As someone who has worked with countless high school and college-age performers, I was astounded by the work ethic, intense ensemble cooperation, high-level analytic skills, and focused talent I met in Traveling Players’ student performers. They were fearless individually and supportive collectively, a testament to the fact that many participants return year after year to continue to hone their craft and deepen their commitment to one another.
Why Choose Traveling Players
Why Parents Choose Traveling Players
Summer After Summer
With a return rate of 70%, it’s clear to see that once you’re a Traveling Player, you’ll always be a Traveling Player.
But what is it that keeps students coming back?
Our Values
- Everything we do is Educational. We devote 100% of our resources to creating transformative experiences for young people.
- Artistic Creation is fundamental to forming one’s identity. We give kids a safe space to explore themselves through artistic expression
- Small Ensembles foster a sense of community, ensuring personalized attention (with a 1:5 faculty-student ratio) and significant growth.
- Nature connects our students to something larger than themselves. We rehearse and perform outdoors, letting students learn from the natural world.
Awarded for Excellence
- 1 of 25 model “Summer Schools in the Arts” by the NEA
- Arts Education Award, 2021, ArtsFairfax
- #1 Arts Camp in the Nation, CampEasy
- Proud to be a “critical and trusted local nonprofit” 2015-2025, Spur Local (formerly Catalogue for Philanthropy)
Bringing Out the Best in Every Student
Traveling Players devotes 100% of your tuition and our attention to forming young artists. Unlike many summer programs, we won’t divert any resources to a professional theater or larger educational institution. (P.S. We don’t have one.)
Our teaching artists are not just experts in classical theatre; they are experts in the development of young people. The personal attention that students receive and the intentional community of our ensembles can be found nowhere else.
Want proof of how Traveling Players changes lives? See our alums here.
A Nonprofit & A Mission
As a nonprofit, we design our programs for access and want every dedicated performer to be able to join us. We charge parents only 70% of the true cost of a Traveling Players summer. (Donations and grants cover the remainder.)
We also have the most generous artistic financial aid program in the area, with no annual or lifetime caps. Our approach ensures a vital ensemble that is diverse in every way.
Small by Design
Our immersive ensembles ensure each student receives personalized training and attention.
Our students see tremendous growth because they spend their full rehearsal day engaged directly with our talented teaching artists – not just waiting in the wings for their entrance.
Appropriate Challenges
At Traveling Players we craft age-appropriate programs designed to help our students grow. From creating characters to pitching tents to setting up the sound system, our students know that the success they have off-stage allows them greater success on stage.
The result: pride in their accomplishments, trust in their abilities, and confidence to tackle more in the future.
Real Responsibility
In a small ensemble, everyone is essential. All actors are assigned to technical crews to develop teamwork and touring skills, like maintaining the costumes, setting up the set, or organizing the props.
The ensemble ethos that permeates Traveling Players allows our students to grow their skills not only in acting but also in leadership.
Expert Faculty
Directors are professional teaching artists with many years of experience in theatre education. Every director is supported by two assistant directors, who are working on or have received their BA, BFA, or MFA in theatre. Our faculty is trained in First Aid & CPR, and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Our staff receive 2-weeks of paid training before your child arrives, including a full day with our Licensed Social Worker, who remains on call throughout the summer.
Everyone on staff has been personally interviewed by the Producing Artistic Director and undergone a background check.
Professionally Designed Shows
All costumes, sets, and props are designed and built by our talented Design Team, consisting of professional designers and construction artists.
Students participating in our Technical Theatre Apprenticeship program work one-on-one with our designers and construction artists to bring our shows to life.
Unplugged
With no cell phones or social media around, students get the chance to unplug and meaningfully connect with peers.
Mail and other messages from home are delivered daily–but students’ eyes and hearts are in the present moment while at camp.
Weekly Campouts
Theatre began around a campfire – where people told stories in the dark. Their stories chronicled their identity – origin myths, histories, trials, and triumphs.
We continue that trend at Traveling Players, keeping theatre wild, singing around a campfire, telling our own stories, connecting with nature, and creating a trust that translates to the stage.
Spotless Safety Record
Traveling Players has maintained a spotless safety record over our 20 years. We are fully insured, and our faculty receive training on how to care for our students’ physical and emotional safety.
We have an experienced social worker on call all summer.
What Families Are Saying
Mathew Willson, Professional Actor, Professor & Workshop Instructor
A transformative experience! My son and daughter have attended Traveling Players camps and classes for many years. It is the most important activity in both of their lives. The instruction in classical theatre is incomparable. The outdoor skills and experiences are phenomenal. And the friendships and close, supportive community of kids are priceless. Go!
Laurie, Parent
“I’ve never grown faster than I have at this camp. So I’d love to spend this summer at my favorite place.”
Melissa, Student
“All four of my kids have participated in Traveling Players and it gave them all a lot of confidence and helped them learn how to creatively adapt to life’s changing situations. Many of their best friends are friends from Traveling Players, although they are now years beyond the age when they can participate in Traveling Players, they remain their friends to this day.”