Thespian Ensemble

Classical Comedies:
Slapstick Meets Poetry

Sleepaway Camp for Grades 6-8

In just three weeks of sleepaway camp, our Thespians hone their skills with expert training in both acting and textual analysis! This summer's play perfectly prepares campers for Shakespeare, as it is also written in iambic pentameter. Our cast is limited to 13 members. There are no small parts! Each and every actor is an integral member of the ensemble. Thespians are carefully guided by a trio of directors, who bring out the best in every performer. Thespian Ensemble is one of two options (along with the shorter, two-week Comedy Ensemble) in our vibrant cohort of middle school actors.

AUDITION

THESPIAN ENSEMBLE

Camp Length:

3 weeks

Camp Cost:

$5700

Current Grades:

6 - 8

This Summer:

Learned Ladies
By Molière

AUDITION

2024 SESSION DATES

Session 1:

Jun 23 - Jul 12 (Full)

Session 2:

Jul 14 - Aug 2 (5 spots left)

AUDITION DATES

Rolling:

We will schedule with you once we recieve your audition registration.

Explore a Typical Day at Camp

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>>

Summer Theater Camps for Middle Schoolers in Virginia

Classical Comedies:

Slapstick Meets Poetry

Audition!

3 weeks | $5700

Learned Ladies

by Molière

Thespian Ensemble is open to students currently in grades 6 - 8.

Limited Space - Audition Soon!

Audition!A Typical Day

2024 Session Dates:

Session 1: June 23 - July 12
-FULL
Session 2: July 14 - August 2
-Only 5 Spots Left!

Audition Dates:

Rolling. We will schedule with you once we receive your audition registration.

Questions? Contact Us

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

Lisa

Parent

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.

The Traveling Players Difference

Designed for Each Child to Thrive

Personalized Attention

Your child will flourish with our unusually small 1:4 faculty:student ratio. We ensure each performer gets the attention they deserve rather than waiting in the wings for their cue. We make sure they get a chance to shine on stage – and off stage, too.

Unplugged to Connect

We are phone-free. Children enjoy camp with open eyes and hearts – not hunched over a screen. Unplugged from the stress of social media, they can forge real friendships with their peers, making connections that last a lifetime!

Real Growth from Ensemble Support

We affirm each student’s strengths – and then challenge them to keep growing beyond their comfort zone. Our staff invest in each actor, helping them earn self-confidence. We train our students to be not only great actors, but also great people.

Experiencing the Great Outdoors

Theatre began as stories told around the campfire. We continue this tradition with a summer camp that feels like summer, teaching our campers outdoor skills like fire-building, campfire cooking, and sleeping in tents!

Why Parents Choose Traveling Players

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.

More Traveling Players FAQs>>

Didn't get your question answered? No worries! Please contact our team by email (info@travelingplayers.org) or phone (703-987-1712).

Audition!

What happens at auditions?

You will perform the monologue that you memorized (choose from the options sent when you register), 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.

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.

What is the food like?

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

Students who have food allergies or other dietary needs should contact campdirector@travelingplayers.org after they enroll to discuss their meal needs. If your child has a more restrictive diet, we may ask you to send a “safe box” of favorite foods that can be eaten if the entree being served does not fit within your child’s dietary requirements. (Note: This is only for campers with food allergies.)

How are the campers divided in the lodges?

The three lodges 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 sleeping bays with separate bathrooms.

Where do the campers rehearse/do tech work?

We rehearse outdoors all day, enjoying everything Mother Nature has to offer!
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.

What if I can't audition 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!

Is there Financial Aid?

Yes! We offer need-based financial aid for all programs. You can find more information here or by emailing Emma Mearns (programassistant@travelingplayers.org).