This year, TPE has more seniors graduating out than ever before. Many of them have been at TPE together since 6th or 7th grade. I've watched them grow over the years, sometimes in small, hesitant steps and sometimes in enormous, exuberant bounds.

Whenever I have a large group of campers graduate together, I think to myself, "there will never be another group like this." Of course, I'm right: there never is. What there is instead is another group, with its own distinct character, its own strengths and weaknesses, its own challenges and triumphs.

What makes me proud of my graduating seniors is how well they know - and how completely they trust - each other. It's those bonds that stay strong as they head of to college: those bonds that can only be formed by years of tent-sharing and bus-riding; of battling together against cicadas, mosquitos and tents that look like bears when you forgot your flashlight in the dark; of laughing and crying and sweating and performing and staying up way too late together.

Especially in times of change, those are the bonds that last.

Jeanne

Heather Courtenay gets people's attention in Romeo & Juliet

January saw the first round of auditions for TPE's two advanced troupes. There's still space in both groups, and the next round of auditions is coming right up.

Remember, you receive a discount for registering ahead of time!

Traveling Troupe is a Shakespeare fan's dream come true. A long rehearsal process, a full length show and an amazing two-week performance tour give you unparalleled opportunities to make your role come alive.

Commedia Troupe is for those who want something a bit different. Use group playwriting, physical comedy and improvisation to create an original play, and then take it on the road for 9 fun-packed days.

Learn more about auditioning for Commedia Troupe and Traveling Troupe.

Have question about auditioning? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The vivid colors of Mark Rothko's paintings form a basis for King Lear's costume design by Emily Riehl-Bedford.

"Things that love night
Love not such nights as these."

Please join us on Sunday, March 18th at 4pm for the Shakespeare in Performance class' final performance of King Lear at the Madeira School's Chapel Auditorium.

In addition to being a powerful play which really pushes our teen actors to the limits of what they can do, this production is a farewell for some of our favorite TPE performers: Katie Baughman, Garrett Jansen, Gwen O'Brien, Noah Pilchen, Ellie Robb, Max Spart and Susannah Wilson are all making their final TPE appearance with this show before graduating. Sad as we are to see them go, they couldn't be saying goodbye in a more spectacular way!

For more information, and to read about other upcoming performances, click here!

2nd Session Middle School looks poised to win the race to "full".

Every year, we wonder which ensemble will fill first, and we're close to having this year's winner!

The second session Middle School Ensemble only has a few open spots left. If you're thinking about joining this session, we really recommend that you register soon.

The other camps are filling as well; remember to sign up early to reserve the spot you want.

If you register before March 1st, you'll also receive the Early-Bird discount.

Mary as Dame Jane in Much Ado in 2005

TPE celebrates its first MFA! Mary Hanson, a long-time TPE camper from the beginnings of the company, recently received her MFA from University College Dublin.

Mary was the TPE original: she joined the very first High School Ensemble in 2003, and stayed with us throughout High School. She played Dame Jane in Much Ado About Nothing when we took it to the Kennedy Center in 2005, and she was the first TPEr to join the staff after graduating out.

Her last summer with us was as part of the 2007 staff, and we've missed her since then. She left her mark on the company, and we're thrilled that she continues to pursue her passion for theatre.

Congratulations, Mary - and best of luck!

On Sunday, April 22nd, celebrate Earth Day with TPE, by participating in our Earth Day Decathlon, featuring games, fun and the final performance of the Play's the Thing class' Afternoon of the Elves.

The event will be a fundraiser to support TPE's Scholarship Program.

More info to come later!

Traveling Players Ensemble relies on strong pertnerships for its continued existence, and we are overjoyed to add CityLine to our list of generous in-kind supporters.

This Winter and Spring, CityLine is allowing TPE to use a vacant space in one of its buildings for all of our classes and auditions. Having access to this space - which is perfect for our needs - is an enormous boon to TPE, and we cannot thank CityLine enough for their support.

You can add your support as well. Click here to Support Our Troupes!