How Does Someone Become A Trouper?

This is one of the questions we are asked most often. So, for all you wanna-be performers, here's the scoop:

Age Requirement

No age limit! HOWEVER, our youngest member has been 60, and she had totally white hair so could pass for a “grandma.” This is seniors reaching youth, not boomers; although we boomers are getting close to that line! One of the reasons this works so well is the magical skip-a-generation connection that occurs between elders and youth. But we like having a mix of ages in troupes, and the span is usually about 20 years.

Performing skills or experience

Not required! We always end up with singers and non-singers; theatrical experience has varied widely. It is our job to make you all look good.

So, what is required?

A major commitment of time and energy and to telling the truth.

What to do if you're interested

1) SEE an Encore show. There is no way to explain it. We do public performances 4-5 times every spring, and we can also arrange for a few people to watch a show being performed for kids locally.

2) Call the Encore office (342-1630). Eliza will brief you on the schedule (basically a 9-month commitment for the main performing troupe). Still interested? Make an appointment for an interview.

3) Meet with Eliza for 30-60 minutes, answer questions, ask questions, and sing “Happy Birthday.” If you're a match for the troupe she is creating, you're in! If not, you're on file for future possibilities.

THEN THE FUN BEGINS!

The troupe meets for four weeks (usually starting sometime in September or October), getting to know and trust each other, and writing down reams of stories in answer to Eliza's probing questions about life. Then you get a 2-3 week break while the script and songs are written.

Rehearsals begin (2-3 afternoons/week) and continue for several months. The 45-60 minute show is staged, costumed, choreographed, and memorized. It opens in February at a public performance and then you're on the road doing shows and workshops twice/week for four months. You are not paid, but you will also have no expenses. When the tour ends, you get your life back, but it can be hard letting go of this Encore family.

WARNING

You'll probably want to do it again!