theatre by kids for kids

Meet 2024 Apprentice, Benji Lord

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We are so excited to introduce to you someone you may have seen around Encore these last few months… Meet the newest member of the apprenticeship team, Benji Lord!

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Loudoun County Virginia. I have 2 older brothers and a younger sister. Theater has always been a part of my life. As a child I loved to create characters and act them out with my friends. My best friend and I had personas where we were doctors, and aliens from another planet. My grandparents would often take me to go see shows at the Kennedy Center. I started doing theater myself in 8th grade. My first role was The Mad Hatter in Alice In Wonderland Jr. I loved it so much I decided to pursue it when I went to college. I just recently graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Theatre.

What made your decision to apply for the Encore apprenticeship?

I wanted to immerse myself in theater. I have been teaching theater to young people since I was in high school. An apprenticeship allows me to gain more experience in what I love doing. I’m able to put what I learned in college to use so I don’t forget everything immediately. I found out about the opportunity through my friend Shannon who is also an arts apprentice here.

What Encore programs and projects have you worked on so far?

I have had the joy of working on the Nemo Ball, Flip the Script at Dorthy Hamm, and our different residency shows.

What shows, classes, or skills are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore?

I look forward to getting to work on the Sound of Music in anyway that I can. I love that show and its been one of my favorites since I was 6.

Can you describe your favorite theater/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?

During college I had a really crazy quick change where I had to quickly get my makeup put on and completely change my appearance in 15 mins.

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

Les Miserables, Sound Of Music

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

I think the performing arts allow young people to make important connections with other young people. The skills you learn from the performing arts are able to translate easily into other aspects of life. 

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

I would love to play Edna Turnblad in a professional production of Hairspray. 

What theme day should Encore have at the office?

Monochrome outfit day!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I hope to continue my job in the arts in many different ways as I continue to grow. 

We’re so glad to have Benji on the team and to teach our programs! Be sure to follow us on social for more behind the scenes with our apprentice team!

Meet our Marketing & Development Coordinator: Josie Ziemski

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The Front Row Blog

From content creation to leading the front of house crew, our 2023 Arts Management intern made a lasting impression. We’re so excited to reintroduce you to Josie Ziemski, our new Marketing and Development Coordinator!

We’re so glad to have you on our marketing and development departments! What made you want to return to Encore?
When I first started my internship, I was struck by how welcoming everyone in the Encore community was, whether that was the admin staff, the teaching artists, or the young actors and actresses! I was so excited to be able to take on a full-time role to continue working with such amazing people while doing work I truly enjoy! 

Looking back at your internship, what did you enjoy the most?

Over the summer, I enjoyed being involved in the summer camps – I was able to go and photograph many of the shows as well as creating the digital programs for the final performances! I loved being able to see the students growing their theatre skills- all while having a fun summer with Encore!

What project have you found the most exciting so far this season?

I find working on the programs for our 2023/2024 season shows to be so exciting. Though it is a lot of work, seeing the actors and actresses so excited to see the final program and excitedly flip through the pages on opening night makes me feel so happy. 

What are you looking forward to this 2023/2024 season?

This season, I am so excited to work with the front of house crews for each of the shows!

What have you learned about yourself on the Encore team?

I have only worked at Encore full-time for a little more than 3 months, but I have already learned so much about myself! I am definitely still learning a lot, but I learned and reflected about my design abilities as well as realize I thrive in fast-paced environments (even though sometimes I need a minute to catch my breath!)

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am so excited to continue with Encore and cannot wait to see what the future has in store!

Catch Josie at the box office and be sure to give a great Encore hello!

Meet 2023/2024 Arts Apprentice (Taylor Rawlings)

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If you enjoyed the music direction in our 2023 summer show Freaky Friday as much as we did, you’ll gonna love the newest member of the Encore team! Meet Taylor Rawlings and her latest Encore endeavor as our 2023/2024 Arts Apprentice! Learn about her background in voice and her newest Encore journey (a true “TV”, Taylor’s Version!)

Tell us about yourself!

I’m from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. I went to Belmont University in Nashville, TN for my Bachelor’s in Voice Performance, and Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for my Master’s in Voice Performance.

What made your decision to apply for the Encore apprenticeship?

I applied to the Encore apprenticeship to learn the ins and outs of theater, and to better prepare myself for working in the arts.

Have you worked or participated with Encore before your apprenticeship and please tell us all about it!

Over the summer of 2023, I worked with Encore’s summer camp programs as well as being involved as the Music Director for Encore’s summer production of Freaky Friday.

What shows, classes, or skills are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore?

I’m most excited to work on behind the scenes aspects of shows – including props, lighting, and sound – as well as helping to direct shows. I’m also very interested in the graphic design aspect of the marketing for Encore’s shows and events.

Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?

My first show during my undergrad was an opera called Die Fledermaus, which was my first time being involved with an opera. It really solidified my love for the art of opera and theater, with the cast and crew being so lovely and the show itself being so much fun.

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

My favorite musical is the recent-ish musical adaptation of Beetlejuice. I found this show during 2020 quarantine and had the honor of seeing the almost all original cast on Broadway when he reopened in 2022.

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

Performing arts help build a community for young people as well as self-confidence. Being on a stage can be scary, but having a solid circle of good people surrounding you on and offstage can help greatly.

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

Though it is a relatively small role, the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd is adream of mine. I’ve always loved the more macabre musicals, and her character just seems so much fun to play. I’ve also simply loved her one song she sings – Green Finch and Linnet Bird – for years. There’s also the role of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Suddenly Seymour is obviously a classic.

What theme day should Encore have at the office?

Since I can’t choose just one, here would be my top two picks – either Star Wars or a fantasy type theme. Star Wars I suggest just because there’s so many fun things we could do, and fantasy because its pretty open for interpretation.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m super excited working as an apprentice!

We are just as excited to have Taylor on the Encore team!

Meet Josie Ziemski, 2023 Arts Management Intern

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We’re so excited to have Josie on the administrative team this summer as our 2023 Arts Management Intern! Learn about her passion for theatre and how the performing arts gave her confidence!

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Josie Ziemski. I am from Potomac, Maryland and I recently graduated from The Catholic University of America where I majored in Digital Arts and minored in Digital Storytelling and Video Production. 

Why did you apply for the Encore arts management internship?
I have always absolutely loved theater, in college I was a part of our student run theatre company as a set designer as well as a graphic designer in the marketing department. When I was looking for opportunities after college I was interested in the theatre space while still using my background in arts/marketing. When I found the listing for the arts management internship, it sounded like a perfect fit!

What are you looking forward to learning during your time at Encore?
I am looking forward to working more with the students working front of house and box office as well as getting very hands-on and professional experience creating marketing materials in a theater setting!

Can you describe your favorite theatre/performing arts experience and what made it so memorable?
Last winter I was asked by a masters student at Catholic University to create illustrations to be projected as backdrops during his opera thesis as well as doing the set design and marketing materials. It was such an amazing opportunity to be able to work with him and help a composer/playwright bring his vision to light. 

What’s your favorite play or musical as an audience member?
One of the first musicals I remember seeing, and remains my favorite, was The Lion King on Broadway and it was probably the best introduction to the theater world I could have possibly had. 

Why do you think performing arts are important for young people?
Performing arts gives young people the opportunity to express themselves in such a unique way – it also allows young people to break out of their shell and gain confidence (as it did for me!). 

What is your dream character role or dream production to work on and why?
I would love to do set design and/or the marketing for Little Women (although Anything Goes is a close second!). The story and aesthetic itself are beautiful and the opportunity to work on it would be a dream come true!

What theme day should Encore have at the office?
Dressing up as the play/musical character you relate to the most, I would love to see everyone’s choices and I think we would all get to know each other a lot more!

We can’t to see all the amazing things you’ll do with us this summer!

Encore Alum Reviews Charlotte’s Web

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Encore alum, Xander Tilock shares his review of Charlotte’s Web:

“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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