Shakespeare Troupe

Theatre Conservatory for 
Actors & Technicians 
in grades 9-12

The National Endowment for the Arts identified Shakespeare Troupe as offering challenges unlike any other pre-college theatre program in the nation.

Troupe rehearses a full-length professionally directed and designed Shakespearean play — then takes the show on the road with a performance tour to amphitheaters throughout Virginia, including professional stages, cultivating stronger, more adaptable and capable artists and individuals.  This rigorous six week summer program offers high schoolers the experience of a professional-level production.

Actors are carefully guided by a trio of directors - acquiring advanced acting techniques that lead to new levels of boldness and subtlety. Technicians work closely with professional designers - gaining new skills as well as new portfolio pieces.

Directed by Jeanne E. Harrison, Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Shakespeare Troupe is our Theatre Conservatory for dedicated students eager to sink their teeth into linguistically and physically challenging plays.  Our program reflects the origins of theatre when troupes of actors roamed the ancient and medieval countryside, relying on the barest props and boldest imagination to convey their art.

This immersive and holistic experience allows our elite high school actors and technicians to attain a new level of artistry, confidence, leadership, and independence.

​​This summer’s play is King Lear, Shakespeare's towering tragedy of family intrigue, devotion, and unspeakable treachery.  When old King Lear banishes his daughter Cordelia for disloyalty, he soon finds that loyalty lies in actions, not in words.  Now, Lear must face betrayal by his own family, catapulting him into a storm of duplicitous daughters, vicious lords, honorable outlaws, cunning bastards, noble madmen, and wise fools.

AUDITION/INTERVIEW
2026 SHAKESPEARE TROUPE
Current Grades:
9 - 12
Camp Length:
6 weeks
Tuition:
$9950 (after Jan 31, $10,300)
Play:
King Lear
AUDITION/INTERVIEW
2026 SESSION DATES
June 28 - August 7
AUDITION/INTERVIEW DATES
Actors:
 
Technicicans:
 
In Person:
  • Sunday, Dec 14, 10am - 4pm
  • Sunday, Jan 4, 10am - 4pm
Virtual:
  • Thursday, Dec 11, 7pm - 9pm
  • Thursday, Jan 8, 7pm - 9pm

 

*Pick the audition that works best for you and your schedule, virtual or in-person!

WHY PARENTS CHOOSE TRAVELING PLAYERS

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BROWSE SUMMER CAMPS

Theatre Conservatory for Actors & Technicians

The National Endowment for the Arts identified Shakespeare Troupe as offering challenges unlike any other pre-college theatre program in the nation.

Troupe rehearses a full-length professionally directed and designed Shakespearean play — then takes the show on the road with a performance tour to amphitheaters throughout Virginia, including professional stages, cultivating stronger, more adaptable and capable artists and individuals.  This rigorous six week summer program offers high schoolers the experience of a professional-level production.

Actors are carefully guided by a trio of directors - acquiring advanced acting techniques that lead to new levels of boldness and subtlety. Technicians work closely with professional designers - gaining new skills as well as new portfolio pieces.

Directed by Jeanne E. Harrison, Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Shakespeare Troupe is our Theatre Conservatory for dedicated students eager to sink their teeth into linguistically and physically challenging plays.  Our program reflects the origins of theatre when troupes of actors roamed the ancient and medieval countryside, relying on the barest props and boldest imagination to convey their art.

This immersive and holistic experience allows our elite high school actors and technicians to attain a new level of artistry, confidence, leadership, and independence.

​​This summer’s play is King Lear, Shakespeare's towering tragedy of family intrigue, devotion, and unspeakable treachery.  When old King Lear banishes his daughter Cordelia for disloyalty, he soon finds that loyalty lies in actions, not in words.  Now, Lear must face betrayal by his own family, catapulting him into a storm of duplicitous daughters, vicious lords, honorable outlaws, cunning bastards, noble madmen, and wise fools.

2026 SHAKESPEARE TROUPE

Current Grades:

Program Length:

9 - 12

6 weeks

Tuition:

$9950 (after Jan 31, $10,300)

Play:

King Lear

2026 Session Dates

June 28 - August 7

2026 Audition/Interview Dates

Actors:

Technicians:

In Person:
  • Sunday, Dec 14, 10am - 4pm
  • Sunday, Jan 4, 10am - 4pm
Virtual:
  • Thursday, Dec 11, 7pm - 9pm
  • Thursday, Jan 8, 7pm - 9pm

 

*Pick the audition that works best for you and your schedule, virtual or in-person!

2026 SHAKESPEARE TROUPE

Current Grades:     9 - 12

Camp Length:      6 weeks

Tuition:  $9950 (after Jan 31, $10,300)

Play:     King Lear

2026 Session Dates

June 28 - August 7     Open for Registration

2026 Audition/Interview Dates

Actors:     Open for Registration

Technicians:     Open for Registration

In Person:
  • Sunday, Dec 14, 10am - 4pm
  • Sunday, Jan 4, 10am - 4pm
Virtual:
  • Thursday, Dec 11, 7pm - 9pm
  • Thursday, Jan 8, 7pm - 9pm

 

*Pick the audition that works best for you and your schedule, virtual or in-person!

"As someone who has worked with countless high school and college-age performers, I was astounded by the work ethic, intense ensemble cooperation, high-level analytic skills, and focused talent I met in Traveling Players’ student performers. They were fearless individually and supportive collectively, a testament to the fact that many participants return year after year to continue to hone their craft and deepen their commitment to one another." 

- Professional Actor, Professor & Workshop Instructor


Questions and Answers

For over 20 years we've been creating great theatre in the great outdoors with teens and pre-teens. Our team will happily walk you through any one of our carefully crafted programs.
Traveling Players FAQs>>
"300 people auditioned. 22 people were cast. My son, who was a Traveling Players student for many years, will make his Muhlenberg Mainstage debut this November in the Greek tragedy Agamemnon.  He is one of only a very few freshmen to be cast in any of the school’s Mainstage productions."
Tonya
Parent

Questions and Answers

For over 20 years we've been creating great theatre in the great outdoors with teens and pre-teens. Our team will happily walk you through any one of our carefully crafted programs.

EXPLORE MORE SUMMER CONSERVATORIES

Shakespeare Ensemble

grades 8-12
In 3 weeks put on a full production of one of the Bard's classics.

Technical Theatre

grades 8-12
Spend 3 weeks learning all about building & painting props, sets, and/or costumes!

Comedy Ensemble

grades 8-12
3 weeks of intensive comedy & improv training - building towards your very own improvised show!
Studio

Traveling Players Studio
Tysons Corner Center – D1L
1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA 22102

Mailing

P.O. Box 1315
Great Falls, VA 22066

Traveling Players Ensemble is funded in part by ArtsFairfax and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Photo Credits Include: Jess Wallach - The Body is Good, Isaiah Brown - Pint Sized Productions, Jillian Skara, Lloyd Wolfe, Eleanor Tucker, and Morgan Shotwell
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