Thespian Ensemble

Classical Comedies: 
Slapstick Meets Poetry

Sleepaway Camp for Grades 6-8

Our Thespian Ensemble is designed to nurture and challenge the middle school actor. We select plays that honor the vast emotional resources that they are capable of tapping into, while giving students structure and skills. During their three weeks at camp, our Thespians hone their performance skills through rehearsing an hour-long comedy. Each and every actor is an integral member of the ensemble. Traveling Players brings the camp back into theatre camp and gives tweens wonderful outdoor experiences and memories with their new friends.
SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
2026 THESPIAN ENSEMBLE
Current Grades:
6 - 8
Camp Length:
3 weeks
Tuition
$6000 (after Jan 31, $6250)
Play:
The Blue Monster
SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
Either virtual or in-person in our Studio.
2026 SESSION DATES
Session 1:
Jun 28 - Jul 17
Session 2:
Jul 19 - Aug 7
2026 AUDITION DATES
In Person:
Monday, Jan 19, 1:30pm - 3pm
Monday, Feb 16, 2pm -3pm


Virtual:
Wednesday, Jan 14, 6pm - 6:45pm
Wednesday, Feb 11, 6pm - 6:45 pm


*Pick the audition that works best for you and your schedule, virtual or in-person!
Explore a Typical Day at Camp

Learned Ladies 2024 Sizzle

CLOSE ENSEMBLES, LASTING FRIENDSHIPS

At Traveling Players, we believe in the power of the ensemble - small casts (13 actors) working together in close community.  Our students meet challenges as one team, whether they’re taking on a low ropes course, the heightened verse of a classical script, or the nimble exchanges during an improv lesson.  Students especially bond with one another during our weekly campouts, building trust and memories while sharing a tent.

Traveling Players has a culture like no other camp, one notable for kindness and courage.  Many Traveling Players parents have said that the most supportive group chats their students participate in are the chats with other Traveling Players.  With a return rate of 70%, our community has been forming life-long friendships for over two decades.  Those friendships are grounded in kindness, and we are proud of our exceedingly welcoming students, who make sure that no one is left out of the ensemble—right from the start.

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>>
WHY TRAVELING PLAYERSBROWSE SUMMER CAMPS

Classical Comedies:
Slapstick Meets Poetry

Our Thespian Ensemble is designed to nurture and challenge the middle school actor. We select plays that honor the vast emotional resources that they are capable of tapping into, while giving students structure and skills. During their three weeks at camp, our Thespians hone their performance skills through rehearsing an hour-long comedy. Each and every actor is an integral member of the ensemble. Traveling Players brings the camp back into theatre camp and gives tweens wonderful outdoor experiences and memories with their new friends.

This summer’s play is The Blue Monster by Carlo Gozzi – and it’s a favorite of ours!  Prince Taèr is returning home with his new bride, but the young lovers are intercepted by a powerful monster intent on testing their love.  Separated and cursed, Princess Dardanè is transformed into a man, and Taèr into a hideous blue monster.  Before they can be reunited, Dardanè must overcome a trio of death-defying challenges, and Taèr must convince her to love him despite his revolting image…before the sun sets and they lose their loves forever.

 2026 Thespian Ensemble

Current Grades:

Camp Length:

Tuition:

6 - 8

3 weeks

$6000 (after Jan 31, $6250)

Play:

The Blue Monster

 2026 Session Dates

Session 1: Jun 28 – Jul 17
Session 2: Jul 19 - Aug 7

 2026 Audition Dates

Audition Material HERE

In Person:
  • Monday, Jan 19, 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Monday, Feb 16, 2pm -3pm
Virtual:
  • Wednesday, Jan 14, 6pm - 6:45pm
  • Wednesday, Feb 11, 6pm - 6:45 pm

 

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

 2026 Thespian Ensemble

Current Grades:     6 - 8

Camp Length:     3 weeks

Tuition:    $6000 (after Jan 31, $6250)

Play:     The Blue Monster

 2026 Session Dates

Session 1: Jun 28 – Jul 17
Session 2: Jul 19 - Aug 7

 2026 Audition Dates

In Person:
  • Monday, Jan 19, 1:30pm - 3pm
  • Monday, Feb 16, 2pm -3pm
Virtual:
  • Wednesday, Jan 14, 6pm - 6:45pm
  • Wednesday, Feb 11, 6pm - 6:45 pm

 

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

"No other program or experience has been more challenging or meaningful for my daughter."
Lisa, Parent

Explore a Typical Day

Close Ensembles, Lasting Friendships

At Traveling Players, we believe in the power of the ensemble - small casts (13 actors) working together in close community.  Our students meet challenges as one team, whether they’re taking on a low ropes course, the heightened verse of a classical script, or the nimble exchanges during an improv lesson.  Students especially bond with one another during our weekly campouts, building trust and memories while sharing a tent.

Traveling Players has a culture like no other camp, one notable for kindness and courage.  Many Traveling Players parents have said that the most supportive group chats their students participate in are the chats with other Traveling Players.  With a return rate of 70%, our community has been forming life-long friendships for over two decades.  Those friendships are grounded in kindness, and we are proud of our exceedingly welcoming students, who make sure that no one is left out of the ensemble—right from the start.

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.

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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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