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.

Tell us about yourself and your new role at Encore!

I am a recent George Mason University graduate with a BFA in Musical Theater and a minor in Social/Human Rights and am the new education apprentice here at Encore!

What have you done with Encore in the past?

In the past, I have interned/been a teaching artist at the summer camps and most recently was an actor in ‘Circulo/Circle’ and directed “Rabbit in The Moon”

How did you hear about Encore? 

I heard about Encore through a search of theater-related summer internships and then found out two of my former college classmates worked here and could give me more information, resulting in me applying this past summer!

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

One of my absolute favorite musicals to watch is probably “In The Heights”, I love the plot and the music!

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

Performing Arts are important to young people as they open the door to many opportunities, whether it be creating a new community, finding your future passion, or exploring new ways to express yourself in ways you never thought possible. 

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

I would love to work on “In The Heights” as it is a show I am familiar with and have loved for many years. The story of this musical is also a story I relate to as a Dominican immigrant from New York and am sure many others relate to as well. 

Welcome Mery, we are so excited to have you joining our team! Look out for her if you come to see The Twelve Dancing Princesses this weekend, or if you sign up for our next round of Encore classes.

Photos provided by Mery Estrella. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson.

The post Meet Encore’s Education Apprentice, Mery Estrella appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

The Magic of Musicals for Grades 4-5 (Winter)

Explore your favorite musicals and discover new shows in this high-energy class. Learn to interpret a song and dazzle your audience as you build confidence in your performance skills. This class may be repeated, as we’ll focus on new songs and scenes each session.

Thursdays, February 6 – March 27, 2025 (8 sessions)
Time: 5pm – 6pm

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $180

Broadway Basics – The Next Step for Grades 2-4

Ready to elevate  your musical theatre skills to the next level?  Join us and learn how to perform in a musical number! You will sing, dance and learn some amazingly fun lyrics from popular musicals!

Saturdays, January 25 – February 22, 2025 (5 sessions)
Time: 10:15am – 11:15am

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $120

Feb. 17, 2025: Broadway Show Hits and Choreography Workshop for Grades 3-8

When school’s off, Encore’s on…onstage, that is! Students in grades 3-8 will discover the world of theatre through Broadway Show Hits including songs from Hamilton, Wicked, and Newsies! Enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.

Monday, February 17, 2025 (Presidents Day) | 10:00am-2:00pm | Encore @ Cherrydale

Fee: $90 (AM & PM Extended hours available for an additional fee)

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

July 21-25: Kindergarten The Musical (Ages 3-5)

Go on a musical adventure with Berti and her friends as she learns to navigate Kindergarten! Using her big imagination, she expresses her feelings through fun song and dance numbers!  Campers will share in the joys of learning, friendships, and trying new things. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Tuckahoe Elementary School  (6550 26th St N, Arlington, VA 22213)*  .

Price:  $265 Early Bird | $290 After January 31st

“Come on, get ready for kindergarten, the musical (the musical)
Let’s put on the show” – Kindergarten the Musical Theme Song

June 16-20, 2025: Broadway Kids Disney: Water & Ice (Ages 5-9)

Celebrate the magic of Disney with Encore! Sing and dance to some of the most popular Water and Ice Adventure Disney songs from The Little Mermaid to Frozen! Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp. No camp on June 19.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location:  Fairlington Presbyterian Church (3846 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302)

Price: $350 Early Bird | $385 After January 31

Also offered at two more locations at later dates.

June 30-July 11, 2025: Broadway Bootcamp (Ages 9-12)

Ready to work toward your personal greatest show? Let your musical theatre skills reach their peak during this training. Geared toward musical theatre lovers and newbies alike, this ensemble atmosphere will build dance and acting skills. Start on your path toward triple-threat status and learn all about what it takes to make it on Broadway. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp. No camp on July 4.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $815 After January 31st

“The teachers are AMAZING. I love that they’re all so into their craft– they’re not just bored teenagers on their phones like at some other camps. They are real artists and arts educators with high standards that result in the kids creating something at the end of the week that they’re really proud of. They’re also just warm and welcoming and seem to enjoy getting to know the kids.” – Parent Review

June 30 – July 18, 2025: Stage Door + Tech Camp Aladdin Jr. (Ages 12-15)

The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for young performers! Camp concludes with two fully staged performances.

Stage Door: This immersive camp experience will give students a glimpse of what it’s like to work as a theatre professional. Mornings are spent sharpening performance skills. In the afternoons, students put these skills into action, collaborating with other artists in the daily rehearsal process. This program will conclude with final performances. No camp on July 4.

Tech Camp: With just three weeks to bring together all of the technical elements of a show, you’ll be challenged to bring your best, most creative self to camp every day. You’ll focus on exploring technical skills including scenic design, costuming, stage management, and more. By the third week of camp, you’ll be ready to present your designs to the public and run a seamless production of Aladdin from behind the scenes.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $1,195 Early Bird Deal | $1,265 After January 31st

“Research has found… that people feel more positive after actively singing than they do after passively listening to music or after chatting about positive life events.” – Oxford University

March 8, 2025: Student One Acts & The Wizard of Oz Pre-Audition Workshop

Our optional pre-audition workshops help students learn what to expect at an Encore audition and how to present themselves. Join us to remove the mystery from the audition process and prepare yourself for the next open call!

Encore @ Cherrydale | Fee: $80

The post Choose Your Musical Era appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

July 14-18, 2025: Summer Stooges (Ages 9-12)

Do you love to laugh? Join Encore for a hilarious journey as we explore physical comedy, clowning, and more. You’ll be sure to leave any audience in stitches with the comedic antics you’ll learn in this side-splitting session. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

“[My student] told us all about story development. She loved the opportunity to be creative!.” – Parent Review

July 21-25, 2025: Commedia Dell’Arte and Mask Work (Ages 9-12)

Grab your Il Dottore mask and learn about the tradition of Commedia dell’Arte, the world’s oldest type of professional theatre! Actors will gain an appreciation for the stock comedic characters that have influenced beloved figures through the ages, work on exaggerated physical movements, and develop an understanding of the history of comedic theatre. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

August 4-8, 2025: Scene Stealers (Ages 9-12)

Are you ready for hilarity, silliness, and a whole new style of theatre? Yes, and? The fun doesn’t stop during this week-long improvised comedy intensive. Develop characters, set the scene, and write your own story…all on the spot. Whether you’re completely new to improv or a seasoned comedy lover, every camp comes to life in brand new ways!

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am

Location: Clarendon Presbyterian Church (1305 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA 22201)

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

“[My student’s favorite part was] all the improv games and coming up with skits. They love the chance to be creative and lean into their tween weirdness with other creative tween weirdos.” – Parent Review

August 18-22 2025: Live From Encore! (Ages 9-12)

Close out your summer with a load of laughs and a round of applause! Team up with your fellow campers to create hilarious sketches using long-form improvisation techniques you’ll learn from our professional teaching artists. Remind me: whose line is it, anyway?

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Clarendon Presbyterian Church (1305 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA 22201)

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

June 17-June 28, 2025: Stage Door The Great Cellphone Catastrophe (Ages 12-15)

This delightfully absurd play introduces us to some likable, goofy high school students who must live — briefly at least — without their omnipresent cell phones.Nerd Stevie is frustrated that Stella, the girl of his dreams and the leader of the Cool Kids, won’t acknowledge him, so he devises a way to disable all the cell phones in town. With no phones, everyone must — gasp! — talk to one another. Utilizing projections, sound effects, and video, a funny and randomly weird adventure ensues. The Cool Kids try to solve the cell phone mystery, while Stevie and the other Nerds cluelessly try to prevent them from learning the truth. Along the way they encounter wild animals at a suburban park, hostile squirrels, a trio of Fosse dancers, singing Puritans, touchy beat poets, and a chicken on the lam. No Camp July 4.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $770 Early Bird Deal | $815 After January 31st

“[My student loved] learning all about tech/working backstage with the team.” – Parent Review

July 21-August 1, 2025: Stage Door The Dumbest Play Ever (Ages 12-15)

Wow! This has to be the worst title ever for a play, right? Unless… maybe not? In a series of silly scenes that will have us laughing at the “dumbness” in everything, the real question in the end is about what matters most. And while we all can do dumb, goofy things at times (maybe a lot of the time!), we all offer something of value as well. Despite its name, this play smartly poses pertinent questions like: Is Artificial Intelligence smart or dumb? Is a tri-fork an amazing brainstorm or just another silly idea? And why are really good answers on a quiz show somehow wrong? Perhaps Mabel’s Meditative Yoga Class is what we need to just let it all go and not worry whether any of this is smart or dumb or silly or weird, because it’s definitely all of the above! Demonstrating that we can all see a bit of ourselves in this play, the opening scene has the playwright himself as a character making fun of his own dumb ideas — this very play possibly being one of them! Players and the audience join in the fun with these ditzy characters through eight more scenes with cast sizes ranging from 2 to 8. No one will walk away from this show without feeling both a little bit ‘dummer’ and a lot more smarter!

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $850 Early Bird Deal | $900 After January 31st

August 11-22, 2025: Usher: A Totally Teen Comedy (Ages 12-15)

The works of Edgar Allan Poe are bone-chilling, dark, depressing — nevermore, quoth the raven! This skillful adaptation takes a grand mix of Poe’s writing and characters and weaves them together into a teen-savvy comedy loosely based on “The Fall of the House of Usher” but with more laughs and a much brighter ending. After the bus breaks down on a dark and stormy night, a bunch of high school students on a field trip are forced to spend the night in the spooky house of Usher. But they’re not alone! The spirits of Usher ancestors haunt the halls, cursed to stay trapped in the house forever, unless someone helps the last surviving Usher find the will to truly live life. Along with a healthy dose of entertaining teen drama, Usher touches on some weighty issues that haunt the nightmares of most teens — isolation, loneliness, suicide, and peer pressure. But lighten up, it’s a comedy after all! With characters drawn from classics such as “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Tell Tale Heart,” “Annabel Lee,” and some lesser-known works, there are countless winks, nudges, and nods to the Master of Horror. The House of Usher doesn’t fall at the end in this show, but Usher will bring down yours!

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 9:00am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Encore @ St. Andrews (4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207)

Price: $850 Early Bird Deal | $900 After January 31st

We look forward to having a load of laughs this summer! Don’t miss out!

The post Choose Your Improv Era appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

July 28-August 1, 2025: Stage Combat Adventures (Ages 9-12)

Ever wonder how actors are able to fight ferociously on stage show after show without so much as a scratch? Well, here is your chance to find out! Watch as we open your student’s eyes to the magic that is staged combat and movement. Campers will leave with the skills necessary to begin their climb to the Stage Combat big leagues! Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

July 28-August 1, 2025 Combat & Adventure Acting for the Stage (Ages 12-15)

Ever wonder how actors are able to fight ferociously on stage show after show without so much as a scratch? Well, here is your chance to find out! Watch as we open your student’s eyes to the magic that is staged combat and movement. Campers will leave with the skills necessary to begin their climb to the Stage Combat big leagues! Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 9:00am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

Rainbow Fish for PreK (Ages 3-5)

Step into the world of theatre designed for our youngest friends, with the classic story, Rainbow Fish! Develop the confidence of sharing a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Your little one will build their creativity through imagination and play.

January 25 – February 22, 2025 (5 sessions)
Time: 9:00am-9:45am

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $120

“Our daughter had some anxiety about performing in front of an audience and they worked with her to make sure she was fine on performance day!” – Parent Review

Return of the Wild Things (Grades K-1)

Where are the Wild Things?  Right here with Encore Stage & Studio! Monsters, creatures, animals, and aliens are all welcome in this imaginative drama class for young performers. Using the classic book as inspiration, students will explore a familiar story and then gain the confidence to create their own wild vision.  This class is a great way to stretch the imagination and build confidence on the stage.

Saturdays, January 25 – February 22, 2025 (5 sessions)
Time: 9:00am-10:00am

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $120

Saturday On Stage presents Fairytale Network  (Grades 3-5)

Take your acting skills to the next level with our newest program, Saturday On Stage! Put on a show that bring fairytale stories to life in Fairytale Network! This class ends in fully staged One Act play!

Saturdays, January 25 – March 29 2025 (9 sessions)
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $280

June 23-27, 2025: Mission Impossible (Ages 5-9)

Welcome to a world of intrigue. Every day, you will receive an envelope and choose to accept the assignment. You may have to decode messages, solve a puzzle, complete an obstacle, or possibly go on a short mission. This camp calls for strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and creativity. No previous spying experience required. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Tuckahoe Elementary School  (6550 26th St N, Arlington, VA 22213)*

Price:  $430 Early Bird  |  $480 After January 31st

June 30-July 3, 2025: Transformers: Competition for the Ages (Ages 5-9)

The Transformers and their battle for Cybertron have landed at Encore! Join either the Noble Autobots or the Powerful Decepticons and compete in this epic contest for the Spotlight. This camp is “more than meets the eye!” Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp. (No camp on July 4)

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Tuckahoe Elementary School  (6550 26th St N, Arlington, VA 22213)*

Price:  $350 Early Bird  |  $385 After January 31st

“[My student] liked working with her group and coming up with wild ideas.” – Parent Review

July 7-11, 2025: Encore School of Wizardry (Ages 5-9)

Ever wanted to attend Wizarding School to learn spells, practice potions, and make magical friends that will last a lifetime? Explore the fantastic world of wizards through theatre, arts and crafts, and magic in our imaginary world! Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Tuckahoe Elementary School  (6550 26th St N, Arlington, VA 22213)*

Price:  $430 Early Bird  |  $480 After January 31st

June 23-27, 2025: Eureka! (Ages 3-5)

Build gadgets and go on adventures with Eureka! Let’s invent together through song and movement, music and rhythm, storytelling and crafts. Our experienced teaching artists will guide your students through themes of empathy, care, and communication. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Tuckahoe Elementary School  (6550 26th St N, Arlington, VA 22213)*  .

Price:  $265 Early Bird | $290 After January 31st

“Eureka! is an inspiring young girl with a big imagination and even bigger heart… through her creative inventions and friendships, she brings her prehistoric town together and helps others learn to look at the world from different perspectives.” – Joe D’Ambrosia from Disney Junior

July 7-11, 2025: Dora the Explorer (Ages 3-5)

Campers are engaged through activities based on popular children’s show: Dora the Explorer. Join Dora and friends as they navigate adventures using their trusty map as their guide! Activities will include; song and movement, music and rhythm, storytelling and crafts. Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Tuckahoe Elementary School  (6550 26th St N, Arlington, VA 22213)*  .

Price:  $265 Early Bird | $290 After January 31st

The post Choose Your Adventurous Era appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

Feb. 17, 2025: Broadway Show Hits and Choreography Workshop (Presidents Day) for Grades 3-8

When school’s off, Encore’s on…onstage, that is! Students in grades 3-8 will discover the world of theatre through Broadway Show Hits including songs from Hamilton, Wicked, and Newsies! Enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.

Monday, February 17, 2025 (Presidents Day) | 10:00am-2:00pm | Encore @ Cherrydale

AM & PM Extended hours available for an additional fee

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $90

March 8, 2025: Pre-Audition Workshop for Student One Acts & The Wizard of Oz

Our optional pre-audition workshops help students learn what to expect at an Encore audition and how to present themselves. Join us to remove the mystery from the audition process and prepare yourself for the next open call. Don’t let the audition process be “confusifying,” come prepare for your Wizard of Oz Era!

March 8, 2025 | 1:30pm-3:30pm | Encore @ Cherrydale

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $80

Jan. 30, 2025: The Wizard of Oz Mini-Camp & Play in a Day

When school’s off, Encore’s on…onstage, that is! Students in grades K-5 will discover the world of theatre through The Wizard of Oz with characters including Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow and more! Enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.

Thursday, January 30, 2025 (APS) | 10:00am-4:00pm | Encore @ Cherrydale

AM & PM Extended hours available for an additional fee

Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)

Fee: $90

July 7-11 2025: Costume & Make-up Design

You’ve landed the role. You meet with the costume designer, how do they make their choices? How do I apply my makeup? You will now become the designer, create the look and apply your own makeup to create your final show. This program will conclude with a final sharing on the last day of camp.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln. Arlington, VA 22207)

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

June 23-27, 2025: Summer Stories

Do you lie in bed each night with ideas swirling through your mind? Do you long to create stories that make it to the big screen or up on stage? This is the camp for you! Under the guidance of our professional teaching artists, bring all your wildest imaginations from your mind to the page and, perhaps, to the stage! Camp concludes with a Final Share for family on the last day of camp.

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm | Extended hours available 8:30am – 10:00am, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Kenmore Middle School (200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204)*

Price: $425 Early Bird Deal | $450 After January 31st

The post Choose Your Wicked Era appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

It is also used for break times! When actors are released for a five minute break, the stage manager will often call “take five,” and the expected response is “thank you, five!” It’s an easy way to communicate directions and establish accountability that the actors will be back by the end of their break and ready to rehearse again. 

But what’s the point? Why is this call and response so common in theater spaces? Well, it is more than just an effective tool to communicate. Having an expected response that all actors know and use helps to build a sense of community within the cast and crew. That’s what is so important about being an ensemble; you are all working together toward a common goal, and saying “thank you” helps to show that you are all on the same team! 

It also gives respect to the stage manager or directing team for the work they are doing to lead a cast. Just as saying “please” and “thank you” is respectful in other situations, we say “thank you” in the theater to acknowledge the responsibilities of our teachers and leaders.

Encore would also like to say “thank you” to all of you who have supported us this month with Giving Tuesday and our generous matches! You all make it possible for us to offer theatre by kids, for kids here in Arlington. Thank you for coming to see The Lion King Jr. and Jingle Bell Jam. Thank you for attending holiday mini camps. Thank you for your support behind the scenes. Thank you for driving your students to classes and rehearsals. It has been a great year of theatre here at Encore, and we look forward to what 2025 holds for us!

Already planning your New Year? You can register for winter classes or buy tickets to The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Flip the Script today!

Photos by Larry McClemons and Cindy Kane. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson

The post Thank you, places! appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Larry McClemons.

The post Tips of the Theatre Trade – “Yes, and?” appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

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!

The post Meet Crewton of the Year: Sam Regardie appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.

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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