Meet Traveling Players’ Mythology Ensemble Director – Rae Mearns!

It might be hard to believe with the cold weather we’re facing, but at Traveling Players, we’re already knee deep in planning for Summer 2026. 

We are thrilled to announce that Rae Mearns will return to direct the Mythology Ensemble again this summer! 

 

For those of you who don’t know Rae, he is one of Traveling Players' most beloved faculty members.  For the last 5 years, he has served as our resident elementary school director and lightning designer.  A lover of Greek mythology, Rae has directed or assistant-directed the world premiere productions of Arachne, Orpheus & Eurydice, Eros & Psyche, and Heracles.  

 

During the school year, he is a special education teacher at Franconia Elementary School in Fairfax County, VA.  While having experience in many kinds of theatre, he has always most enjoyed youth theatre.  He is an exceptional teaching artist and mentor to kids of all ages across our community. 

Our next round of auditions is just around the corner – we would love to see your actor there!  You can attend either the virtual or in-person audition – pick the option that works best for your family! 

  • Mythology Ensemble (current grades 4-6 | 2 weeks) 

    • Virtual: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5:00-5:45 pm 

    • In Person: Saturday, Feb. 16, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 

  • Thespian Ensemble (current grades 6-8 | 3 weeks) 

    • Virtual: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6:00-6:45 pm 

    • In Person: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm 

    • Limited spots remain for both sessions! 

  • Comedy Ensemble: Jesters (current grades 6-8 | 3 weeks) 

    • Virtual: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6:00-6:45 pm 

    • In Person: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm

image of rae mearns

Want options where you DON’T have to audition? We’ve got you covered!

  • Day Camps – Once again taught by the dream team of EJ Smith & Hannah Scarlatoiu

    • Acting Studio (grades 1 -3 | 1 week) 

    • Players Studio (grades 3-5 | 2 weeks)

  • Act: FIVE Sleepaway Camp (grades 3-5 | 5 days) 

    • Parents say Act: FIVE is “the PERFECT first sleepaway camp experience!”

Please reach out if you have any questions or if you would like to chat about which program is right for your child this summer.  You can reach us by phone at 703-987-1712 or by email at outreach@travelingplayers.org.  We are always happy to talk about camp!

 

We hope to see you soon! 

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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