What does my child need to prepare for the audition?

Your student does not need to prepare anything for the audition. They will audition in a group with other students and participate in theatre exercises and improvisations. For a musical production, they may be asked to learn a dance or song during the audition. They should be ready to show off their acting skills along with the qualities Encore most looks for: projection, teamwork, creativity, and kindness. We also offer pre-auditions workshops for upcoming auditions which will be listed on the auditions page!

What should they wear?

Students should wear clothing comfortable for active movement and closed toe shoes.

Is there a fee to participate?

No! Encore is unique in that we do not charge any fee for participation in our production season shows.

Does every child who auditions get into the show?

No. Unfortunately, we are not able to cast every child that comes out. We encourage you to keep working and we will see you next time! If you feel your child could use assistance in their basic acting or singing skills Encore offers a wide variety of programs during the school year and summer that can help young actors grow. We also offer private acting and singing lessons.

What does the time commitment look like for an Encore show?

We ask that participants are available, outside of approved conflicts, for all scheduled rehearsals. Encore directors hold rehearsals typically 2-3 times a week with numbers increasing as the sh

What if I have conflicts during the rehearsal period?

We ask that all our students submit their conflicts with the rehearsal calendar in advance. We understand there may be some conflicts, but we ask that participants are able to commit to the majority of the rehearsal process, all of tech, and all performances. Please be upfront about your conflicts, withholding them can hurt the production, all roles and participants are important!

Is the whole cast expected at every rehearsal? Expand

Some directors may call specific cast members for specific rehearsals, others may call the full cast. It will depend on the show and the director.

How long do auditions take?

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your audition time to ensure that you have enough time to complete your audition forms, get your photo taken, and join an audition group without stress. You may have to wait for a bit before you go into the audition room, but, once inside, you should only take around 15 – 20 minutes. You can also download and complete the audition forms beforehand!

How do I sign up for an audition time? Do you accept walk ups?

You can find our sign up genius links for upcoming auditions on our website’s audition pages. Yes! While we encourage you to sign up we do accept walk ups. You will be slotted into the next audition group with space.

What if my child can’t make callbacks? Is that a dealbreaker?

While not a deal breaker it can definitely hurt your child’s chances of getting a role. Often the directors like to see how all the children called back work together in a group setting. Missing

How can parents get involved?

We ask that all of our production parents volunteer doing a front of house job at one or two shows, depending on the number of children in the show, during the run.

Encore @ Cherrydale 3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207

Encore Stage & Studio | Children’s Theater

At Encore Stage & Studio, auditions are about so much more than landing a role. We look for performers who come prepared, take direction, support one another, and bring curiosity, creativity, and a positive attitude into the room. Confidence is wonderful, but kindness, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are just as important. Students ages 9 and up are invited to audition for our casts, while students ages 12 and up can interview to join our technical crew and help bring productions to life behind the scenes.

While our mainstage productions and programs primarily feature youth performers, Bye Bye Birdie is a unique opportunity that brings together both young performers and adult actors in a collaborative, multigenerational cast. This production is part of our continuing effort to create enriching learning experiences for young artists by working alongside experienced adult actors in a supportive, educational environment. Bye Bye Birdie auditions are open to both teens and adults, and we welcome performers who are excited to be part of a dynamic, community-centered process.

What does my child need to prepare for the audition?
Your student does not need to prepare anything for the audition. They will audition in a group with other students and participate in theatre exercises and improvisations. For a musical production, they may be asked to learn a dance or song during the audition. They should be ready to show off their acting skills along with the qualities Encore most looks for: projection, teamwork, creativity, and kindness. We also offer pre-auditions workshops for upcoming auditions which will be listed on the auditions page!
What should they wear?
Students should wear clothing comfortable for active movement and closed toe shoes.
Is there a fee to participate?
No! Encore is unique in that we do not charge any fee for participation in our production season shows.
Does every child who auditions get into the show?
No. Unfortunately, we are not able to cast every child that comes out. We encourage you to keep working and we will see you next time! If you feel your child could use assistance in their basic acting or singing skills Encore offers a wide variety of programs during the school year and summer that can help young actors grow. We also offer private acting and singing lessons.
What does the time commitment look like for an Encore show?
We ask that participants are available, outside of approved conflicts, for all scheduled rehearsals. Encore directors hold rehearsals typically 2-3 times a week with numbers increasing as the sh
What if I have conflicts during the rehearsal period?
We ask that all our students submit their conflicts with the rehearsal calendar in advance. We understand there may be some conflicts, but we ask that participants are able to commit to the majority of the rehearsal process, all of tech, and all performances. Please be upfront about your conflicts, withholding them can hurt the production, all roles and participants are important!
Is the whole cast expected at every rehearsal? Expand
Some directors may call specific cast members for specific rehearsals, others may call the full cast. It will depend on the show and the director.
How long do auditions take?
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your audition time to ensure that you have enough time to complete your audition forms, get your photo taken, and join an audition group without stress. You may have to wait for a bit before you go into the audition room, but, once inside, you should only take around 15 – 20 minutes. You can also download and complete the audition forms beforehand!
How do I sign up for an audition time? Do you accept walk ups?
You can find our sign up genius links for upcoming auditions on our website’s audition pages. Yes! While we encourage you to sign up we do accept walk ups. You will be slotted into the next audition group with space.
What if my child can’t make callbacks? Is that a dealbreaker?
While not a deal breaker it can definitely hurt your child’s chances of getting a role. Often the directors like to see how all the children called back work together in a group setting. Missing
How can parents get involved?
We ask that all of our production parents volunteer doing a front of house job at one or two shows, depending on the number of children in the show, during the run.
Where are audtions?
Encore @ Cherrydale

3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207

The front of house is part of the theatre that is experienced by the audience before entering the theatre "house," including the box office, the lobby, concessions and more.

At Encore, our Front of House Crew (FOH) is the face of the theatre. Our FOH crew learn about excellent customer service and are responsible for providing a fun and memorable experience for our theatre-goers.

Using both acting and backstage skills, our Front of House crew members use the lobby as their stage to create a welcoming and seamless atmosphere for all patrons to enjoy the show.

On show days, Front of House tasks include ushering, ticket-taking, the concessions table, will-call, pre-show event set-up, social media take-overs and more. The student Front of House manager takes on the leadership role of guiding parent volunteers and the front of house crew. The student Front of House manager assists the box office manager with problem-solving.

This season, the Front of House crew is taking on new marketing projects. With our Box Office manager, the FOH crew will meet on select days to hang up show posters and fliers, assist with creating exciting content, and learn how to be an Encore ambassador.

FOH crew members will be required to attend 2 Front of House meetings and 1 Shop Date, Crew Watch, boths Load-ins, Dress Rehearsal and Strike. FOH crew members are called 90 minutes before the shows and stay during the entire showtime.

Skills We Look For in the Audition Room

Upcoming Auditions:

Hansel & Gretel

All rehearsal calendars listed below.

Optional Pre-Audition Workshops

The Full 2026/2027 Audition and Rehearsal Schedule

Hansel & Gretel

Madeline's Christmas

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson Musical

Twisted Trails & Tall Tales: An American Folktale Adventure

Student Directed One-Act Plays

Enchanted Bookshop

Bye, Bye, Birdie

Summer Musical Production

Getting Ready for Your First Encore Audition

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my child need to prepare for the audition?

What should they wear?

Is there a fee to participate?

Does every child who auditions get into the show?

What does the time commitment look like for an Encore show?

What if I have conflicts during the rehearsal period?

Is the whole cast expected at every rehearsal? Expand

How long do auditions take?

How do I sign up for an audition time? Do you accept walk ups?

What if my child can’t make callbacks? Is that a dealbreaker?

How can parents get involved?

Where are audtions?

What is Front of House Crew?

Auditions Location

Encore Extras

Star Awards

Encore Cares