🎭 Welcome to Encore Theatre Academy!
An exciting new extension of Encore! Home School Productions, Encore Theatre Academy is open to all students in the community—not just homeschoolers! Our mission is to serve families throughout Central Pennsylvania by providing inspiring opportunities to learn, grow, and perform through acting workshops, audition classes, and theatre summer day camps.
🌟 Winter Workshop Session 2026
This winter, we’re thrilled to launch our very first Winter Workshop Session 2026, featuring two engaging classes: one for Grades 4–6 and one for Grades 7–12. Whether you’re brand-new to theatre or already love the stage, this program is for you—no experience necessary, just a big imagination!
The Encore Winter Workshop will be a 7-week session with two teachers in each class, meeting on Saturday mornings at The Junction Center in Manheim, PA. Here are the details:
Theme: Improvisation
Location: The Junction Center, Manheim, PA
Dates: Saturdays – January 3, 10, 17, 24 (no class Jan. 31) and February 7, 14, 21
Cost: $150 for the first student and $120 for each additional student
Schedule:
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Grades 4–6: 9:00–10:30 AM
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Grades 7–12: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
🎬 About the Workshop
Get ready to laugh, create, and collaborate! This seven-week session dives into the art of improv—learning what it is, how it strengthens acting, and how to think on your feet. Students will build confidence through fun, age-appropriate games and exercises designed to stretch their creativity and cast teamwork skills.
Encore Theatre Academy provides a safe, encouraging, and joy-filled environment where every student feels comfortable to share ideas, take risks, and yes—look a little silly! These are skills for the stage and for life.
While this is a skills-based class (not a full production), families are invited to join us for a special “Share Time” showcase on February 21, where students will demonstrate what they’ve learned.
👩🏫 Meet Your Instructors
Jill Panyard – Area director and acting teacher for Encore and Hershey Area Playhouse. Jill is passionate about helping young actors create rich, believable characters. Her students have earned numerous Hershey Theatre Apollo Award nominations and wins.
Debra Macut – Holds a BA in Drama and Psychology and an MFA in Acting from Catholic University of America. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Debra has performed professionally across the U.S. and currently teaches for Encore, Hershey Area Playhouse, and Popovsky Performing Arts Studio, where she serves as Director of Acting.
All Encore instructors maintain current clearances, and each class is taught by two experienced teachers for an engaging and supportive learning experience.
