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

info@travelingplayers.org

Chosing an Ensemble

Check out our Dates & Rates for Summer 2026!

Do you use the current grade or the rising grade?

We use your CURRENT grade.

Which ensemble should I audition for?

You should audition for the ensemble you would most like to be in this summer.

Students can audition to perform in more than one ensemble, offering them different experiences. However, you can only be in one Ensemble at a time, as some run simultaneously.

You only need to audition once – for the program that you are more interested in. We will take your preferences into consideration when assigning ensembles, but will place you in the ensemble we feel is most appropriate for your growth as a performer. Most students who are accepted are placed in their first choice program.

Still not sure? Call us (703-987-1712) or send us an email (outreach@travelingplayers.org). We love talking about camp and crafting the best summer for your child.

What is your acceptance rate?

Our acceptance rate varies from 65% to 95%. Our youngest ensembles have the highest acceptance rates, and Shakespeare Troupe is the most selective (with only 14 spots available nationwide).

We look for reasons to accept young performers and provide a nurturing artistic community in which to grow for years to come.

Auditions & Interviews

Do I have to audition/interview?

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

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. Go ahead and register!

How do I audition/interview?

You can audition virtually or in person (at our Studio in Tysons, VA). Either way, you must register for an audition. Our auditions can fill up quickly, so don’t delay.

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 not to 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. That’s your “audition slot”!

Why group auditions instead of video submissions?

Actors can be particularly strong at movement, improv, emotional journeys, heightened language, comedy, tragedy, and all the tones in between. We want to give you opportunities to show us the ways YOU shine, and WITH WHOM you shine. We have designed our auditions to give you as many ways to shine as possible.

Your monologue (or “non-ologue” for our Comedy Ensemble) is a memorized performance when you fully embody a character without a script in front of you. The monologue, however, is only a few minutes of your audition. We want to get to know you a bit better! We also want you to get to know us - and some of the students you’ll potentially live and create with this summer.

We have been told that our auditions are significantly more fun than the average audition. We plan to keep it that way.

Technical Theatre Interviews will be solo.

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

Yes. We select new actors and technicians each year. Usually, this means returning members will be re-accepted, but not always. The audition/interview isn’t just to determine whether we’ll accept you, but also how we could cast you. It’s important for us to see how you’ve grown or changed over the year.

How do you decide who gets in?

We accept actors into our programs who are a good fit for our ensembles and our community. Students who have been with Traveling Players before know the power of a strong, well-balanced ensemble. But how do you create a cohesive and effective ensemble? You need 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’re interested in how you play with others - on stage and off - and with whom you play particularly well. Collaboration, chemistry, dedication, kindness, joy, and imagination are the qualities that allow our ensembles and all our students to thrive.

For Shakespeare Troupe: We accept actors into Troupe by considering the needs of the individuals and the play. Since Troupe is going on a professional performance tour, we have to cast the play with actors who are right (or can stretch into) the roles. We also must have roles that will challenge the accepted actors. The learning opportunities in Troupe, however, are only partly reflected in an actor’s role. The demands of mounting a full-length Shakespeare play on a professional rehearsal schedule are awesome and daunting. It’s the experience of a lifetime!

For Technical Theatre Apprentices: We accept technicians while considering the technical aspects of the season's plays. We need to ensure each technician has a challenging project to work on so they can grow their skills.

What happens at the auditions and interviews?

AUDITIONS: You will perform your monologue/”non-ologue”, play theatre games, read from the script, and discuss what the summer will look like for you if accepted. The audition is an opportunity for the director to get to know you and see how you work and play with other potential ensemble members. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know your potential castmates. You’ll have a chance to ask us questions, too!

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.

INTERVIEWS: Technical Theatre Interviews will be solo. 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!

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.

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 more than one program?

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

Figure out which program you’d prefer, since we will take that into consideration. We genuinely care about what you’re interested in learning.
1. Audition/Interview for your first choice as early as possible. If you are interested in two acting programs, then you only need to audition once. We will consider you for your first-choice program initially and endeavor to accept you into the program with the most significant challenge for you as an actor.
2. If you are interested in Shakespeare Troupe, then you must attend a Troupe audition to be considered.
3. If you are interested in the Technical Theatre Apprentice in addition to acting, then you must both interview and audition.

When will I find out if I'm accepted?

Decisions are emailed about a week after your audition/interview. Students are accepted, declined, or called back. Notifications are emailed simultaneously. If offered a spot, you have a week to pay the deposit to secure your spot in your ensemble.

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

While rare, technicians may be asked to do a second interview if we feel the need to discuss your skills and/or interests further. We want to make sure we are best serving you and that you get the training you want from 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

What are my discounts for Sleepaway & Shakespeare Troupe?

Multisession: $250 (off of your 2nd session)
Sibling Discount - $250 (off the 2nd child registration)
Referral Rebate - $250 (on each accepted referral, not limited to your ensemble - $50 when they audition, $200 if accepted and register for summer)
Early Bird (enroll by Jan 31) - ensemble dependent:
- Act: FIVE - $100
- Mythology Ensemble - $200
- Thespian Ensemble - $250
- Comedy Ensemble - $250
- Shakespeare Ensemble - $250
- Technical Theatre (3 wk) - $250
- Technical Theatre (6 wk) - $350
- Shakespeare Troupe - $350

Are discounts stacking?

In most cases...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. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call!

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 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 2025, you would need to reapply for Summer 2026.

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 and 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 & Shakespeare Troupe: Register to audition/interview for the program that your child would like to attend. Please submit the following materials before your audition/interview.
- 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 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.
If you are accepted into our programs, then your application for financial aid will be considered.
- Please contact outreach@travelingplayers.org or 703-987-1712 if you need audition fees waived.
For Day Camps: Begin the process above. If your desired camp is about to fill, please call or email, and we can discuss holding a spot for you until the financial aid application is complete.

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 & Shakespeare Troupe. Once you have received your offer, you have a week to accept and put down a deposit of 30% of your portion of the tuition. You may then schedule payments as necessary, with the remaining 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?

Yes! We have an Open House on April 25, 2026, from 1 - 4 pm for families and friends to tour our campus before camp starts.

Campus tours are also available to parents on the first day of each session as part of drop off; however, the Open House is your only chance to see the dormitories where the campers live.

Where do campers live? How do you pick roomates?

Our campers live in Murrell Hall – a three-story modern dormitory, which keeps our community nestled together, while still giving campers ample privacy and space. The halls are divided by grade – building friendships with near-age peers across ensembles!

The exact breakout changes every year depending on the makeup of camp, but typically they are:

Grades 4-7 – Orchestra (1st floor)

Grades 7-9 – Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Grades 9-12 – Ballcony (3rd floor)

Campers are divided into dorm rooms by gender. We do not take roommate requests.

What are the dorms like?

Campers live in triples with 2 close-age roommates. Each dorm room has three twin beds, three dressers, shared closet space, and desks.

Each floor’s Lounge is the center of its 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.

Also in Murrell Hall: the cafeteria, the laundromat, and the infirmary

Two to six members of faculty live on each floor – including two Residential Advisors. Our Faculty live in private rooms so that always nearby, attentive, and available, while still allowing campers an appropriate level of privacy.

Where do the campers rehearse/do tech work?

As stated in a 2007 Washington Post article about Traveling Players, “Many kids’ first spiritual encounters take place in nature, where they discover something larger than themselves.” Therefore, we link theatrical work to nature by rehearsing and performing outdoors.

Our scenic outdoor rehearsal spaces overlook the Rappahannock River. They are all well-shaded to keep students cool on hot days, and have easy access to restrooms and water fountains.

We also have ample indoor rehearsal space to keep our students safe and rehearsing all day long – no matter the weather!

Both our Costume & Scene shops have large windows which let in natural light – ideal for painting and sewing. The Maker's Space allows our technical students to push the bounds of their creativity. Under the supervision of our Shop Faculty, students are trained to use a plethora of machines and tools, including a CNC Laser Cutting Machine and a 3D printer!

What do campers do for fun when they are not in rehearsal?

Adventure surrounds us, and activities outside of rehearsal are designed to cater to the range of our campers' interests.

Afternoons might be spent at our private beach, where campers swim, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard right in the Rappahannock! Campers can also play a game of pick-up basketball, go for a run on our indoor track, or continue to build their artistic skills through arts & crafts and specialty classes.

Weekly campouts connect our campers with the outdoors. We roast s’mores over riverside firepits and stargaze on the beach before heading to bed.

Weekends and Evenings are filled with open-mics, outdoor movies, camp-wide games, and the crown jewel of each session – Camp Prom!*

* Camp Prom is for 3 and 6-week programs only.

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 1:5 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. Along with their professional achievements, our faculty is trained in First Aid & CPR and 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 ten days 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 alumni 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 in Shakespeare Troupe can bring their phone after the Mid-Summer 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 their primary 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 their 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 and performance tours. Our bus drivers and fleet of five 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?

Day Camp: No, we do not provide transportation, but we do offer aftercare.
Sleepaway Camps & Conservatories: Yes, we offer the Purple Bus Express! There are limited seats available, so make sure to attend the earliest audition you can.

I'm not local to DC...what do I need to know?!

Yes! We warmly accept students from all over the country! All the world is a stage! Take a look at the details here.

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 2026.

Can my child attend therapy virtually while at camp?

Of course! We will provide devices for campers to use – and a private study room in the library. 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, and any access information.

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 computers and 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. 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.
All other ensembles: Performances on the final Thursday.
- Families, Friends, and Fans of our Technicians should attend the show they worked on the most (we'll email you and let you know).
- Only Act: Five campers leave with their parents after their performance. All other campers return to Christchurch School for one last night - and to pack up all their stuff!

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 at Tysons Corner Center (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.

Do I take my child home after the show?

Day Camp: Yes!

Sleepaway Camps:

Mythology Ensemble & 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 28, July 17, July 19, and August 7. $115 one-way, $230 round trip.