A theater company that puts the process of creating theater into the hands of young people, Encore has produced 223 plays for over 375,000 audience members – and every role has been performed by an actor under the age of 18. A summer musical welcomes high school and college performers itching to return to their artistic home. Technical crew positions offer expert training in props, lighting, effects, and stage management. Year-round classes and a summer drama program help kids hone their skills, while older students hold coveted internships. Partnering with an affordable housing complex, a grocery distribution program, and a county office assisting homeless children, Encore offers movement and creative play, theater and craft activities, and creative arts summer camps, extending its good work into the community. Leadership, creativity, and teamwork are all part of the creative process.

COVID-19 Update: In August, outdoor, in-person classes and outreach programming continued in a hybrid format. Classes during the school year moved to virtual delivery and have seen a decrease in participation (and revenue) – but those who attend find the virtual programming extremely effective. Encore believes that the pandemic will create new opportunities and that it will be able to recover from a position of strength.

Headquarters: VA-Arlington County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Native American

Population(s) Served: Students

Schools They Work In: We work in the following Arlington County Public Schools:; Arlington Science Focus School; Jamestown Elementary School; Kenmore Middle School; Nottingham Elementary School; Taylor Elementary School; Thomas Jefferson Middle School; Tuckahoe Elementary School

Awards & Recognition

2007 - Elizabeth Campbell Award for Outstanding Community Arts Organization

Press

  • Encore Stage & Studio Announces Their Selection For 2014/2015 Catalogue For Philanthropy
    Fri Jun 20 2014, Alexandria News  
    This award reflects Encore 's status as a highly effective local nonprofit, working to build a life-long appreciation for live theatre.
    connect here

Budget (FY2013)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Encore Stage & Studio is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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