Why Parents Choose Traveling Players

• 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 4:1 student-faculty 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.

Jeanne Harrison, Founder & Producing Artistic Director, discusses the importance of arts education.

Traveling Players Ensemble won the 2021 ArtsFairfax Arts Education Award.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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" 2015-2024, Spur Local (formerly Catalogue for Philanthropy)