: Natalie Garcia-Ruiz, Juliette Kane, and Drew Wright. Because I go to college in New York, summers can sometimes feel a little lonely, but the cast and crew of Freaky Friday provided me with a wonderful support system and lifelong friendships for which I am eternally grateful. 

What skills are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore this summer? 
I am so excited for the opportunity to work under wonderful mentors and learn what it takes for a non-profit theater company to operate smoothly from an administrative standpoint. My first experience on crew for a production gave me a newfound appreciation for all the effort that crew members put into making a show the best it can be, and I know the same will be true about the management positions. Everything from box office operations to fundraising and development is crucial and advantageous in this industry. I’m especially looking forward to improving my skills in website design and learning about managing finances for a non-profit organization.

Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable? 
My favorite role that I have ever played was Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Scwartzy) in my high school’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Not only is this show memorable on its own for its comedy and quirky characters, but the tight-knit cast made it a particularly special experience for me. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was actually my last show that I would perform at Falls Church High School due to the pandemic in 2020. Although I had been in many theatrical productions before, playing Schwartzy was the first time that I truly fell in love with a character, flaws and all. Schwarty is brilliant, funny, and spunky. She is strong willed, confident, and is not afraid to speak her mind – qualities that I admire and strive to embody in my own life. 

What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member? 
My favorite show I’ve ever seen is Once on This Island on Broadway! Perhaps the most unique aspect of the musical was its staging in the round, with sand covering the entire stage and real water representing the sea. Elements of the set were incorporated all throughout the theater, making the experience incredibly immersive, as if there was no separation between the actor’s world and the audience’s. I was blown away by the talent of the performers, including big names such as Hailey Kilgore, Alex Newell, and Lea Salonga. Beyond the incredibly talented performers and outstanding set design, Once On This Island tells a beautiful story. Ti Moune, a peasant girl, is saved from a terrible storm by the gods to settle their debate; Is love stronger than death? The heart-wrenching tale explores themes of faith, hope, prejudice, love, and death. 

Why do you think performing arts are important for young people?
A brilliant theater teacher once told me that if he could have any superpower in the world, he would choose the power of perspective – the ability to see any situation from someone else’s point of view and understand why people make the choices they do or are the way they are. He explained that theatre is the key to achieving this superpower. This sentiment has stuck with me because it has made me see the performing arts as the transformative experience they truly are. 

Participation in the performing arts is so important for young people, especially, because it encourages them to develop compassion for others and practice empathy. Theatre challenges performers to understand and embody characters that may be vastly different from themselves without judgment or inhibitions. Furthermore, the performing arts provide a form of self expression that allow young people to learn about themselves and the world around them in a creative and collaborative way. 

What is your dream character role or dream production to work on and why?
My #1 dream role is definitely Elle Woods in Legally Blonde! Not only is this role absolutely iconic, but the score is so catchy, and Elle’s songs are some of my favorites to sing. Her journey from a seemingly superficial sorority girl to a successful Harvard Law student breaks stereotypes and demonstrates that true strength comes from being resilient and unapologetically yourself. I would be honored to play this role some day! 

Another role I’d love to take on is Rusty in Footloose! My passion for the musical started back in 8th grade when I was chosen to perform the solo for “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” at a musical theatre summer camp. That experience made me fall in love with the show. I’d be thrilled to revisit the role of Rusty within the full context of the production, as she’s such a vibrant and confident character. 

What theme day should Encore have at the office?
I would love to see Encore have a “dream role” theme day at the office! Since we are all lovers of theater, it would be fun to learn about Encore employees’ favorite shows or characters they would like to play some day. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? 
I just want to give a shout-out to my supervisor, Aileen Christian, and to my co-intern, Matthew Bloss-Baum, for being the best team I could ever ask for! I appreciate both of you and feel so lucky to work with you both this summer!

Photos courtesy of Alex Beach.

The post Meet 2024 Arts Management Intern & Encore Alum Alex Beach appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

We’ve got an exciting summer coming your way and we’re thrilled to introduce you to our summer team! You’ve seen him in Encore’s past Stage Doors and season productions on cast and crew, meet one of our newest 2024 Arts Management Interns, Matthew Bloss-Baum!

Welcome back to Encore! Please introduce yourself to those who are new here and let us know what you are up to now:  

Hello!  My name is Matthew Bloss-Baum and I am currently a rising sophomore at Fordham University in New York City.  I am a communications major with a double minor in Film /TV and Political Science.  At school, I am very involved in the arts.  I am in an A Cappella group that I am also on the E-Board for and I am very involved in our main stage theatre club which does four productions a year.  This year I was on the cast for three and did costumes for the last one!

What years and programs/productions (and roles) were you involved in Encore?

During my time participating in Encore, I was a part of almost 30 productions.  I was doing shows from the second I could, I started when I was just 10 years old and did productions until I was a junior in high school.  Some of my favorites were Snow White, The Little Mermaid Jr., and Newsies!  I always enjoyed the musicals the most because my favorite was being able to joke around and sing with my friends!

What career or latest projects are you working on right now? What is your latest role at Encore? 

A big project that I am working on right now is building my TikTok page.  Over the past few years, I have had the best time making content and short videos about all of my interests online and have been really taking off recently.  TikTok has given me the opportunity to work with brands that I love and make content for them!  It is a really great creative outlet for me and cannot wait to continue making content.

This summer I am currently back at Encore as the Arts Management intern.  It is truly a wonderful full circle moment to know I am coming back to a place that feels like home to me and be on the other side of things and can be a role model to the new age of Encore kids.  While I am interning at Encore, I am also interning at another theatre in Washington, DC.  So you could say I have a busy summer ahead of me, but I could not be more excited to be working in the arts every day.

What Encore experiences or moment(s) were most memorable for you and why?
The most memorable experiences for me at Encore were the friendships I made through doing the productions.  Encore created a space that made everyone want to bond so much by bringing us together through making art.  I made so many lifelong friends through doing shows with Encore and could not be more grateful.  

What skills or lessons did you take away from your time at Encore?

What I gained so many skills through my time at Encore.  When Encore says “By Kids, For Kids”, nothing could be more true.  I learned how to sing, dance, act, build a set, make costumes, market a show, work with customers, and so much more.  Encore really set me up to work in theatre in any capacity and am constantly using the skills I learned here at college.

Were there any friendships or people who resonated with you at Encore?

I have made so many friends through Encore and met so many amazing people.  I met one of my best friends in the entire world through Encore, Hannah Knittig.  We met doing my first Encore show together all the way back in 2014 and ever since then have been best friends.  Even though we are not running around in fairytale costumes anymore and are adults living far from each other we are still so close because of the bond Encore built for us. 

Any words and wishes to share with students interested in trying out theatre? 

My biggest piece of advice for someone thinking about trying out theatre is to do your best to take all the different opportunities you can and put yourself out there because you won’t regret it.  There are so many different aspects to theatre that are more than just acting, including set building, sewing, crafts, education, marketing, and the list just goes on.  The theatre community is so special and I think there is a place for everyone in it.  So, if you have any inkling to get involved DO IT, it will be the best decision you will ever make for yourself.  

How has theatre and Encore impacted your life? 

Encore and theatre more than just impacted my life, it has made my life what it is.  Encore provided me with learning that the arts are my greatest passion.  Theatre has given me the relationships, confidence, and skills that make me the person I am today.  I know for a fact I will be working in the arts industry for the rest of my life and I have Encore to thank for that.  

Speaking of impact, we have an announcement! This summer we’re delighted to introduce the Encore Alumni group: The Encore Impact. Join us as we relive the Encore memories, rewind to the start of our journey, and learn how to give back to our Encore family!

Photo credit: Larry McClemons, Cindy Kane Photography, Aileen Pangan Christian | Other Photos Courtesy of Matthew Bloss-Baum

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