Encore

It is very disappointing that someone would post anonymously and say that they «hope someone on staff will read it.» If you are paying money and feel you are not getting your value, then you should speak directly to the person you are criticizing. I can speak from personal experience to say that when I was upset with something, I have spoken directly to the director, Summer, and had my concerns validated and addressed. When you are running a theater group that is typically running two separate productions with many children and adults, there is simply no way that you can guess that someone might be upset about something. If you simply ask, Summer will take time to speak with you one-​on-​one and I know this because she has done it for me.
In addition, unless you have done theater, there is no possible way you can appreciate the fact that they put up summer camp productions with all children (that includes tiny kids) that are over an hour long in less than two weeks! This entails getting to know the kids, playing games, keeping them entertained, THEN auditioning, casting, teaching songs, lyrics, lines, blocking, costumes, etc. Even with this, they still manage to put on adorable shows that are very well done. My kids beg to do Encore shows and they absolutely love it.
I understand the negative perception it can give when Summer has done roles in shows — especially to a parent looking in from the outside. I am sure she will address it with anyone who has a concern. I can simply say this — as an adult, I really enjoy doing shows with my children, as well as all of the people in the shows that I now call friends. I cannot imagine it is much different for her. She has true excitement and enthusiasm when she gets to work next to all of these kids (including her own), most of whom she has known since they were 5 or 6. She also happens to be a good actress and uses that to provide examples to the other people cast in the same role. Again, if you have a problem with it, you simply need to take the time to speak with her.
Now for the reasons I gave 5 stars:
They have a lot of fun with the kids and adults. I had no idea until I decided to join one of the shows how much more than just rehearsing they do. They know everyone’s names, they encourage everyone to participate in games that teach confidence, improv, quick thinking, etc. They have a wonderful student staff to whom they are teaching more than just acting — they are learning how to do choreography, blocking, voice instruction and more. The younger kids, including my two daughters really look up to them.
I also noticed something that isn’t evident unless you get to meet the kids that are in Encore productions — kids who may not «fit in» at school or might be shy and quiet are different when they are at Encore. They come alive with confidence, they sing, dance, act goofy, and laugh a LOT. Both of my daughters look forward to going to rehearsals and there are very few activities we have them in where they don’t complain about going at some point.
They do give kids who aren’t as «talented» chances to have lines, dances, etc. As I explain to my kids, there are a lot of talented children in this group, you will only get a lead role if you are better than the other kids auditioning. That is real life. You get cut from sports teams, you don’t make the cheerleading squad, you don’t get accepted at every college to which you apply, and the job market is the cruelest of all. However, Summer and the Encore staff always include everyone and treats them the same as anyone who has been cast in a lead. They do shows that allow for good ensemble participation and they involve all of the kids throughout the process.
Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has faults. If they address them properly then that is what sets them apart. Encore and Summer are not perfect and I am sure they learn new things everyday. They will take the time to speak with you, address concerns, and take suggestions without hesitation. That being said, my two daughters beg to be in every production and now they beg me to be in them with them. I am having a lot of fun with my kids and I can personally see the care and professionalism that is given to them while they are in these productions. We are proud to consider ourselves part of the Encore family.

I cannot gush enough about the fantastic experience that we have had with Encore Entertainers. Encore is a local children’s non-​profit theatre group that puts on unbelievably awesome productions while providing an absolutely extraordinary experience for everyone who participates. My kids just performed in «How to Eat Like A Child». I’ll be honest, when I first heard what the show was, I was disappointed. We had just finished Peter Pan with Encore and I was really confused about this one. Well, I am a CONVERT!!! I saw this show multiple times last weekend. (It helps when your own kids have solos! Full disclosure.) The show was funny, fast-​paced, well choreographed, and incredibly musical. I brought multiple teachers and family members, they all loved it!
In a place like Palos Verdes where we already have extraordinary theatre opportunities, Encore still manages to stand out. If you and your kids want to have a professional experience without professional pressure, this is the place to be! My kids have learned to express themselves, have gained incredible confidence, and have had a blast in the year we have been participating. Summer and her team are truly remarkable. I highly encourage you to check them out!!!
Go to the website, see what is up for the next set of productions. Don’t miss it!

My 13 year old just finished up with Encores production of Peter Pan. She had the best time! As a parent I found the rehearsal practice schedule to be very easy and doable as they met once a week (Sat afternoon for an hour and a half) for about 4 months. The tech week ran very smoothly and my daughter loved every minute. She also participated in the summer 2012 camp School House Rock. It was her first time and she was given two solo parts, dancing and speaking parts. That small production was wonderfully done and so much fun to watch. Encore Entertainers, in my opinion, is a great place for kids to grow and learn the art of acting, being on stage and just having fun.

paid $ 350 for 40 hrs lesson, ok not bad but your kids might become a hidden background prop. with little to no training. Just before the final show, they tell you that parents must pay extra to see their kids in the show! what?
I spoke with several kids (6 to 7 years old) in their program and they all found it boring. They told me the instructors get angry easily and yelled at them numerous times. I knew about this in the middle of the camp but I waited it out ’cause kids often evolve their opinions and see the final show for proof. The final show really proved what the kids told me. None of the lesser roles knew what they were doing or singing. They were pushed around to get on/​off stage. The kids I know can and have performed in other programs just fine but only if they had proper training and instructions. The «background» kids seem completely lost in this one.
This is a poorly run camp. If your child got chosen to play one of the major roles, you may be so happy and overlook everything else. If not or think that may not happen, forget this group. They overbooked kids and didn’t know how to training so many. They took the money and were NOT up front with parents about what’s really going to happen.