Each year that our daughter has attended a Traveling Players program (3 summers and 2 winters), I have been so impressed not only by the wonderful and professional nature of the programs, but by the genuine camaraderie developed between the cast and the directors. No other program or experience has been more challenging or meaningful for my daughter.
Act: FIVE
Current Grades 3-5
Saluda Campus
5-Day Acting Adventure!
This 5-day Mini Session is designed to immerse young actors to the world of theatre, while also playing in the great outdoors. Every day will focus on a new aspect of acting – from rehearsing a scene to tage combat to moving in character to improv – helping them build foundational acting skills. With new challenges and joyful games every day, campers build confidence, become more independent, and make new friends!
All the while, these budding actors get to experience sleepaway camp – swimming in the Rappahannock, catching fireflies on the beach, roasting marshmallows over the campfire, and spending a night in a tent. They complete their 5 days with us by returning to Tysons Corner Center, performing for family and friends, and then are invited to stay for our Festival of 3 plays later that day as our guests!
Act: FIVE is the only Traveling Players Sleepaway program that does not require an audition. Jump straight into camp!
Perfect First Sleepaway Camp!
We pride ourselves on our robust support systems (including a small student:faculty ratio), ensuring a safe experience where campers can grow and thrive. We welcome and integrate each new camper into our community, and our culture of kindness and courage shines through every aspect of our ensemble. It’s no surprise that 70% of our campers come back for one or more years.
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.
What Families Are Saying
Lisa, Parent
Traveling Players is perfect for children who want to nurture their creativity, build confidence and make life long friends.
Rachel, Parent
I’m not sure what kind of magic you worked, but [my son] left more excited and jazzed about something than we’ve seen him be in years! He said tonight was incredibly fun, and it awoke a new passion in him for acting! Thank you for being such an inspiration to him. It was great to see that sparkle in his eye!
Jody, Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Do I have to audition/interview?
Day Camp: Nope! No audition for day campers. Just register!
Sleepaway Camps & Residential Conservatories: Yes, most of our residential programs are by audition or interview only.
Act: FIVE – Nope! This is the only sleepaway program that does not require an audition. Go ahead and register!
What is the staff-to-student ratio?
Traveling Players maintains a 1:6 staff-to-student ratio. That means our students are more than just in our sight. They are receiving personalized training and attention. Directors are master teachers with many years of experience in both professional theatre and theatre education. In addition to their professional achievements, our faculty is trained in First Aid & CPR and in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Every director is supported by one or two assistant directors, who are working on or have received their BA, BFA, or MFA in theatre.
Our Artistic Director personally interviews every member of our staff and selects them for their proven skills as educators, artists, and role models.
We do not employ Counselors-in-Training (CITs). All employees of Traveling Players are rigorously background checked. All staff attend 7-12 days of on-site orientation, depending on their position.
Our staff is our biggest asset — composed of talented artist-educators who work professionally in the DC metro area and around the world. A significant number of our staff are alumni of our program, proof that the Traveling Players community remains dear to their hearts.
What is the food like?
Students eat a delicious, diverse, and healthy menu. Every meal will offer a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian entree. They eat 3 balanced meals a day, plus can grab a snack in the afternoon and evening.
Our health form asks about food allergies or intolerances, and we can accommodate most common issues, such as gluten-free and dairy-free options. Christchurch is a nut-free campus.
Who are your faculty?
Traveling Players faculty are a mix of professional educators, theatre artists and aspiring educators and theatre artists.
Each ensemble and technical theatre shop is led by an experienced educator-director, who carefully mentors our students through the creative process from rehearsals to the final performance. They excel at supporting and challenging each student, crafting a summer of discoveries and growth.
Our residential advisors, assistant directors, and technical artisans are a mix of professional educators, theatre artists, and college students who have completed at least two years of an undergraduate degree, generally in theatre or education.
I’ve never been to sleepaway camp before. What should I expect?
Parents say that Traveling Players is the “perfect first sleepaway camp experience!” and we strive to live up to that high praise! Our residential advisors are on call day and night to make sure kids feel safe and cared for while they are away from home – maybe for the first time! Our curriculum is designed to help them make new friends, become more independent, and return more confident by the end of their adventure. They will sleep in a tent, cook over a fire, and memorize lines.
You can stay connected with them through letters and email. You can email us daily with a letter to your camper. We can copy their letters and email them to you, so you can get them right away.
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