Time for an ‘Encore!’

Miss out on some high school musicals this season? Come out for an “Encore!” at the State Theatre Center for the Arts on May 2. In its second year, the partnership between the Fayette Cultural Trust, Main Street Theatre Company and State Theatre brings performers from area high schools together to showcase the best of their spring musicals. John Wagner, the artistic director for the Main Street Theatre Company, said surrounding counties do something similar after the spring musical season.

All of the county’s high schools were invited to participate, with more than 250 students expected to take the stage. “The event creates a community of support for students between the districts. They don’t often get to see the other performances, and it gives them an opportunity to work together,” Wagner said.



This year’s performers include students from Albert Gallatin Area, Belle Vernon Area, Brownsville Area, Connellsville Area, Laurel Highlands, Southmoreland and Uniontown Area high schools. Each group will have about 10 minutes to showcase a song or medley from their spring musical. This year’s performances included tried-and-true musicals like “Grease” and “Mary Poppins,” and newer shows like “Mamma Mia!” and “The Addams Family.

” State Theatre Board President Megan Clark grew up in the theater environment and knows what opportunities like this do for the students. “They’ve devoted so much of their year to their spring performance. They enjoy being with friends, looking up to these adults helping lead them, and ‘Encore!’ allows them to revisit that family and revisit the story,” Clark said.

“You grow close to the other students and make friends you might not have otherwise. It’s a safe space for them.” Four students from each high school are selected to take part in a special opening number and finale led by Lena Gabrielle, a music director from New York.

“Working with a New York-based music director is an extra perk for these students. They’ll learn choreography and new songs and arrangements for the finale,” Clark said. “We hire a lighting designer and use theatrical lighting, so for many of them, it’s performing on a grander scale.

” Clark said the performance allows attendees the opportunity to not only support the students, but to support the area. “(This is) an opportunity to go into the community and spend money at the local restaurants and businesses. Support goes a long way, and you can make a night of it,” Clark said.

The one-time “Encore!” performance is 7 p.m., May 2.

Tickets are available now at https://statetheatreuniontown.showare.com/eventperformances.

asp?evt=56 for $15 per person..