Cast photo for Encore; photo courtesy of Jill Panyard
Homeschool Pa Theater Company Marks 25 Years of Growth with Seussical at the Junction Center
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Asia Tabb
Cast photo for Encore; photo courtesy of Jill Panyard
AIRED; February 23, 2026
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What began as a small group of homeschooling parents looking to give their children access to drama club has grown into a thriving theater community more than two decades later.
Encore Homeschool Productions was founded in 2001 by mothers who wanted their homeschooled and cyber-schooled children to experience the same performing arts opportunities offered in traditional schools.
“Encore was created back in 2001 and there were some moms who had children who were being homeschooled at the time, and they wanted the same experience that other children were getting in drama clubs in other schools,” said co-founder Jill Panyard. “And so, they created this for homeschool students and cyber school students to have the same kind of experience.”
Unlike school-based programs that rehearse during the academic day, Encore meets entirely in person outside of traditional school hours. Rehearsals, auditions, workshops and classes take place at various community venues, including Living Hope Church, with performances held at the Junction Center.
“We meet up outside of school,” Panyard explained. “So, we always meet for rehearsals, auditions, all of that, workshops… it’s always meeting in person.”
Over the years, Panyard has watched the organization evolve from a grassroots effort fueled entirely by family fundraising into what she describes as a streamlined operation.
“In the very beginning, everybody — we created our own funds,” she said. “We don’t get any outside funds. And so, they’re raising all of that money. So, in the very beginning, it was difficult.”
Now, she says, Encore operates like “a well-oiled machine,” with stronger production values and clearer systems in place. “We understand what works and what doesn’t work now. And we waste less time and make more money.”
But for Panyard, the program has always been about more than lights, costumes and sets. She emphasizes the life skills embedded in the rehearsal process.
“They are getting all kinds of encouragement in going forward with acting, with auditions… and we’re teaching life skills to these kids,” she said. “So not only are they learning their lines and their music and their dances, but they are also learning about character.”
Students explore motivation and backstory, building confidence that extends beyond the stage. “They’re going to carry [these skills] with them throughout their lives,” Panyard said. “Interviews are just like acting. They’re putting forth their best selves, and they’re learning that on the stage.”
This season, Encore will present Seussical, the Broadway musical inspired by the works of Dr. Seuss. Director Dena McKell said the show selection process is intentional and collaborative.
“Whenever I select a show… I look at what are the overall characteristics that will allow actors and students to grow and become better actors — and also better people throughout the production process,” McKell said.
Choosing a production requires careful discussion among leadership, narrowing down options and evaluating what
