Ben Schneider, the show’s director, said the musical comedy features Butler County youth in grades 7-12 and 2017 high school graduates.
“I’m an Encore alumni, so I was in Encore in 2001 and 2002. I had the best summer of my life. Especially, when I went off to college and I started my profession as a music teacher. I always wanted to give back, and I have been with the organization almost 10 years now. It’s been a big part of my life, and I truly love educating the kids,” Schneider said.
By participating in Encore Youth Theatre in the summer and Encore Junior in the fall, participants learn more about theater, such as, professionalism, how to act on stage and how to perform. Many of Encore’s alumni actors have gone on to excel in Opera, Broadway productions and regional theater.
Many of the students start in Encore Junior in third grade and they continue with the program all the way through high school. There were 98 auditions. Close to 75 actors from Butler County are involved in the show. Additional students are involved in the tech crew, lighting or with hair and make-up.
“We feel like it’s a diamond-in-the-rough musical. A former Fairfield alumni, Nick Cearley, and he’s our hometown theater hero, was in the National Broadway Tour as Dennis. He was the one that gave us the idea that it would be a great show for Encore to do,” Schneider said.
Contact this contributing writer at gmwriteon@aol.com.
How to go
What: Encore Youth Theatre will present “All Shook Up”
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 20, 21 and 22. Shows are at 8 nightly with an added matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: Miami University Hamilton, 1601 University Blvd., Parrish Auditorium
Cost: Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors 60 and older and children under age 12. Call (513) 675-KIDS (5437) to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door.
More info: www.encoreyouththeatre.net
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