At the top of the month we’ll be closing our new student devised work, Jamila’s Table. Opening weekend was a hit, don’t miss it! 

If you’re looking for your chance to be a part of our next productions, we’ve got two rounds of auditions coming this month. On March 11 we’ll have auditions for our Student Directed One-Acts. These will be an awesome opportunity to work with student directors and bring their creative visions to life! The following week, on March 18, there will be auditions for The Wizard of Oz. The creative teams are getting everything ready and are so excited to see you at both auditions this month!

If you’re looking for a chance to hone your craft or practice theatre skills, we have a new round of Saturday classes starting this week, and we also have minicamps in both Arlington and Alexandria. Spend your day off with us, at Return to Zootopia, Mulan, or Encore Toy Stories Mini-Camps. 

There’s lots to do in March at Encore! Keep an eye on our social media and blog for more fun stuff coming your way this month.

The post Things to do at Encore This March! appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Coming up first, we have “Seize the Day” from Newsies. This number is incredible because it starts off as a ballad with beautiful harmonies but evolves into a show stopping dance number. It truly is the number that highlights many skills from an ensemble that can do it all!

Next, we have “One Short Day” from Wicked.   This number is wonderful because it gives a lot of examples of world building through costuming and lyrics where we both see and hear the culture of The Emerald City and we get two beautiful moments where Elphaba notices for once she fits in, and also the moment that Elphaba and Glinda declare that they’re best friends.

Then we have “Biggest Blame Fool” from Seussical: the Musical.   Even though Seussical was not a commercial success on Broadway, it was perfectly rebranded for educational theater. When I was making this list, “Biggest Blame Fool” is also the moment in Seussical where our central conflict gets introduced and the majority of the cast and the ensemble is included.

Following that, we have “Too Darn Hot” from Kiss Me Kate.  This number has incredible choreography, featuring both tap dance breaks and swing dance.  For those of you who don’t know, Kiss Me Kate is a musical based of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew and also is a Cole Porter musical that was created in Broadway’s Golden Age, but has been revived numerous times since.

Finally, “He Lives In  You (Reprise)” is a beautiful number from The Lion King.  This number could’ve easily been a solo or duet, but it chose to incorporate the ensemble both on and off stage delivering vocals and filling the stage and dancing at the end. It is one of my favorite things when a act one solo comes back as an ensemble number in act two and this is no exception.

That concludes my list of five strong ensemble numbers in musical theatre!  I hope you enjoyed this list, if you want to see an amazing ensemble number featured in this list, we are producing Disney’s The Lion King Jr., running November 8-24, 2024.  Tickets can be purchased today!

Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Larry McClemons.

The post Five Strong Ensemble Numbers: Emma’s Ensemble Feature appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Hi, I’m Aidan Pritchard, and I’m a senior at Washington-Liberty High School. I’m currently doing my senior experience, a three-week internship, with Encore as a Box Office Student Associate! I’m also the Front of House Manager for Charlotte’s Web for two weekends. In these roles, I help Encore’s amazing staff with projects around the office and oversee the ushers, concession workers, and ticket scanners that make patrons’ Encore experience special. 

What Encore shows/programs have you participated in, and what have been some of your favorite roles and why?

My first experience with Encore was through its selection of summer camps. I participated in It’s Elementary for many years, then Scenes For Tweens, and even Stage Door. My first Encore show of the production season was Snow White. As a fifth grader, I was excited to perform with such a professional organization. Over the years, I’ve also been in the cast of Mary Poppins, Just Like Us, and Commedia Cinderella. While most recently I’ve done backstage crew and front of house, my favorite role has been Michael Banks in Mary Poppins. I learned a lot from the adult actors on cast, and they were great mentors and friends to me. I also must say I really enjoyed the opportunity to go on ABC7’s Good Morning Washington. It was a great window into the world of television production!

Why did you choose Encore for your senior experience?

I wanted to work with an organization involved in one of my areas of interest, and theatre is a big one! I thought it would be nice to give back to the community that had helped fulfill my dream of performing, and I knew that Encore does amazing work for children’s theatre right in my backyard. I also wanted to know more about careers in the performing arts besides acting, like management and marketing. 

What do you enjoy most about the front of house crew?

I love collaborating with other students and dividing up tasks so that we can accomplish everything smoothly. I enjoy feeling relied upon and knowing that I’ve helped brighten patrons’ day. An aspect I also find fun is using my “customer service voice” and “Disney hands,” which is like acting offstage!

You’re getting the STAR award this year, what does that mean to you?

To me, it means that I’ve stuck with Encore for a long time. Encore has been an integral part of my theatre journey from the very beginning until the present day. It also means that I’ve gone outside of my comfort zone and discovered new things about myself. At first, I was reluctant to try something beyond acting on stage, but thanks to this award, I discovered that I really love being on Front of House Crew. 

How has theatre impacted your life?

Theatre has had a profound impact on my life. It’s definitely been one of my biggest passions for a very long time, and I’ve been introduced to so many opportunities because of it. From making many great friends to improving my ability to problem solve through improv, theatre has helped me grow into the person I am today. It’s also increased my self-awareness, as I consider both how my character would feel in a given situation, and the notes my director gives me. 

What are you looking forward to in your senior experience with Encore?

I’m looking forward to learning more about box office operations and the ticketing software. I’ll also be happy to see another side of Encore, understanding the reasoning behind the processes I’ve seen as a student and Encore’s marketing choices as well. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Another noteworthy thing about me is my love of foreign languages. I’ve studied many over the years, from Spanish in elementary school, to French in middle and high school, and Japanese since sophomore year. I’ve also explored French and Korean over the summer, via a French-language government course at Sciences Po’s Reims and Paris campuses and studying at Hanyang University in Seoul. Other languages, like Chinese and Italian, I learn independently. For Chinese, I’ve gleaned much from social media apps like Douyin and Weibo, while to improve my Italian, I translated for my family along the Amalfi Coast. I intend to continue my language journey by majoring in Chinese alongside theatre, and minoring in French. Of course, I hope to learn many more too!

We’re so glad to have Aidan on the administrative and box office team!

Photo credit: Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian

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“With the right words, you can change the world.” 

This sentiment speaks right to the heart of Encore Stage and Studio’s current production of Charlotte’s Web. Alisa Kingsbury directed a talented young cast and brought these words to life in every corner of the show. The performance was enjoyable for all ages.

Encore’s outstanding technical staff, led by Kristen Jepperson as Technical Director, was consistently solid. Sam Regardie as the student set designer was outstanding in creating the immersive physical world of the play. Lighting by Gary Hauptman was also perfect as Encore patrons have come to expect.

The classic tale follows a pig named Wilbur (Abigail Reid) who is saved from an unfortunate fate on the farm by a child, Fern (Beatrice Misch). Wilbur is moved to another farm and navigates survival with the help —- or in some cases, reluctant help —- of the other barn animals.

The actors portraying animals took full advantage of their stage time, always painting an interesting stage picture with various barn activities. Lucy Constantine shined in her Encore debut as Charlotte, the titular character. She presented her poetic lines with the perfect touch of calm and teacher-esque tone without pushing the message of the show too far. Jonah Saxe countered Constantine as Templeton, the mischievous rodent and displayed masterful stage presence by earning abundant laughs from the audience with nearly every line. 

As for the humans onstage, the farm folk of Lurvy (Layne Markowski) Mr. Arable (Spencer Tilock) and Homer Zuckerman (Zachary Rubin) moved the story forward and made a significant impact in each scene they entered. 

As some may know, the plot takes a massive turn in the second act — a difficulty that the cast handled extremely well under the direction of Kingsbury and Assistant Director Jadion Jones. Additionally, Encore’s portrayal of Charlotte’s Web never felt too dark or overly theatrical. There was a perfect mixture of story, lessons to be learned and true emotion to be felt by all.

Charlotte’s Web is the perfect story for the full gamut of Encore patrons. We witness Wilbur’s entire perspective on the meaning of life evolve and grow. Ultimately, a somber yet heartwarming conclusion is reached — that we live to do good for others. The storytelling agents all flow beautifully together to culminate in theatergoers leaving with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful little details that make being in community together special.

Ultimately, the message also applies to what Encore as an organization is all about –- building community. Charlotte’s Web explains that friendship comes in many different forms, and our differences make us stronger. Post-pandemic, a new generation of Encore cast and crew has truly carried on the Encore way with pride —- and it makes for a production that is one of the season’s best. 


Charlotte’s Web continues next weekend at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, with performances on Friday at 7:30 pm, along with Saturday at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm and a final run Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at encorestage.org.

Blog contributor: Xander Tilock
Photography credit: Cindy Kane Photography

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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!

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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! 

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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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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

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#5 – FIVE Days of Fun for Spring Break Camp!

We’re excited to announce our spring break camp will be outdoors and in-person! This year, spring break camp is inspired by our favorite movies! Small groups of students will enjoy movement, theatre games and crafts led by Encore’s Teaching Artists. We are excited to provide an opportunity for students to spend (socially distanced) time with friends and activate their creativity!

Students and staff must wear masks, practice social distancing and pass a Covid-19 health screening and temperature check daily. Enrollment is a la carte. Enroll for select days to fit your schedule or the entire week.

Spring Break Camp Dates and Themes:
Monday, March 29 – Over the Moon
Tuesday, March 30 – The Sword in the Stone
Wednesday, March 31 – The Emperor’s New Groove
Thursday, April 1 – Tangled
Friday, April 2 – Wonder Park

Morning Camp: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Fee: $70 per day; $315 full week

Afternoon Camp: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Fee: $52 per day; $235 full week

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale UM Church
3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207

#4 – FOUR New Virtual Workshops in February!

Fairytale Action Virtual Workshop for Grades K-3
Friday, February 26
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Fee: $35

Improv for Kids Virtual Workshop for Grades 2-3
Saturday, February 13
Times: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Fee: $35

Myths & Legends Virtual Workshop for Grades 4-5
Saturday, February 13
Times: 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Fee: $35

Modern Dance Virtual Workshop for Grades 6-12
Monday, February 15
Times: 11:15 am-1:15 pm
Fee: $35

#3 – THREE ways to support Encore!

-AmazonSmile
Be sure to select or renewed your AmazonSmile settings to support Encore Stage & Studio Inc in the Amazon shopping app! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations:
-Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
-Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
-Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

-Create a Fundraiser on Facebook
You can raise money on Facebook and select Encore Stage & Studio as your non-profit of choice! This is a great way to spread the word about the organization you love with all of your friends in one place!

Make a Gift on our Website
Your support is vital as we provide theatre arts opportunities to children and youth during the pandemic and as we look toward spring and summer. Help us get ready for the day we can turn on the stage lights!

#2 – TWO-Pack of Encore Face Masks are Available for Purchase!

Rock your Encore spirit while staying safe! Two-pack of 100% cotton antimicrobial reusable face masks are available for $14. A single face mask is available for $8.

#1 – ONE Awesome Summer Ahead!

Save the date: Encore’s Summer Camp Registration Opens on March 1st!

At Encore, we are already hard at work planning our award-winning camp programs! We believe that summer enrichment is essential to the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children in our community. We cannot wait to be back together again onstage.

We are currently planning for a fully in-person summer camp season. Session information will be posted to our website on February 15.

This school year, we have developed thorough COVID-19 procedures for our in-person classes. We will follow all CDC, Virginia and local health guidelines and adapt programming as pandemic conditions dictate, such as holding camp outdoors, adjusting enrollment capacity or adding additional locations. We have also updated our camp refund policy because we understand that all of us will need flexibility this summer!

You are invited to join us for a Summer Camp Parent Q&A session on Saturday, February 20 at 10 am via zoom.

We will share our exciting summer plans and we want to understand your questions and concerns.

That’s the latest on Encore! We can’t wait to see you all in our spring and summer programs!

Photos by Cindy Kane Photography

The post What’s New at Encore by the Numbers appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. How have you been involved with Encore in past seasons?

Ryely: My name is Ryely Rogers and I am a sophomore at George C. Marshall High School. I have been actively involved with Encore for the past 3 years. I have been in 7 Encore shows, both cast and crew. My most recent project with Encore is Flip the Script – a student devised play about the integration of Arlington County Public Schools. We most recently performed Flip the Script at The Kennedy Center, and we are now touring!

Encore: Which camps did you work or volunteer for? Which age groups did you work with?

Ryely: Last summer I was a camp aide for It’s Elementary. The themes were Around the World in 5 Days and Space Pirates & Shooting Stars, both for students 5-9 years of age.

Encore: What is your most memorable camp moment?

Ryely: Being able to work as a camp aide was such a memorable moment in itself. I had so much fun and there are so many moments and memories I made at camp that I hold so near and dear to my heart. If I had to choose, I think the most memorable moments I had during camp would be when I got to play games and make crafts with my campers. It was such an amazing experience, I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with so many amazing kids, and was able to connect with them through something as powerful as theatre. Just being able to see the excitement on the campers faces was something that made me look forward to camp each day, and it is also what really made this experience so special to me.

Encore: What have you learned through working at Encore summer camps?

Ryely: I have learned to have more patience as well as responsibility and problem-solving skills. Through working as a camp aide, I learned that things don’t always go your way, and that’s okay. Not everything is going to work out perfectly how you planned and that’s okay too. Just go with the flow and take on the challenges that life throws at you one at a time. I had a lot of expectations before I began working at summer camp, and as it turns out my experiences were so much different than I could have ever imagined. I had so much fun being able to face challenges when they presented themselves and being able to learn and grow from them.

Encore: Please describe working at Encore camps in five words or less.

Ryely: Fun, exciting, creative, memorable, and challenging.

Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?

Ryely: I had such an amazing experience working as a camp aide this summer and I had so much fun. I am so glad that I was able to work with and learn from all of my campers. I hope I made even half the impact on the campers as they made on me, because they have definitely had a great impact on me, and they taught me so much I didn’t know before. This was a great learning opportunity and I could not have spent my summer any better than I did at camp!

With camps for ages 3-18, there is a place for every student at Encore this summer, whether it’s onstage, backstage, or on the teaching staff! The priority application deadline is March 1st, so get to work on your application today!

Photos by Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.

The post Connecting and Working at Camp: Ryely R. appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.