An Encore Theatre student roams around the guests seated at the Washington Country Club fundraising brunch looking under chairs, behind the podium and up in the corner. He is looking for “belonging” from Finding Nemo, one of last season’s Encore Stage and Studio productions.

The morning program featured bits and pieces of the season including the famous “do, re, mi” from “The Sound of Music” as well as students sharing their experiences with the theatre.

Encore Stage and Studio annual fundraiser at Washington Golf and Country Club

 

This year’s Encore Benefit Breakfast was “Together: I’m Looking for Belonging,” to emphasize last year’s theme according to Sarah Duke, executive director of Encore Theater. Duke has been there 14 years and has seen real growth in their offerings. “Encore is theatre by kids for kids. We have developed a deep commitment to the community with scholarships, working with Title I and the Flip the Script connector.”

Madaline Langston, the program director, says Encore started in 1967 with the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation. “It was ‘A Pocket of Preposterous Poems’ held at Lubber Run.” She says they added summer camps and educational programs in the 70s and 80s. She says the season has grown from three plays a year to the current six as people have learned about Encore and to trust what they offer. It offers the largest children’s theater program in Northern Virginia. “We provide a journey as the students gain confidence from acting and participating in the production, and that confidence can’t be taken away. They learn they can do anything.”

The next production is Rapunzel from May 31-June 9 at Thomas Jefferson Community Center. For tickets and information, see https://encorestage.org/showsandtickets/