VIRGINIA ACTING CAMPS & CLASSES

Camps and classes for Virginia kids, teens, and adults that have a special focus on acting in the theatre. Many of these Virginia acting education programs also focus on singing, dancing and music. Most programs present a performance on the last day of classes. Most of the camps are day camps, but some are residential.

Contact each individual organization via their website for updated program date, place, and registration information.

 

Virginia Stage Company
Norfolk, VA area

Join VSC teaching artists from The Wells stage as they teach your students how to gain confidence and collaborative skills through building on their creative experiences and unique ways of thinking! Accessible for individuals of all arts experience levels, we are committed to exploring the world of theatre through exercises, games, scene work, and improv to develop skills that will further students on stage AND in the classroom.

Website: https://www.vastage.org

 

City of Fairfax Theatre Company
Fairfax, VA area

Traditional Summer Drama Camp
At our unique Summer Drama Camp, kids write and improv to create their own staged performance each Friday!

Each day campers rotate through sessions in art, music, dance, acting, stage makeup or stage combat - with some fun time for camp games and recess. Campers are divided by age and each play is written and performed with peers. Whether your child is new to drama or wants to further develop their skills, our one-week camps challenge each student.

Each session has a unique theme so campers taking multiple weeks will get a new experience each time. There will be an opportunity for both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the day.

Spotlight Summer Drama Camp
This four-week camp is designed to bring more opportunities for experienced young actors and theatre techs. This camp is recommended for campers with prior theatre experience. Campers will audition for roles on the first day of camp. All campers will be cast in only one of the two productions.

Campers will contribute to tech by creating sets, costumes and props for both shows. Additionally, the camp is seeking campers interested in technical theatre, who will not audition for the show and instead will help run the lights, sound, and work as a stage management team.

Website: https://www.fairfaxcitytheatre.org

 

StageCoach Theatre Company
Ashburn, VA area

AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES
StageCoach Theatre Company offers after school classes in the performing arts to students ages 5 – 19.

These are highly interACTive and fun classes taught by seasoned professionals who still work in the theatre industry. Hone your skills in improv, musical theatre, and acting. Strengthen your acting skills by participating in theatre production.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS
StageCoach Theatre Company offers summer camps in the performing arts for students ages 5 – 19. These highly interACTive and fun camps, taught by seasoned professionals who still work in the theatre industry, encourage budding performers to explore the world of theatre.

Website: https://www.stagecoachtc.com

 

Sterling Playmakers
Sterling, VA area

Campers should be dropped off at 9. They will then participate in a group gathering activity, followed by small group work with different professionals on acting, singing, dancing, and technical theater throughout the morning. In the afternoon there will be large group rehearsals. There will also be various special activities and guests throughout the week.

Website: https://www.sterlingplaymakers.org

 

Traveling Players
Great Falls, VA area

Our classes & shows are designed to help kids & teens focus on building theatrical skills. Small class size and a supportive, high-energy environment will take your acting to the next level!

Traveling Players classes offer expert training in acting, character creation, physical comedy, stage combat, improvisation, and text analysis. We also value the spirit of the ensemble. Our ensemble- and team-building activities create a strong, supportive class — and friendships that can last a lifetime!

Day Camps (grades 2 - 5)
Traveling Players acting day camps offer the perfect opportunity for young actors to expand their imaginations -- building confidence and performance skills while sparking new friendships.

Acting Studio
current grades 2 - 4

This one-week acting day camp is designed to introduce children to the wonderful world of theatre. Acting, improvisation, and stage combat are taught in a fun, relaxed environment. Campers perform scenes and improvisational games at the Showcase performance on Friday afternoon.

Players Studio
current grades 3 - 5
This two-week acting day camp encourages students to dive into the world of a play and connect with their new friends as characters. Acting, improvisation, and stage combat are taught in a fun, relaxed environment. All the campers will read the same play and then rehearse scenes from it. They will sequentially perform their scenes at the Showcase performance on Friday afternoon.

Sleepaway Camps (grades 4 - 12)
Traveling Players prides itself on top-notch training in a joyful environment. By focusing on classical theatre, Traveling Players trains performers who are bold, resourceful, and skilled. Classical acting is demanding — and remains foundational to all modern acting technique. Hence, a summer at Traveling Players trains you to act not just anything, but anywhere. All the world’s a stage!

Our campus is in Leesburg, VA -- 100 acres of private property nestled in the Catoctin Mountains.

Traveling Players summer theatre programs offer expert training in acting, character creation, physical comedy, stage combat, improvisation, and text analysis. A typical day includes intensive rehearsals in addition to classes taught by expert faculty, expanding each performer’s skill set.

Website: https://www.travelingplayers.org

 

Cadence
Richmond, VA area

Adult Acting Classes
Unstaged is an adult acting class designed to unlock your potential as an actor, a storyteller, or simply as a person, through an organic approach to the art and craft of acting, and the experience of being. Students move through a sequential series of stage tasks and exercises designed to help students achieve true presence on stage and off. Unstaged will help you rediscover yourself, whether on the page, on the stage, or in other complex and creative pursuits. The class is open to adult students of all acting experience levels, or none at all.

Practical Acting
Practical Acting is a simple and effective approach to acting that uses as its foundation, the basic, but crucial, skill of listening and responding truthfully on the stage as championed and taught by the legendary acting teacher, Sanford Meisner. Additionally, this approach incorporates the major tenets of Practical Aesthetics, a technique developed by The Atlantic Theatre Company and its co-founder, David Mamet, where the actor learns to identify and implement the character’s actions and intentions as derived from the text (linear actions). These two skills, along with other techniques, including improvisation, give the actor the tools needed to simply and effectively do their job: to communicate the piece to the audience honestly, clearly, and as intended by the playwright.

Website: https://cadencetheatre.org

 

Rich Theatre
Virginia Beach, VA area

Rich Theatre is dedicated to sharing the magic of theatre with young people in a safe, fun environment. Through summer theatre camp, spring break film camp, private coaching, as well as classes and workshops on improvisation, auditioning, musical theatre dance, camera acting, and a variety of other subjects, Rich Theatre enjoys a growing following of loyal families who appreciate quality training in a constructive environment.

Website: https://richtheatre.org

 

Fauquier Community Theatre
Warrenton, VA area

Summer Youth Programs
FQT offers several production-focused musical theatre camps for kids and teens. Summer Youth Programs are directed by exceptionally qualified school teachers and experts in theater and music.

Website: https://fctstage.org

 

NextStop Theatre
Herndon, VA area

NextStop theatre provides a variety of acting and productton classes to kids and teens. Please see our website for current classes.

Website: https://www.nextstoptheatre.org

 

Rockbridge Community Theatre
Rockbridge County, VA area

Children's Theater
Our children's theater program is a source of pride for our community. Our classes and training are built around the 4 shows across two different age groups every year. We also offer a theater summer camp that has grown to be a large and very successful part of the summers of many of the children in Rockbridge. Our productions are always a hit and a great way to support the next generation of actors and performers.

Website: https://www.rockbridgetheater.com

 

Four County Players
Barboursville, VA area

Come join us for a week of theater arts training in a summer camp atmosphere! Classes may include improvisation, character development, musical theater, stage movement, storytelling, dance, and will be offered daily, along with songs, games, and crafts that make all summer camps so much fun! Space is limited so register today!

Website: http://fourcp.org

 

Selah Theatre Project
Winchester, VA area

Camp Selah is a theatre summer camp for young actors, with programs in a variety of genres and skill levels. Depending on age, sessions range from one-, and three-week program options that will challenge and inspire you to reach your potential. When you come to Camp Selah this summer, you will:
• Practice and perform on the beautiful campuses of Laurel Ridge Community College or Selah Theatre Project
• Work with incredible teaching artists, actors, and directors
• Forge friendships with students from around the Shenandoah Valley
• Grow your skills and talents in theatre
• Create theatrical moments for family and friends to witness

Website: https://www.selahtheatreproject.org

 

Synetic Theater
Arlington, VA area

Synetic camps are perfect for any 1st – 9th grade student who loves moving, making friends, playing games, and having a memorable summer. Our performance-based programs are designed for all students – no theater or performance experience is needed.

Wee also offer Spring Break Camp and acting classes during the year. Please see our website for current classes.

Website: https://synetictheater.org

 

Stage Door Productions
Fredericksburg, VA area

Stage Door Youth is dedicated to developing life skills in children and teens through affordable theater experiences that educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of those on the stage and in the audience. Our goals include: providing affordable educational theater experiences; fostering teamwork, commitment, self-esteem, and creativity; inspiring an appreciation of the arts while developing leadership qualities and self confidence; and bringing cultural enrichment to children and teens throughout the community.

Website: https://www.stagedoorproductions.org

 

Live Arts
Charlottesville, VA area

ADULTS
Unlock your talent and embrace authenticity with MAKE BELIEVE – a workshop for actors and directors designed to help you master believability on stage (and on screen). Discover the profound impact of using breath work and imagination to forge a connection between you, your character, and the audience. Learn to embrace spontaneity and respond authentically, creating striking, undeniable performances.

Stay tuned for new adult classes and workshops coming soon. Past classes at Live Arts include Monologue Training, How to Film a Virtual Audition, Intro to Shakespeare Techniques, Tap, Actor Self-Care, Dance for Musical Theater, Stand-Up Comedy, and more!

YOUTH
Live Arts offers year-round, process-driven educational opportunities for children and teens. Our classes, workshops, camps, and youth programs allow fledgling artists to explore all aspects of theater, including acting, playwriting, script analysis, improvisation, musical theater, movement, design, and more.

SUMMER CAMPS
Kick summer 2024 into high gear with Live Arts. We've got something for every age group, with a customized experience designed to help youth become the ultimate theater-maker.

MENTOR/APPRENTICE PROGRAM
This nationally recognized program pairs high school students with experienced designers and stage management personnel to learn about the technical craft of theater in a supportive and hands-on environment.

Website: https://livearts.org

 

Virginia Repertory Theatre
Richmond, VA area

In-Person Day Camps
Virginia Rep’s fun-filled camps are full of creative exploration and imaginative play. Our unique theatre camps provide exciting performance opportunities for students K - 12. These camps are designed with the novice and seasoned performer in mind. With instruction by some of Virginia’s finest theatre artists and educators, your dramatic student will have a theatrical experience like no other!

Classes and Programs
Virginia Rep offers fun and innovative programs for children from preschool through high school. The summers are also jam packed with one and two week day camps for each age group and interest level.

Website: https://va-rep.org

 

American Shakespeare Center
Staunton, VA area

ASC THEATRE CAMP
Take your relationship with Shakespeare to the next level at the ASC Theatre Camp, a residential summer intensive for students. Preview the college experience by living on campus at Mary Baldwin University while you work with professional theatre practitioners to prepare to strut and fret your hour upon the stage at the Blackfriars Playhouse.

Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s premiere classical theatre is at once intimate in scale and epic in imagination—creating vital, sophisticated, and accessible seasons built around a company of versatile actors performing in repertory all year round. We are a center for shared discovery by audiences, scholars, and artists of Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and classics old and new.

Website: https://americanshakespearecenter.com

 

Good Shepherd Players
Burke, VA area

Summer Musical Theatre Camp is a production-based day camp with sessions for K-6, and 6-12.

Website: https://www.good-shepherd.net

 

The Little Theatre of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA area

Acting Essentials – The Next Steps
Take your acting skills to the next level, as you as you focus on what it takes to audition successfully with confidence. With over 100 directorial credits on his resume, Kevin will provide you with a full understanding of the auditioning process. You’ll work on monologues, cold reads, and characterization as you explore and practice scenes in partnership with other students.

Broadway Dance for Fun & Fitness
You don’t have to be a trained dancer to enjoy dancing. This class provides a great escape from the pressures of daily life in a judgment-free space, surrounded by like-minded dance mates. Each week will focus on a specific well-known Broadway musical theatre show, from which you’ll copy the instructor-lead choreography. There’s no pressure to perform the routines perfectly and even those with two left feet will reap the benefits of this weekly workout.

Broadway Song & Dance
Sing and Dance your way through the week as we offer firsthand experience performing a fully realized musical number. Through vocal and dance exercises, students will learn new and different techniques to develop an ensemble musical performance. Students will also be taught a variety of musical numbers to build their performance repertoire. Some of the work covered in the camp will be presented on the last day of camp.

Improv for All!
This short session series will delve into creating captivating characters and solidifying their distinct "point of view" to direct the scene. By the end of four weeks, you'll have several compelling original characters to add to your improv toolbox.

Acting for Film and Television for Young Actors
This class is an introduction to film and television acting. Each week you will learn one or more aspects/techniques of acting for film and television. The eight-week class will encompass a range of techniques, including crossing camera, letting scenes breathe, pre-beat, specificity, spontaneity, listening, behavior, containment, and intuitive response.

You will also employ Harold Guskin’s technique of “Taking it Off the Page” to ground you in the realism needed for film and television – your real self. Each student will perfect at least three movie scenes and three movie monologues.

Each week you will receive a tape, sent in Drop Box, of the work done in class so that you can track your progress. At the end of the 8 weeks, your selected scene and monologue will be professionally lit and taped at LTA. Green screens will be used to simulate on-location backgrounds. You will be provided a flash drive with high-resolution files for use on your website or YouTube channel. With the increasing demand for video reels, you will be at the forefront.

Website: https://thelittletheatre.com

 

City of Fairfax Theatre Company
Fairfax, VA area

Spring Break Drama Camp
Creativity and fun will be present for the whole week at the CFTC Spring Break Drama Camp. Each day your budding performer will explore a fun and creative theme. The day will include arts and crafts, dancing, and fun theater and drama activities. At the end of the week, family and friends are invited for a final sharing where our performers will shine the spotlight on their creativity.

Traditional Summer Drama Camp

At our unique Summer Drama Camp, kids write and improv to create their own staged performance each Friday!

Each day campers rotate through sessions in art, music, dance, acting, stage makeup or stage combat - with some fun time for camp games and recess. Campers are divided by age and each play is written and performed with peers. Whether your child is new to drama or wants to further develop their skills, our one-week camps challenge each student.

Each session has a unique theme so campers taking multiple weeks will get a new experience each time. There will be an opportunity for both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the day. CFTC is proud to announce that former camp attendees have been featured on the stages of Ford’s Theatre and Signature Theatre.

Spotlight Summer Drama Camp

Four-week camp that replicates a show process from auditions all the way to performances and strike!

This four-week camp is designed to bring more opportunities for experienced young actors and theatre techs. This camp is recommended for campers with prior theatre experience. Campers will audition for roles on the first day of camp. All campers will be cast in only one of the two productions.

Campers will contribute to tech by creating sets, costumes and props for both shows. Additionally, the camp is seeking campers interested in technical theatre, who will not audition for the show and instead will help run the lights, sound, and work as a stage management team.

Led by a team of professional teaching artists, campers will learn every aspect of the theatre process as they work together as a team to bring to life 2 full-scale musicals. Former camp attendees have been featured on the stages of Ford’s Theatre and Signature Theatre.

This is an advanced, fast-paced camp for experienced young theatre artists. Campers without prior theatre experience are encouraged to instead attend our traditional summer camp program.

Website: https://www.fairfaxcitytheatre.org

 

Signature Theatre
Arlington, VA area

Stage One
Ages 14 to 17

Stage One is not your typical musical theatre program. It is a two-week musical theatre workshop for the young, aspiring musical theatre student with an emphasis on reaching the individuals where they are. Stage One’s emphasis is on personalized, intimate training that helps each individual student reach their level best and helps them overcome their personal weaknesses.

This popular program provides in-depth experience in the world of professional musical theater. Throughout the two weeks, students hone their vocal, dance and acting skills under personalized, supportive instruction from a group of core faculty members, each a theatrical professional. Each year’s curriculum is completely new; customized after the core faculty has seen their auditions.

In addition to daily training in acting, music and dance, Stage One also incorporates several masterclasses from different DC theater professionals, local university faculty and members of Signature’s Artistic Department. Stage One is an incredible opportunity for high school students to work with award-winning actors, directors, choreographers, musicians, casting directors and university faculty.

At the end of the two weeks, students are given the opportunity to share their experiences in an informal class demonstration for family and friends. There is no formal showcase. Every moment of Stage One is focused on pure training, enabling the students to give stronger performances long after the program has ended.

Signature Conservatory
Available to students aged 14 —18

The Signature Conservatory is only for the serious acting student.

The Signature Conservatory’s curriculum is tailored toward the needs of the students participating in the program. Students can expect a healthy and challenging mix of exercises introducing them to a wide variety of acting techniques. Students can anticipate advanced and customized group and individual work, utilizing a unique blend of improvised and scripted work that will prepare them for college and professional theatre experiences. As each semester progresses, the collective group will grow together in all aspects of acting, becoming a true ensemble in the process. Participation also includes access to all of Signature Theatre’s professional productions, and students are expected to see all productions during their semester.

Each semester’s course work is custom made to meet the needs of the students enrolled. Lessons are primarily inspired by requests from students and from observations from the instructors. No two semesters are the same!

Overtures
Designed for college-aged students and recent graduates, Overtures is a two-week intensive, professional training program designed to provide students with the necessary steppingstones from university training to working in musical theatre professionally. Rigorous and personalized instruction in vocal technique, song interpretation, acting and auditions in both group and private settings with professional directors, music directors, choreographers, casting directors and actors make Overtures a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Overtures 2024 runs Monday through Saturday, June 10-June 22, 10AM-9PM, with approximately nine hours of training each day, leaving sufficient time for meals and rest. Most days consist of a combination of classes, private sessions and master classes. The experience culminates with an audition for local professional casting directors and a showcase for the public. Each student will also leave with high quality, prerecorded monologues and songs for use in video auditions and on their personal websites.

Website: https://www.sigtheatre.org

 

Creative Cauldron
Falls Church, VA area

Creative Cauldron can help you connect with others, explore art, and actually have FUN!

LEARNING THEATER STUDIOS
Three different classes with the same spirit of theater fun. Games and exploration for grades K-2, storytelling exercises and games for grades 3-5, and more challenging, performance-driven techniques (with plenty of fun!) for grades 6-8.

MUSICAL THEATER SHOWCASE
Teens ready for a pre-professional musical theater experience will get an intensive training in singing, dancing, and acting. The two week course ends in a final showcase, and footage for their audition reel. Recommended for teens/those with theater experience.

ADULT CLASSES
Adults get in on the fun too, with Art classes taught by our very own Margie Jervis and Acting classes taught by Laura Connors Hull. Both classes are available over zoom, students can be come a part of a fun, creative community without ever leaving their house.

Website: https://www.creativecauldron.org

 

Momentum Collective
Alexandria, VA area

Enrichment Camps
A 3-week summer performing arts camp for elementary to middle school age youth.

1. Team Building/social skills exercise
Focus on engaging youth in physical activity, developing camaraderie, and addressing issues such as bullying.

2. The Arts Collective
This component is provided twice daily with participants selecting from multiple performing arts genres offered.
• Drama – human videos, improv
• Dance – hip-hop, steppin’, world dances
• Music – folk songs, original raps, instrument creation
• Puppetry – puppet making, puppet show
• Creative Writing – short story writing, poetry, songwriting

3. Empowerment Hour
Daily session to build confidence and self-esteem. Will involve using inspirational quotes, read aloud activities, and group sharing.

4. Momentum Leadership Program
• Youth leadership development
• Etiquette
• Civic engagement/advocacy

Website: https://momentumcinc.org

 

Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre
Alexandria, VA area

MVCCT Summer CAMP
All camps and workshops are for rising 1st graders through rising 8th graders. See website for current camp offerings.

Website: https://www.mvcct.org

 

Workhouse Arts Center
Lorton, VA area

Theater Track
Let your child’s inner actor, director, and playwright soar at Workhouse Theater. Campers will work with theater industry professionals to create an entirely original work that they will write, design, and perform - Bravo!

Our Summer Camp sessions are fun-infused arts enrichment classes taught by professional artists in the local DMV area. Camp sessions typically offer a 12:1 student/teacher ratio, ensuring that each student receives the attention needed to excel, have fun, and develop creative skills, while engaging with students with similar interests.

Website: https://www.workhousearts.org