Summer Camps & Conservatories FAQs

From picking an ensemble, to auditions, applying for financial aid, what to pack,
and more, find answers to all your questions about summer camps and theatre programs at Traveling
Players Ensemble.

703 - 987 - 1712

Hours: 11 am - 6 pm

Click below to send us a message.

Picking an Ensemble

Check out our Dates & Rates for Summer 2025!

Which ensemble is right for me?

Students who have been at Traveling Players before know the power of a strong and well-balanced ensemble. But how do you create a cohesive and effective ensemble? You need a mix of experiences and backgrounds – students of different ages, genders, and leadership experience — all of whom are eager to support and challenge each other to do their best work.

Our Swing Year students are eligible to perform in different ensembles, which will offer them different experiences.

Please audition only once – for the program that you are more interested in. We will take your preference into consideration when deciding ensemble assignments, but will place you in the ensemble that we feel is most appropriate for your growth as a performer.

6th Grade Swings: Audition for either the Mythology Ensemble or the Thespian Ensemble.
8th Grade Swings: Audition for either the Thespian Ensemble, the Shakespeare Ensemble, or the Comedy Ensemble (Touchstones). You can also interview for Technical Theatre. If interested in both acting and tech, please audition AND interview.

Still not sure? Call us! (703-987-1712). We love talking about camp and crafting the best summer for your child.

Please do not be discouraged if you are placed in a different ensemble than your preference. It is likely because we think you will receive a better challenge or more leadership opportunities in the other ensemble.

Auditions & Interviews

Do I have to audition/interview?

Day Camp: No, this program does not require an audition.

Sleepaway Camps & Shakespeare Troupe: Yes, most of our residential programs are by audition or interview only.

Act: FIVE - No, this is the only sleepaway program that does not require an audition.

What if I can't attend in person?

Unable to audition/interview in person? We still want to see you!

If you live outside the DC-metro area, you can still apply for our summer programs – and we hope you do! Here’s what you do: email Emma Mearns (programassistant@travelingplayers.org) for a registration link. Once we have received your registration, we will organize a time to meet with you via Zoom. You may be scheduled to audition with other students or you may be solo. Technical Theatre Interviews will be solo.

In the audition Zoom room, you will perform your monologue, play theatre games, and discuss what the summer will look like for you if accepted. For the interview, we'll discuss your portfolio, interests, current skills, what you want to learn, and how summer can help you achieve your goals. You’ll have a chance to ask us questions, too!

Can I audition/interview even if I don't know if I can participate this summer?

No, sorry. We accept a very limited number of campers, meaning every spot must be filled by someone who is committed, so as to not take away an opportunity from someone else.

If after the audition/interview, you realize this is not the community for you, simply email us within 48 hours and we will not follow up with your results.

Do I need an audition slot?

Nope. You’ll be in the audition room the whole time. We’re equally interested in how you play with others (and with whom you play particularly well), as we are in your performance skills. Additionally, we will be playing improvisational games. So plan to spend the whole time with us!

I'm a returning Traveling Player. Do I still need to audition/interview?

Yes. We select new actors & technicians each year. Usually, this means returning members will be re-accepted, but not always. Plus, for casting purposes, it’s important for us to see how you’ve grown or changed over the year. The audition/interview isn’t just to determine if we’ll use you, but also how.

How do you decide who gets in?

We accept actors into our programs by considering the needs of the individuals and the needs of the play. We have to cast the plays with actors who are right for the roles. We also have to find roles that will challenge the individual actors.

We accept technicians considering the technical aspects of the season's plays. We need to make sure each technician has a challenging project to work on, so they can grow their skills.

We also select people based on how they work in the group and what kind of energy they bring in.

What happens at the auditions?

You will perform the monologue that you memorized, but that is just one section of the auditions. You will be given lots of opportunities to display your skills through improvisation, readings from scripts, and group discussions. The audition is an opportunity for the director to get to know you and to see how you work and play with other potential members of the ensemble. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know your potential castmates. You will have your best audition if you relax, have fun, and connect with your fellow performers! We have been told that our auditions are significantly more fun than the average audition. We plan to keep it that way.

What do I need to prepare for auditions?

For all auditioned programs you will need to prepare some material to present. You can find the required material below. Please choose ONE (1) to perform at your audition.

For Shakespeare Troupe, please prepare a Shakespeare monologue of your choice, 14 - 18 lines in length, from any Shakespeare play other than Cymbeline.

What do I need to prepare for interviews?

Please bring a portfolio to your interview to discuss. You can find the guidelines below:

Tech Theatre Portfolio

Can I apply for overlapping programs?

Yes, you can! However, you can’t participate in both, as they overlap. But, this will allow you to be placed in the program that will give you the most challenge. Here’s how it works:

1 - Figure out which program you’d prefer, since we will take that into consideration. We genuinely care about what you’re interested in learning, particularly since the disciplines are so different.
2 - Audition/Interview for your first choice as early as possible. If interested in two acting programs, you only need to audition once. If you specify a preference, then the director of that ensemble has first dibs on you if they think you would do well in their play/ensemble. The staff will discuss how they would potentially use you in either production, and accept you into the program with the greatest challenge for you as an actor (meaning the largest substantial role).

When will I find out if I'm accepted?

The notification goes out about a week after the audition/interview. Students are accepted, declined, or called back. All parents & students are emailed at the same time.

Actors are called back so that the director can see how the actor plays with other auditionees. (For example, if we’re considering you for the role of Romeo, but no Juliets audition this round, you’ll need to read together at the next round of auditions. The same is true of comedy duos.) If called back, then you will not be charged another audition fee.

While rarer, technicians will sometimes be asked to do a second interview if we feel the need to further discuss your skills and/or interests. We want to make sure we are best serving you and that you will get the training you want out of the program.

Discounts

What are my discounts for Day Camp?

Multiweek - $25
Sibling Discount - $25
Referral Rebate - $25
Early Bird (enroll by Jan 31) - $25 - $35

What are my discounts for Sleepaway & Troupe?

Multisession - $250
Sibling Discount - $250
Referral Rebate - $250
Early Bird (enroll by Jan 31) - ensemble dependent:
- Mythology Ensemble - $200
- Thespian Ensemble - $300
- Comedy Ensemble - $300
- Shakespeare Ensemble - $300
- Technical Theatre (3wk) - $300
- Shakespeare Troupe - $400
- Technical Theatre (6wk) - $400

Are discounts stacking?

Yes! You can have one, two, or all of the discounts, if applicable. This also means if you have 3 children enrolled, you will receive the sibling discount twice.

I have one child in Day Camp and one at Sleepaway. How does that affect my discounts?

The sibling discount will be applied to the Day Camp enrollment. For the referral rebate, it will be applied to the camp the referred student enrolls in (i.e. your friend enrolls in Sleepaway, we would apply the $250 rebate to your Sleepaway reservation).

Financial Aid

What programs are eligible for Financial Aid?

Traveling Players is committed to making arts education accessible to everyone. We are proud to offer need-based financial aid for all of our programs with no annual or lifetime caps. Once approved for financial aid, you can be extended aid for a full calendar year before needing to reapply.

What makes me a candidate for Financial Aid?

Anyone who believes they are in need is encouraged to apply, but those who usually receive significant amounts of aid are families with a combined annual income of $140,000 or less, or those with extenuating circumstances (i.e. medical bills, parents/guardians on deployment, changing family circumstances). Financial Aid is extended on a sliding scale - the more need demonstrated, the more aid granted.

I was given Financial Aid last year. Do I need to apply again?

Yes. Financial Aid lasts for a full calendar year, then you must reapply. For example, if you first applied for aid for Summer 2024, you would need to reapply for Summer 2025.

However, you will not need to provide us with a teacher recommendation or interview as we already know you.

How much Financial Aid can I receive?

This varies family to family and year to year. We can offer anywhere between 10% - 95% of tuition as aid. The amount offered will depend on funding from donations & grants, number of applicants, and need of applicants from year to year.

I don't live in the DC metro area. Can I still receive Financial Aid?

Yes, but due to grant stipulations we prioritize local students. If you live out of the area and would like to apply for financial aid, we recommend applying as early as possible.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

For Sleepaway Camps & Troupe: Register to audition/interview for the program that your student would like to attend. Please submit all following materials before your audition/interview. Once program acceptances have been sent out based on the audition/interview, we will begin to consider your Financial Aid application.
- Please contact programassistant@travelingplayers.org or 703-987-1712 if you need audition fees waived.
For Day Camps: The parent should contact us programassistant@travelingplayers.org or 703-987-1712. If we determine you are a good candidate for financial aid, then we will give you a code to temporarily hold a space while your application is being processed.
The student writes a letter to Artistic Director Jeanne Harrison explaining why they want to be a member of Traveling Players’ summer programs or classes and what special qualities they would bring to the ensemble.
The student asks a teacher or coach who knows them well to fill out a recommendation form:
- Recommendation for Financial Aid – Summer.
- Recommendation for Financial Aid – Classes.
Parents complete the Financial Aid Application Form and provide a copy of their most recent federal tax return to verify your eligibility for financial aid.
- Please block out your social security numbers; we don’t need those.
- Snail mail is the safest. Send application and tax forms to: Traveling Players, P.O. Box 1315, Great Falls, VA 22066
- ONLY Email through an encrypted email service, such as Encyro, https://www.encyro.com/. Send application and tax forms to development@travelingplayers.org.

Financial Aid is considered on a rolling basis. This means we will be awarding summer aid as early as December. Please apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving the funding you need.

When will I find out if I received Financial Aid?

Our Financial Aid committee meets once a month to review applications and make decisions. You should find out about a month after your application is complete. This includes program acceptance for Sleepaway & Troupe. Once you have received your offer, you have a week to accept and put down a deposit of 30% of what your portion of the tuition. You may then schedule payments as necessary with the full amount being due April 15.

Location - Sleepaway Camps & Conservatories

Where is camp?

Christchurch Boarding School

Historic boarding school in Virginia’s "Northern Neck," close to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Norfolk
Scenic, waterfront campus overlooks the Rappahannock River, complete with private dock and beach access
Private and secure property (125 acres), includes state-of-the-art facilities
2.5 hours from Traveling Players' Studio in Tysons Corner Center

Address for Directions:
49 Seahorse Lane, Christchurch, VA 23031

Mailing Address:
<Camper’s Name>
Traveling Players
c/o Christchurch School
49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, Virginia 23031

Can I see the campus?

We will have an Open House in May for families and friends to tour our campus before camp starts.

Over the summer, we do a drive-thru drop off for students, so this will be the only chance for parents to see everything at camp!

What are the lodging facilities like?

One large, modern dormitory will house all our students, maintaining a sense of community while giving each age group their own space!

Campers live in cozy dorm rooms with 2 or 3 roommates - plus AC!
Campers live with near-age peers in their room and on their hall, expanding their friendships to other ensembles.
Bathrooms are just down the hall Campers can take a hot shower every day!
Each floor houses a different age group, and each hall has "dorm parents," specially trained counselors who create joy outside of rehearsal hours.
Staff live in private rooms on each floor so that they are nearby, attentive, and available, while still allowing campers an appropriate level of privacy.
Each floor's Lounge is a center for community! With big comfy couches for relaxing, memorizing lines, and hanging out with your friends, it's the perfect spot to hang out after rehearsal.
Each floor also has a study/craft/game room where you can leave out a puzzle, card game, or board game!
During our daily free period, campers are free to move between floors, so you can hang out with your friends no matter where you live!
Also in that dorm: the cafeteria, the laundromat, and the infirmary.

How are the campers divided in the dorm?

The three floors are divided by grade. The exact ages change every year depending on the breakout of camp, but typically they are grades 4-7, 7-9, & 9-12. Campers are then divided by gender into separate rooms.

What fun areas exist around campus?

The most exciting feature Christchurch's property has to offer is private river access. During free time campers will be allowed to swim, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and fish right in the Rappahannock!
Adventure will surround us! There are several basketball courts, an indoor track, riverside firepits for s’mores, and a beach for stargazing!

Where do the campers rehearse/do tech work?

We’ll be rehearsing outdoors all day, enjoying everything Mother Nature has to offer! All our theatrical spaces are complete with shade and nearby restrooms.
Indoor and outdoor rain spaces keep students safe and rehearsing all day long – no matter the weather!
Both the Costume & Scene shops have AC and large windows which let in natural light – keeping everyone comfortable while working.
Christchurch's Maker's Space allows our technical students to push the bounds of their creativity. A plethora of machines and tools exist in the space including a 3D printer!

Does Traveling Players have a religious affiliation?

Nope! We are not associated with any religion. Campers of all religions are welcome to come make great theatre in the great outdoors!

Christchurch Boarding School, our summer location partner, is part of the progressive tradition of Episcopal schools.

Safety

What is the staff to camper ratio?

Traveling Players maintains a 1:4 staff to student ratio. That means our students are more than just in our sight, but receiving personalized training and attention. Directors are master teachers with many years of experience in both professional theatre and theatre education. Along with their professional achievements, our faculty is trained in First Aid & CPR and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Every director is supported by 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 two weeks of on-site orientation.

Our staff is our biggest asset — comprised of talented artist educators who work professionally in the DC-metro area and around the world. A significant number of our staff are alums of our program, proof that the Traveling Players community remains dear to their hearts.

How do you care for my child's physical safety?

All our staff receive American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and EpiPen training. Several staff are certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Our staff have a high level of physical competency. Many of them have run marathons, hiked the Appalachian Trail, or are certified lifeguards.

If medical services are needed, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital is located less than 30 minutes from campus.

How do you care for my child's emotional safety?

We dedicate a full day of staff orientation to practicing how to keep our students in safe boundaries with our on-call social worker. Zena Carmel-Jessup is a Maryland Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience training staff and working with children and families.

What is the camp's electronic policy?

Cell phones, iPods, kindles, smart watches, fitness trackers, other Bluetooth devices, etc. are NOT allowed at camp.

Almost all sleepaway/residential camps strictly forbid cell phones and electronics, and we agree with their stance. The reasons for this are many:

According to U.S. News and NPR, smartphone-mediated communication interferes with the positive educational and developmental impact of camp on children of all ages.
- A 2014 UCLA study of sixth graders at an outdoor camp found that in just 5 days without a screen, students were better able to pick up on nonverbal emotional cues.
The rough-and-tumble environment of summer camp is hard on delicate and expensive electronics, which are particularly vulnerable to loss and breakage.
Unplugged doesn’t mean disconnected. You can send you camper letters & care packages (we recommend limiting yourself to 1 care package in a 3 week stay, but you can send letters everyday if you’d like!)
- <Camper’s Name>
  Traveling Players
  c/o Christchurch School
  49 Seahorse Lane
  Christchurch, Virginia 23031
- No food in care packages, please!
You can also email your camper!
- Subject: letter for CAMPER NAME
  campassistant@travelingplayers.org
Some personal electronics (for instance, a single-function white noise generator for kids with sleep disorders) may be acceptable for use at camp. Please contact the office to check in with us before camp.
Campers with standing therapy appointments will, of course, be able to attend those. We will provide phones to campers for them to use. Please email campdirector@travelingplayers.org with the appointment time and doctor’s phone number.
Campers who are starting college this year will have access to their phones for the purposes of registering for classes, filling out their paperwork, et cetera.
Students doing Shakespeare Troupe can bring their phone after the mid-simmer vacation and will have access to it during selected times while on tour.
It’s very important that parents do not rely on their children’s cell phones as being their contact number should something come up. If something comes up during camp (family emergency on your end, camper not feeling well on our end), please call the Camp Office at 703-987-1712 (or expect a call from the camp office). The camp director will make sure your child, as well as his/her staff members, are up to date with anything that’s going on. By keeping us in the loop, we are better able to care for your child.

We really appreciate your compliance with this policy, and hope your camper can “disconnect to reconnect”!

What about traveling during the program?

We travel with the students for field trips, performances, and tour. Our fleet of six purple buses have a spotless safety record. All of our buses are professionally maintained by our experienced on-call diesel mechanic. We employ a commercial driver trainer to personally train all of our drivers. All of our bus drivers are drug tested before the summer begins and randomly tested throughout the summer. A bus counselor engages students in games (a mobile improv class!) while the driver focuses on the road.

Getting to Camp

Is there a bus that takes kids to camp?

No, you will drop off and fetch your child from Tysons (Day Camp) or Christchurch Boarding School (Sleepaway).

I'm flying in from out of state - how do I get to camp from the airport?

Traveling Players offers shuttle service to and from Richmond International Airport (RIC) on the first and last day of every session.

There is an $160 fee each way to use the shuttle service. If you are interested in using the shuttle service please email outreach@travelingplayers.org for further booking details.

Shuttle Dates for 2025
Arrival Dates – June 22, July 13
Return Dates – July 5, 11, 26 & August 1

Traveling Players is unable to arrange shuttle service to any airport other than Richmond International Airport (RIC).

Unaccompanied Minors (aged 14 and under for most airlines)

Unaccompanied Minor is a term used by the airlines for a fee-based escort service for a young traveler. The airlines charge a separate fee for this service. Each airline has its own specific requirements for transporting young travelers. We recommend that families check with the air carrier to determine what requirements apply to a minor child. See below for unaccompanied minor information for main airline carriers.

We also recommend that you schedule flights early in the day. Airlines will not board an unaccompanied minor if any flights of the trip are the last flight of the day.

Luggage

If you are planning to ship your luggage to camp please allow at least two weeks for items to arrive at Christchurch School from the continental U.S. and Canadian sites and longer from other locations. Place origin and destination addresses, and phone numbers, inside shipped items in case exterior tags become lost. It is recommended to ship belongings in boxes that can be reused at the end of the session.

To ship luggage and boxes in advance use the following address and include the student’s arrival date:

<Camper’s Name>
Traveling Players
c/o Christchurch School
49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, Virginia 23031

Shipping Luggage Home

Campers who shipped their luggage to camp can elect to ship their luggage home after camp. Families will be responsible for the cost of shipment from camp and an additional $25 convenience fee.

I want to come for the whole summer, but I'm not local to the DC area. Where should I go during the mid-summer vacation?

If you are coming from out of town, we will help you to find a castmate that you can stay with over the mid-summer break! Traveling Players is fortunate to have a welcoming and interconnected community. Just let us know that you are interested in being hosted, and we will connect you with other families in your ensemble.

What to Pack

Download the Packing List

Is it best to pack sheets and a blanket or a sleeping bag?

We recommend that you pack both sheets and a blanket and a sleeping bag. The kids will spend a couple nights in tents so the sleeping bag will be good for that, and the dorm will have AC so sheets and blankets will be good then. The sleeping bag can be used as the blanket if it unzips entirely.

My trunk/tupperware/luggage is too big to fit under the bunk, can I still send it?

Storage space in the dorm room is limited. Please do your best to pack efficiently. Luggage that fits underneath bunks is highly preferred as it will be more easily stored.

Do the kids need a backpack?

The kids will need a small daypack to carry their script, pencils, water bottle, camera, etc., but only Shakespeare Troupe will need a framed camping backpack.

At Camp

How often will the kids do their laundry, and should I send my kid with detergent/pods?

You can bring laundry pods if they are powdered. We don’t want parents to send liquid detergent since it could create a huge mess. Your student can also buy detergent from the camp store. Campers should pack about 12 days’ worth of clothes.

Mythology Ensemble will NOT do laundry - please pack accordingly.

We will do extra laundry as needed (i.e. big rainstorm, surprise period, etc.)

What items are off limits for care packages?

Please do NOT send food in your care packages. We like to keep the nature in nature, and food invites critters into the dorm.

Please also refrain from sending items such as electronics and medications (over the counter or prescription). These items should be handed over to camp staff on move-in day.

What is the food like?

Campers eat a delicious, diverse, and healthy menu. Every meal will offer a vegetarian and non-vegetarian entree.

Learn more about the food for Summer 2025.

Can my child attend therapy virtually while at camp?

Of course! We have found that the most effective way for campers to attend therapy while at camp is by phone call – that way they are not distracted by notifications from their personal devices when they log on for their appointments. We will provide phones for campers to use – and a hammock might be available, too! If possible, please move their appointment time to between 4:00 – 6:00 pm on a weekday, which is during their free time. Please email campdirector@travelingplayers.org with the appointment time and doctor’s phone number.
Phone calls are preferred, but if a video call is required by your child's therapist, please let us know so we can plan accordingly.

I’m going to college in the fall and need to register for classes/check my email etc. What do I do?

Students who are starting college this year will have limited access to their phones for the purposes of registering for classes, filling out their paperwork, etc. Please contact the camp director in advance for further information. We’ll make sure they don’t miss any deadlines during their stay with us!

Final Performances

Is there a Final Performance? When and where?

Yes!

Day Camp: Show off what you've learned in a 30 minute showcase on your final Camp Day right in the Studio. Friends, Family, and Fans are welcome!

Sleepaway Camps & Conservatories: Your ensemble will mount a fully produced play and the final performance will be open to the public.

Mythology Ensemble: Performances on the final Saturday in our Studio in Tysons Corner Center
Shakespeare Troupe: Your week-long performance tour will feature several public performances. The final will be on PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center.
All other ensembles: Performances on the final Thursday on PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center.
- Families, Friends, and Fans of our Technicians should attend the show they are working run crew for. This will be assigned the last week of camp and will be emailed to parents/guardians.

Who can attend the Final Performance?

Our shows are open to the public and we encourage all who want to support our campers to attend.

Do I need a ticket?

Day Camp: Nope!

Sleepaway Camps: This depends on the venue and weather.

In our Studio (Mythology Ensemble, and everyone in case of inclement weather): Yes! Tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the door. All campers receive two comps for their performance.
On PenFed Plaza (All ensembles except Mythology): Nope! However, Rain Tickets are available for purchase ahead of time.
- Rain Tickets: These can be bought for insurance in the event the show is moved indoors, as inside we have a much smaller capacity. These tickets are nonrefundable.
Various Tour Venues: Likely. Please see tour schedule (TBA).

Do I take my child home after the show?

Day Camp: Yes!

Sleepaway Camps:

Mythology Ensemble and Act: FIVE - Yes! After the show, family & friends will exit the Studio and wander the mall for about an hour while we say our goodbyes and sort their belongings. Then, you can take your camper (and their stuff) home!
All other Ensembles: Nope! After the show, you can hug and praise for about 15 minutes, then we will need to take them to continue our programs (transition to next show, dinner, ride back to camp, etc.). You may not take your camper from their staff. In order to keep your child safe and the programs running smoothly, we need them with us. On the final Friday of camp, you will come back to Christchurch Boarding School to retrieve your camper and their stuff!

Camp is about 3 hours from Tysons. What should I do about seeing the show and then pickup the next day?

If your child is participating in a program that has a Final Performance on a separate day from pick-up, we recommend staying local to Tysons Corner the night of the performance, then driving down to Christchurch the next day for pick-up.

There are many options in Tysons, but if you want to stay right next to the Plaza, the Hyatt Regency overlooks the performance area. Staying here? We have a discount code! Ask any of our staff for it!

Want to spend the night in Saluda as well? Christchurch has several options on their website here.

Carpools are another great way to save energy. If you need a carpool, please reach out to us and we will connect you to others in your ensemble.

Purple Bus Express: Don't want to make the drive down? You can add on bus fare to your registration for Drop-Off and/or Pick-Up! Dates of service: June 22, July 11, July 13, and August 1. $115 one-way, $230 round trip.