D&D Improv [Dramatists] - Traveling Players Ensemble

D&D Improv: Dramatists

Please Note: All information on this page reflects programs for Fall 2021.
Information for Fall 2022 classes is coming soon!

Harness the popular role-playing game D&D to form a new kind of ensemble: the Adventuring Improv Party! Instead of retelling an already-existing story, we customize each adventure for maximum creativity and theatrical challenge!

Actors will create bold characters, overcome obstacles, and make strategic and innovative choices on the spot as they use long-form improvisation as a storytelling tool.

Each class will feed into the next, in an ongoing original story that encourages actors to work together both as characters and as collaborators designing an expansive story — their own epic adventure!

Only 2 spots left!

I’ve definitely learned to think on the spot more; especially in initiative, I needed to think creatively and use my sheet to make my character do cool stuff. It was also great to put myself into my character’s shoes.
— Student

Session 1:

Times: Wednesday evenings! 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Dates: September 15 – October 6
Location: Virtual – via Zoom!
Tuition: $120 ($140 after the Early Bird flies away on Sept. 6 at midnight)

Session 2:

Times: Wednesday evenings! 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Dates: October 20 – December 15
- No class Nov 24 – Thanksgiving week
Location: Virtual – via Zoom!
Tuition: $260 ($280 after the Early Bird flies away on Sept. 6 at midnight)

Tuition Notes:

Includes 6 purple dice in a velvet pouch, mailed directly to your house!
The Traveling Players Difference
Information on Financial Aid

Narrators: Jeffrey Robb, BA; Molly Kaufman, BFA

Class Size: 6 adventurers (if we get more than 1 group, they will run parallel, but compete and interact with each other at times!)

Current 6th or 9th Grader? You've got a choice year!

6^th and 9^th graders have choices at Traveling Players! You can choose to either age up into an older age group, or stay and be a leader in the younger age group – either way you’re sure to have a ton of fun!

Current 6^th Graders

If you’re new to theatre, or you just finished the Acting Sampler Week or the Mythology Ensemble, we recommended that you stay in the 4^th– 6^th grade program. Most of your friends from the summer will be here and you will work with many of the amazing teachers you already know and love.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, or if you were a part of the Thespian Ensemble we recommend that you join our 6^th-9^th grade program.

Current 9^th Graders

If you’re new to theatre, or if you just finished our Thespian Ensemble, we recommended that you stay in the 6^th-9^th grade program. Most of your friends from the summer will be here, and you will work with many of the amazing teachers you already know and love.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, or if you were a part of the Shakespeare Ensemble, we recommend that you join our 9^th-12^th grade program.

If you have any questions about which program would be perfect for you please call (703-987-1712) or email (campdirector@travelingplayers.org) us and we will be more than happy to help you find the best fit!

To Pod Or Not To Pod? That is the question! (Also: What’s a “Pod”?)

What’s a Pod? To fight the social isolation kids are feeling right now, some parents are choosing to “take camp” with another family. Both kids would be at one house with their laptops and headphones, either inside or outside. During breaks, they could kick a soccer ball, eat brownies, walk the dog, or help each other memorize lines. They could be at the same house all the time, alternate houses, or only Pod certain days of the week. We’re calling these extended families “Pods!”

Form a Pod! If you’re interested, just let us know (campdirector@travelingplayers.org) and we’ll connect you to another family who is similarly interested. Then you can discover if you are both comfortable with the level of exposure in relation to coronavirus, if you live close to each other, and other logistics. We recommend keeping your Pod tight and consistent, and taking appropriate precautions as outlined by the CDC.

Separate Studios: Already have two or more campers in your home? Congrats! You already have a Pod! If the campers are in different ensembles, then they should each have a Studio of their own (separate rooms, trading off with one person working inside and the other outside). If campers are in the same ensemble, than they can work in the same room but each camper should wear wireless headphones to avoid feedback while still allowing the campers freedom of movement.

I hope this continues past COVID. Although we are generally sick of virtual, this class seems to work really well in a virtual environment. Maybe because everyone is actively participating?
— Parent