Traveling Players Ensemble
About
Recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as “1 of 25 Summer Schools of the Arts,” Traveling Players offers a range of programs for theatre students (grades 2 - 12), from 1-week introductory day camps for beginners to advanced performance & technical theatre training in our 6-week pre-college Shakespeare Troupe.
Our sleep-away camps & residential conservatories are nestled in the foothills of Leesburg, VA. Actors (grades 4-12) rehearse a play in small, supportive peer groups of only 13 performers. Led by a trio of directors (faculty to student ratio -- 1:4), they receive expert personalized acting training in ensemble-based theatre, text analysis, and stage combat. Each session culminates in at least one professionally staged and designed public performance with plays by Shakespeare, Moliere, and based on Greek Mythology.
Traveling Players emphasizes a meaningful engagement with nature. Our residential programs include a weekly campout – when performers learn Leave No Trace camping techniques, to pitch tents, and cook outdoors. As artists and backpackers, students learn self-reliance and creative problem-solving and gain an appreciation of challenges and beauty -- while making lifelong friendships.
Young actors (grades 2-4) in the DC-metro area can train at our Day Camp based out of our Studio in Tysons Corner Center. Our Acting Studio Day camps expand imaginations, confidence, and skills while forming new friendships.
Studio training and performance opportunities are available year-round to students of all ages and levels.
Small by design and awarded for excellence, Traveling Players has been bringing great theatre into the great outdoors for 20 years.
Traveling Players Ensemble, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability in the administration of its admissions or employment policies. If Traveling Players Ensemble reasonably determines that a disability or condition could lead to an inappropriate level of danger to the individual or others, based upon a particular activity, then that person may be ineligible for that particular activity or program, but would not be excluded from other opportunities offered by Traveling Players Ensemble.
Traveling Players is deeply committed to equitable access to the arts. That’s why we are proud to offer the most generous financial aid program in our region for artistic kids. In 2021, we awarded more than $54,000 to dedicated young artists who needed financial aid to attend quality theatrical training. Over 50% of our 2021 families received financial aid or discounts.
There is no annual limit to the amount that we can award, and no lifetime cap. We have had a history of awarding students for six years and over $20,000 in awards.
A single application may allow a student to be eligible for multiple awards over the course of a single year – welcoming a student into many Traveling Players camps, classes, and events.