1. It lets them unplug & reconnect with nature
   Theatre was born in the outdoors. Ancient Greeks built their sacred amphitheaters into the sides of mountains, using the stunning views of nature for the backdrops of their performances. Shakespeare continued this tradition at his Globe Theatre – an open-air amphitheater that brought theatre to Queens and merchants alike. When young people find an artistic outlet to express themselves, they are able to build a stronger sense of self. Traveling Players recognizes this invaluable benefit to young thespians and takes it another step further: connecting it to nature. You might think that outdoor theatre is an adaptation they made to respond to the pandemic, but Traveling Players has been training pre-teens and teens to bring great theatre into the great outdoors for 19 years.
2. It keeps them safe during a Covid summer
   The smaller your bubble, the safer you are. That’s why Traveling Players’ award-winning summer camp transitioned from a day-camp to a residential one, providing a tighter bubble and more nature. Campers are immersed in community for 2, 3 or 6 weeks in Middleburg, VA — a sleep-away camp! — living in cabins, eating and rehearsing outdoors. Actors decompress from rehearsal by gathering firewood for campfire dinner nights, and toasting s’mores – building life skills and memories along the way.

   

3. It brings out the best in every performer
   Traveling Players only accepts 116 campers, cohorted into ensembles of 12 that perform a professionally directed and designed plays. Starting with its close-knit ensemble, these dedicated troupes of players grow to do their best work together. Students receive individualized instruction at a ratio of 1:4 educators to students, optimal for growth as young artists. Traveling Players has a host of options available, for campers from 4th grade all the way up to 12th. Kids can perform in a World Premiere of a Greek myth, written by acclaimed local playwright Judith Walsh White, who trained Julia Louis-Dreyfus when she was a local kid. Or perform wacky fairytales filled with 7-headed hydras, witches and princesses in their Thespian Ensemble. Or even join in the professional-level Shakespeare Troupe!
4. It builds relationships that last a lifetime
   The relationships students build around the campfire extend far beyond the summer. The community is active year-round at events, classes and performances held at the Traveling Players Studio in Tysons Corner Center. The same expert teaching artists from summer continue to develop children’s theatrical skills through improv training, scene study and movement, available to students in grades 3 through 12. The classes remain small, ensuring each student is given the maximum amount of attention to grow his or her craft. Of course, all work still culminates in a showcase or festival performance. Realistically, the cost of professional-level training and drama summer camps can be tough on many families. That’s why Traveling Players, a nonprofit, is proud to offer scholarship opportunities for dedicated children interested in immersing themselves in the arts.

Want more information? Email info@travelingplayers.org or visit www.travelingplayers.org