Encore A–Z

Ten Commandments

8 min read

Ten Commandments

The Encore Way

Introduction

These Cultural Commandments define the heart of how we work together at Encore They guide every interaction, decision, and moment we share with young artists, families, and each other. More than rules, these are the values that create the safe, inspiring environment where stage skills become life skills.

Every team member — staff, volunteers, guest artists, and leadership — embraces these principles to ensure that Encore remains a place where young artists can flourish, take creative risks, and develop both theatrical abilities and essential life skills.

The 10 Cultural Commandments

  1. Teach! Treat inexperience as a chance for mentorship, not a flaw. Remember, our young artists are here to learn and grow. When they don’t know something, celebrate the opportunity to guide them.

  2. They’re Artists. We refer to our youth as “young artists.” It’s not just semantics; it’s about recognizing their discipline and potential.

  3. Heart Over Art. Nurture and teach emotional intelligence. While we love putting on a great show, the professional theater experience is the cherry on top!

  4. Build Up. Treat everyone with respect — artists, technicians, and each other. No yelling, snapping, or condescending tones — we’re here to build each other up, not break each other down!

  5. Trust the Team. Stay in your lane of expertise and respect others in theirs. Speak positively about fellow collaborators and young artists’ work. Theater is a team sport.

  6. Seen & Heard. Ensure young performers are seen and heard, literally and figuratively. This means proper lighting and working mics, but also attentively listening to their concerns and watching for any signs of distress.

  7. Safety Over Sequins. No stunt or choreography is worth risking a young performer’s well-being. When in doubt, prioritize safety over showmanship.

  8. Collaboration is Communication. Communicate expectations clearly and up front. Don’t assume — articulate! Effective communication goes beyond mere mention. Use appropriate communication channels and meetings to ensure we are all on the same page (The Purple Box Rule).

  9. Keep it Light. Maintain an upbeat, professional environment. Keep real-life drama off-stage and approach challenges with a calm, solution-oriented mindset. Take sensitive conversations to the appropriate place.

  10. Words Matter. Use appropriate language and behavior around young artists and families. Keep conversations professional and suitable for children — save adult topics, profanity, and gossip for outside of Encore.

The 10 Cultural Commandments: A Closer Look

1. Teach!

Remember, our young artists are here to learn and grow. Treat their inexperience as a chance for mentorship, not a flaw. When they don’t know something, celebrate the opportunity to guide them.

In Practice:

  • Approach mistakes as learning moments.
  • Provide patient, clear instruction.
  • Break down complex skills into manageable steps.
  • Celebrate progress, not just perfection.
  • Share your own learning experiences and growth stories.

2. They’re Artists

We refer to our youth as “young artists.” It’s not just semantics; it’s about recognizing their dedication and potential.

In Practice:

  • Use “young artists” rather than “kids” in conversations and communications.
  • Acknowledge their artistic choices and creative contributions.
  • Treat their work with the same seriousness you’d give any artist.
  • Help them see themselves as legitimate members of the theatrical community.

3. Heart Over Art

While we love putting on a great show, our primary mission is nurturing emotional intelligence. The professional theater experience is the cherry on top!

In Practice:

  • Prioritize personal growth over perfect performances.
  • Use theatrical challenges as opportunities to develop resilience.
  • Celebrate effort, growth, and emotional breakthroughs.
  • Remember that the skills they develop in our programs serve them far beyond the stage.

4. Build Up

Treat everyone with respect — artists, technicians, and each other. No yelling, snapping, or condescending tones — we’re here to build each other up, not break each other down!

In Practice:

  • Use encouraging, constructive language.
  • Address concerns privately and professionally.
  • Model the behavior we want to see.
  • Remember that respect builds trust, and trust enables learning.

5. Trust the Team

Stay in your lane of expertise and respect others in theirs. Speak positively about fellow collaborators and young artists’ work. Theater is a team sport.

In Practice:

  • Trust your colleagues’ expertise in their areas.
  • Communicate concerns through appropriate channels.
  • Support each other’s work rather than duplicating efforts.
  • Ask questions to understand, not to challenge authority.
  • Focus your energy on your specific responsibilities.
  • Speak positively about collaborators and young artists.

6. Seen & Heard

Ensure our young performers are literally and figuratively seen and heard. This means proper lighting and working mics, but also attentively listening to their concerns and watching for any signs of distress.

In Practice:

  • Check sound and lighting to ensure everyone can be seen and heard.
  • Listen actively when young artists share concerns or ideas.
  • Watch for signs that someone is struggling — emotionally or artistically.
  • Make sure quieter personalities have opportunities to contribute.
  • Create space for every voice in the creative process.

7. Safety Over Sequins

No stunt or choreography is worth risking a young performer’s well-being. When in doubt, prioritize safety over showmanship.

In Practice:

  • Assess physical risks in staging and choreography.
  • Maintain clear sightlines and safe pathways.
  • Address unsafe behavior immediately.
  • Prioritize emotional safety through supportive communication.
  • When in doubt, choose the safer option.

8. Collaboration is Communication

Whether it’s arrival times or phone policies, communicate expectations clearly and upfront. Don’t assume — articulate! Effective communication goes beyond mere mention. Use production meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page (The Purple Box Rule).

In Practice:

  • State expectations clearly at the beginning of processes.
  • Confirm understanding rather than assuming it.
  • Use multiple communication channels when necessary.
  • Document important information and decisions.
  • Check in regularly to ensure clarity.

9. Keep it Light

Maintain an upbeat, professional environment with young artists, parents, fellow staff, and patrons. Keep real-life drama off-stage and approach challenges with a calm, solution-oriented mindset. If you need to discuss sensitive topics, find an appropriate, private space.

In Practice:

  • Address problems away from young artists when possible.
  • Model optimism and solution-focused thinking.
  • Celebrate successes publicly.
  • Handle conflicts and challenges discreetly.
  • Maintain enthusiasm even when facing difficulties.

10. Words Matter

Use language and exhibit behavior appropriate for our young artists and family audiences. Keep conversations professional and suitable for children — save adult topics, profanity, and gossip for outside of Encore.

In Practice:

  • Monitor your language and topics around young artists.
  • Keep conversations professional and age-appropriate.
  • Avoid gossip and maintain confidentiality.
  • Model the communication standards we want young artists to develop.
  • Create an environment where families feel comfortable and welcomed.
  • Remember that young artists are always watching and learning from our example.

Living the Commandments

Daily Application

These commandments aren’t just words on a page — they guide every decision we make and every interaction we have. They help us:

  • Navigate challenging situations with young artists.
  • Make decisions that align with our values.
  • Create consistent experiences across all programs.
  • Build trust with families and community members.

When Challenges Arise

Use these commandments as a framework for problem-solving:

  1. Which commandment applies to this situation?
  2. How can I respond in a way that honors our values?
  3. What would the most respectful, growth-focused approach look like?
  4. How can I turn this challenge into a learning opportunity?

Accountability

We hold each other accountable to these standards with kindness and support. If you see a colleague struggling to live these values, approach them with curiosity and care. We’re all learning and growing together.

For New Team Members

Your First Days

  1. Read through these commandments carefully.
  2. Ask questions about how they apply to your specific role.
  3. Observe how experienced team members embody these values.
  4. Start implementing them immediately in all your interactions.

Getting Support

  • Your supervisor is your first resource for understanding these commandments.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or examples.
  • Remember that living these values is a practice — we’re all continuously improving.
  • Seek feedback on how you’re embodying the Encore way.

Making Them Your Own

While these commandments are universal at Encore, each person brings their own style and personality to living them. Find authentic ways to embody these values that feel genuine to who you are while serving our young artists effectively.

Conclusion

These Cultural Commandments aren’t just about creating good theater — they’re about creating transformative experiences that help young artists develop confidence, empathy, collaboration skills, and resilience. When we live these values consistently, we create the environment where stage skills truly become life skills.

Every day, in every interaction, we have the opportunity to demonstrate what it means to be part of a community that values growth, respect, safety, and authentic human connection.

Status: Working · Portal: Public · Last reviewed: 2026-05-11 · Owner: Rhett

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