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There are so many theatre programs to choose from – What makes Encore! different?
At Encore! we do not “put on a play.” We are not looking for potential cast members with the requisite talent and physical characteristics to fit pre-selected roles. You are the product at Encore! – you create and perform original theatre under the guidance of our expert staff while developing your skills in all the theatre arts disciplines.
Cultural crossroads – We use our surroundings in the beautiful Cote d’Azur as not only a dramatic backdrop for our work, but a resource and inspiration for creativity. Why drag everyone to the South of France for the same program you could conduct in Iowa or Athens?
Because our staff and students come from world capitals such as Paris, London and New York, as well as small towns in Ohio and Iowa or a village in Yemen our creative work is imbued with the clash and complement of various cultures that participants bring with them. Further, theatre traditions from various cultures are incorporated into the curriculum as well. The physical theatre tradition of Europe is part of our work and the ancient tradition of street performance becomes part of the program as we perform at the International Theatre Festival in Avignon.
We work and play as an ensemble – learning to work together, lead, follow and share strengths, talents as well as weaknesses and inexperience. Trust, respect and responsibility within the group become priorities. Throughout the month we work to build a safe and supportive environment in which participants can take risks in their work.
Not everyone will hit high C, kick their foot over their head, or make us cry with a dramatic interpretation. However, each participant must find and expand their range in each discipline and present it professionally as part of an ensemble performance.
So, is this program designed for the serious theater student or for students looking to explore in a fun atmosphere?
That truly depends on what the student brings to the program, puts into their work and chooses to take away. Although a career in the arts is not in the cards for every Encore! alumnus, we conduct the program as professional preparation. Each participant is required to stretch themselves to their own limits. They learn to work as artists – testing ideas and techniques, find what works and what doesn’t work. By the end of the summer along with their new (or newly honed) theatre skills, participants take away significant experience in ensemble and team-building.
Some participants are “triple threats” with strong abilities in all three disciplines. However, there is also room at Encore! for singers who don’t dance, actors who don’t sing, and dancers who don’t act. Commitment and curiosity are weighed along with experience and training in the admission process.
Doesn’t all this inclusion and ensemble stuff make the final production a real amateur hour?
Quite the opposite. Because everyone is held to professional standards, it raises the level of performance and the quality of the content to impressive levels. The intensity of the program, small size of the ensemble (no more than 24) and the ability of the staff to integrate the various disciplines, means that the ensemble can reach a high level of artistic achievement.
The Buzz
Comments from past participants & parents
Encore! offered a truly life-changing an daffirming experience for [our daughter]. The staff are so incredibly talented an devoted…the students learned everything yous said they would learn, including trust of one another and owkring together despite very different goals and personalities. The show was very professional, entertaining, and though-provoking, and the actors/signers/dancers were unbelibable.
Emily & Henry
2001 parents
The best summer of my life!
Mia 2000 and scores of other students
I was surprised to play a comedic role and be successful at it. I had never been funny and was amazed to hear the laughter when I was on stage.
Valeria, 2003
I can sing and not have to be so self-conscious.
Thanks!
Daniel,
2005
[I was surprised by] how much fun it was. I was expecting a great summer, but i got a whole lot more than that. A great group of people doing what i love most in the entire world with amazing instructors...one of the best experiences in my life.
Anouk 2005
I had tons of fun and I still can't believe how
much I've
learnt in that month!
Amy,
2001
I gained exceptional confidence in my voice
Kate, 2000
This was a most amazing experience! I have never
been part of an ensemble that was so accepting and close and the directing
staff helped to foster this. The program was professional and in-depthl
Gwen,
1999
For anyone who hesitates to send their child to this program…please reconsider. [Our daughter] benefited in more ways than we could have hoped for or imagined.
Liana, 1998 parent
This has been a n incredible experience. I wouldn’t
trade it for the world. I’ve learned a lot and had the time of my
life. You’ll all be mentioned when I win my Oscar.
Felipe,
2002
What I was really amazed at was the enthusiasm of the directors. They were so willing to pass on their talents and knowledge to us. They made us come so far.
Emmy, 2002
[I learned] I need to stop being a big chicken
when it comes to voicing ideas.
Ansley,
2002
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