What is the Rock 'n' Roll Circus?

Encore's unique production quality really stems from the building of classic stories told in a new artistic way. Encore's Rock 'n' Roll Circus has been a one of kind display of youth talent that has earned Encore's students acclaim worldwide.

Developed specifically by the Griffin family, our love of rock music and stage shows collide when we build a new production. These spectacular shows are a combination of a live rock band, live vocalists, live dancers, live circus performers, live actors, stunning and colorful costumes, technological advances in lighting/projections/sets, and a whole lot of imagination. It starts with a vast knowledge of music and rock music history. Learning how to intertwine "kitchen sink show" is what put these productions on the map. Shown above is a dress rehearsal in San Diego from the original run of "The Rock 'n' Roll Jungle Book" in 2011.

The shows are fun and meant for the whole family to enjoy with a common thread of music that people can identify with and rock out to. In the case of "The Jungle Book" the memorable songs included "Welcome to the Jungle" and "War" by U2. It was built off of a themed playlist that I kept in my Ipod for several years as I developed the concept. At any given time, I might have up to six playlists in my now smartphone to work on the development of a new show. When I pick a title for the circus for the year, I look at the high school students that would be cast in the show and then go with the playlist that matches them the most to build a once in a lifetime circus extravaganza. Pictured here is the cast of "Me Beauty" a pirate themed show with the memorable rock songs "Cult of Personality" and "Buried Alive."

This type of unique collaboration between story and rock has put Encore on the map. One of the favorite shows brought to Scotland was "Alice in Another Land a Tribute to the band Queen." This featured songs like "Let me Entertain You" and a mini trampoline number to "Don't Stop Me Now."

One of the most fun parts of creating a Rock 'n' Roll Circus is to push the limits of creativity. In 2020, Encore released "Hunchback! Steampunk Rock 'n' Roll Circus" where the combination of platter tutus, 80's alternative rock music, and a dark story with a crazy talented student cast created one of my favorite Rock 'n' Roll Circuses to date. This circus was booked to go to England prior to the Covid shutdown.

The plans that we are building for 2021 is the return of a large scale Rock 'n' Roll Circus show at the end of the coming school year. We are hoping for a very large cast of characters that is up for the challenge of showing off talents to celebrate the school year. This circus will be called, "Space, Time, and Terra Firma" where the three will collide to create a circus that will rock 'n' roll like never before. We will need musicians, singers, dancers, circus performers, costume designers, technicians, and the kitchen sink because we will be bringing the whole kitchen to this performance.

Students of Encore will need to watch for audition updates and pay attention to their instructors as more information is released throughout the school year. Our plan is to make this circus the biggest we have ever had to celebrate survival of a very weird time. Mark your calendars 2021! "Space, Time, and Terra Firma" is coming!

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Denise Griffin, CEO is the author of this blog for Encore Education Corporation. Part of Encore Education Corporation is Encore High School, a free public performing arts regional high school in Southern California grades 7 - 12. Encore's program is currently taking applications for the fall 2020 enrollment. Encore offers full time, hybrid time, and independent study programs. Encore offers transporation from the Inland Empire and the high desert. www.encorehighschool.com. Where arts and academics grow together. WASC Accredited. Copyright 2020.