Artistic Creation

Artistic creation is fundamental to forming one’s identity, especially for teens in their unique and complex transition between childhood and adulthood. We give kids a safe space to explore themselves through artistic expression.

Ensemble

An ensemble (13 actors) provides an ideal structure for fostering creativity and a sense of community, ensuring personalized attention and significant growth as an artist and individual. By keeping our casts small, Traveling Players is able to provide individualized instruction and an enviable 4:1 student-faculty ratio.

Nature

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 and by emphasizing nature themes in the plays we produce.

• Arts Education Award, 2020-21 Winner, ArtsFairfax
• Over 760 performances, 50% donated
• Served over 8,000 campers
• Awarded over $345,000 in Financial Aid
• Two Traveling Players-commissioned mythology plays by Judith Walsh White have been professionally published, listing our campers as the Original Cast
• Ranked #1 arts camp in the nation by CampEasy! in 2015
• Named Readers’ Pick Summer Camp by Northern Virginia Magazine, 2016-21
• Featured for 9 years in Catalogue for Philanthropy, “featuring the area's best, vetted, community-based charities for high-impact local giving"

Traveling Players Students attribute numerous awards and distinctions to our programs and coaching, including:

• Winner: Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play, Traveling Players student
• Nomination: Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play, 2009, Traveling Players student.
• English-Speaking Union Shakespeare Competition for the National Capital Region: 11 first-place awards in school competitions, Regional Finalist (2005, 2013), Regional Winner (2006 – competed in national competition at Lincoln Center), Regional 1^st Runner-Up (2008), Regional 2^nd Runner-Up (2012).
• Poetry Out Loud, National Endowment for the Arts, 2011 State Champion (MD) and National Finalist; 2012 State Champion (DC).
• Winner: Montgomery County Public Schools All-County Superintendent’s Performing Arts Award, Traveling Players student.
• Winner: DC-area Cappies Critics and Awards Program, Best Musical, Best Song, Best Supporting Actress Traveling Players students
• Nominations: DC-area Cappies Critics and Awards Program, Sound, Makeup, and Acting, Traveling Players student.
• 1st Place: 10-minute Playwriting Contest at Arena Stage, 2011, Traveling Players student.
• Forensics wins by Traveling Players students:
  • District Level: Dramatic Interpretation: 1^st and 2^nd place, Humorous Interpretation: 3^rd place
  • Regional Level: Dramatic Interpretation, All Stars Finals, 1st Place
  • National Level: Dramatic Interpretation, Prose Reading, Top 50
• Cappies Nominations 2023:
  • Charles Fisher, Best Lead Actor
  • Kaitlyn McCarley, Best Comic Actor
  • Hugo Ratheau, Best Supporting Actor
  • Will Albaugh, Best Featured Actor

Each year that our daughter has attended a Traveling Players program (3 summers and 2 winters), I have been so impressed not only by the wonderful and professional nature of the programs, but by the genuine camaraderie developed between the cast and the directors. No other program or experience has been more challenging or meaningful for my daughter. Thank you!

– Parent

Wow! Traveling Players is a fantastic community! Our daughter has done multiple summer camps, several skills sessions, and a host of live performances over the past three years, and we have run out of superlatives. The staff, families, venues and content are all top-notch. Traveling Players is a fun, well-organized, welcoming and inclusive community perfect for children who want to nurture their creativity, build confidence and make friends; or, for those who desire to truly build and hone their acting skills and CVs.

- Parent

A transformative experience! My son and daughter have attended Traveling Players programs 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!

— Parent

Traveling Players score with 'Commedia Christmas Carol'

Sun Gazette

"The one-act show...provided a tour-de-force opportunity for its lead and plenty of strong performances throughout."

At Traveling Players, teen actors find pandemic relief in ancient Greeks

DC Theater Arts

"Ancient Greek myths tell epic stories and require a level of emotional commitment that is typically not asked of teenage actors. And yet, in some ways, it is teenagers - with their heightened emotions - who are best equipped to tell these narratives."

Traveling Players Ensemble: Reconnecting Theater with Nature

Washington Parent

"The positive effects of art on growing children cannot be overstated. When young people find an outlet to express themselves...they're able to build a stronger sense of self. Traveling Players Ensemble recognizes this invaluable benefit to young people and takes it another step further: connecting with the outdoors."