Our son has loved every moment of camp. He has told me it’s the ‘best camp ever’ and has been hyper with excitement all week long. Thank you for lifting my little boy’s spirits!!
Acting & Improv
Current Grades 4-7
Tysons Studio
Dive into character!
Perfect for performers with a bit of experience, this scene study and improvisation class gives budding actors the chance to enhance their storytelling skills. By playing fun-filled improvisational theatre games, we will tap into each student’s creative juices while teaching basic acting skills: clarity of thought and action, mental agility, spontaneity, active listening and responding, and creative problem-solving. The foundation of acting training, scene work will give students the opportunity to dive deep into character creation, text analysis, and acting technique. Scenes will be chosen from our wealth of dramatic literature for young performers.
There will be no class on Saturday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday Break.
What Families Are Saying
Jessica, Parent
We can see our son is loving it as even though he is tired by the end of the camp day, he’s truly happy. His cup is completely filled, and that’s a big hats off to you all!
Lara, Parent
Staff
EJ Fultz
Lead Teaching Artist
EJ (she/her) is a DC-based theatre artist. A graduate of Belmont University with a BFA in Theatre Directing, EJ is overjoyed to return for her third summer as the lead teacher of our Acting Studio and Players Studio Day Camps! In addition to our Day Camps, EJ is a school-year director and teacher for our elementary school classes and productions – most recently directing Atalanta by playwright-in-residence Judith Walsh White.
EJ’s love of teaching began while she was still in undergrad when she spent three years teaching with Nashville Children’s Theater. She works in the DMV area as a Stage Manager and Assistant Director, most recently with Shakespeare Opera Theatre and Lorton Workhouse. EJ also teaches with Next Stop Theatre’s Stars on Stage program.
Of all the artists, EJ loves working with young artists the most. Their imaginations are vast, and they are excited to learn and explore! Her highest goal in the classroom is to build confidence, foster creativity, and create a safe and inclusive space. She believes that theatre can inspire hope by exploring stories, bringing joy, and creating friendships. She is a lover of physical comedy, creative drama, and, of course, Greek mythology!
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.
Who are your students?
Traveling Players students are highly collaborative young artists. They strive to challenge themselves artistically on stage and are kind, inclusive friends off stage. They know that a cohesive and effective ensemble needs a mix of experiences and backgrounds – performers with different skill sets and growth opportunities — all of whom are eager to support and challenge each other to do their best work.
We accept actors into our auditioned programs who are a good fit for our ensembles and our community – and they tend to stick around! Our retention rate is about 70%, and on average, they stick with us for 4 years.
Most of our students don’t stay in the arts – they have eclectic interests and are multi-talented. (Although those who have stayed in the arts have received impressive success.) Probably the most surprising discovery is that 20+ years on, this community remains in the heart of our students.
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.
Is there a Final Performance for classes & plays? Can parents attend?
Generally, yes and yes!
Classes: Most of our classes culminate in a Showcase on the final day of the session, right in the Studio. Family, friends, and fans are welcome!
Improv D&D and some of our advanced high school classes are more process-based. They are great for building skills, but they aren’t as much fun for audience members to watch. We will always note in the program details whether there will be a final performance, and you are always welcome to email us with any questions at outreach@travelingplayers.org.
School-Year Plays: Our school-year plays perform multiple times via a performance tour!
Over the course of two weekends, we pack all of our costumes, props, sets, actors, and technicians into one of our purple buses to travel around the DC Metro area. Each play is performed four times at various venues, including, but not limited to, professional stages, community centers, schools, children’s hospitals, and retirement homes. The final performance is always open to the public.
What scripts do you use for your classes and school-year plays?
Our school-year curriculum introduces young actors to a wide range of age-appropriate playwrights and styles, with an emphasis on contemporary theatre and plays based on great literature.
We pride ourselves on selecting scripts that honor our students’ imaginations, intelligence, and artistic capabilities.
Where are classes and rehearsals held?
Traveling Players Rehearsal Studio
The Traveling Players Rehearsal Studio is tucked into a quiet corner of Tysons Corner Center (on the 2nd level near Nordstrom), giving us a private, secure space that’s entirely our own, complete with dedicated bathrooms and water fountains for students and faculty. It’s a convenient spot for families: you’re welcome to shop or grab a bite while your child is in class or camp.
Address:
Traveling Players Rehearsal Studio
Tysons Corner Center
1961 Chain Bridge Road
Tysons, VA 22102
Read more about our Studio here.
Explore More Programs
