ALEXANDRIA, VA- From parking lot productions to community stages, Encore Stage & Studio’s Theatre Arts Education is known for taking the theatre out into the community. This summer, more of Alexandria’s children will be able to make a dramatic stage entrance with a two-week summer theatre camp kickoff at Fairlington Presbyterian Church.
Madaline Langston, Encore Stage & Studio’s Director of Programming and the head of its Flip yhe Script Program, said she is excited about launching the 2025 Encore Stage Camp in collaboration with the church. “We’re met some wonderful people in the community there and are trying to grow in Alexandria,” Langston said.
Working with Rev. Julie Black, the church’s pastor, and reaching out to the Waypoint Apartment Community, Encore has presented various community programs and information sessions. Since last fall, Encore Stage has presented a bilingual children stage event at Charles Barrett Elementary School, a two-hour theatre presentation at St. Anges & St. Stephen Elementary School, and a puppetry program at the Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center.
Headquartered in Arlington, Encore is an acclaimed foundation for on-stage productions, offering a series of classes, workshops, private lessons, and camps.
For many students in the region, Encore is the first theatre-going experience. Seasons include seven to eight fully-realized productions with children aged nine to 18 as actors and crew members. They are able to experience every aspects of a theatrical production. As part of Encore’s goals, when children fill the various roles required in a production they become more creative and self-confident.
“For kids aged six to nine years,” Langston said, “we’re excited to offer a summer of brand-new themes to captivate your students’ minds and activate their energetic creativity through a jam-packed week of movement, character creation, problem solving, and more.”
Each camp program is scheduled to conclude with a final sharing on the last day. The first week of camp—”Broadway Kids Disney: Water & Ice”—runs June 16-20 at Fairlington Presbyterian Church. The second week—“Broadway Kids Disney: Heroes & Sidekicks”—runs June 23-27 at the same location.
“Whatever their needs are, we are there to help fulfill that and want to expand those services to Alexandria,” said Langston, adding that scholarship support is available for those who need assistance. “We’re taking the theatre to the community as opposed to having them come to us.”
At a benefit breakfast for the Encore Stage & Studio’s “Theatre by Kids, for Kids” on April 23 at the Washington Golf and Country Club, student actors and singers showed the skills they’ve learned. Professional photographer and Encore volunteer
Cindy Kane was awarded the 2025 Celeste Award, recognizing her outstanding photography and devotion to the organization at the event.
A production of the classic “The Wizard of Oz”will be presented by Theatre for Kids, by Kids from May 30 to June 8 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Glebe Rd.) in Arlington. Tickets are available at Encore’s website.
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