Theatre Camp Opens its ‘Doors’ to Public

Traveling Players Ensemble will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of The Madeira School, where it has held its summer theatre camp since 2007.

Parents, teachers and teens can meet the staff and returning campers at this informal open house. The event includes walking tours of Madeira, Q&A sessions and theater games for children. Visitors should wear shoes for walking in the woods.

The open house will conclude with a performance of David Mamet's “The Poet and The Rent” by Traveling Players' middle school performance class. The story is of a poet who loves to write, but his poems aren’t paying the rent! With help from Sgt. Pressman and Prince the Wonder Dog; Spuds, the potato-loving policeman; Gene and Boots, the bumbling thieves; and a girlfriend who doesn’t know his name, the poet attempts to find love, contribute to society and keep his apartment. But everyone must avoid Aunt Georgie’s dreaded commentary in this classic story of the sacrifices of art.

The play is directed by Kristen Pilgrim and features Jamie Elizabeth Baker of McLean; Zoe Belkaid-Whalen of Garrett Park, Md.; Daniella Diaz of Laurel, Md.; Angelika Goodman of Arlington; Gabriella Gresenz of McLean; Krishna Kumar of Arlington;, Kyla Payne of Fairfax; Soliman Salem of Falls Church; Trip Sherwood of McLean; Harry Stevens of Arlington; and Eli Wassertzug of Falls Church.

This event is free and open to the public and will take place rain or shine.

Traveling Players is a professional theatre company whose mission is to bring great theatre into the great outdoors. The company offers summer day camps for rising fifth- through 12th-graders, where they work in small ensembles (up to 13 performers) to rehearse a classical play under the direction of experienced theatre professionals.

The campers spend most of their days outdoors, camping out once a week. In the final week of each session, the teens tour their show to venues throughout Maryland, Washington and Virginia, giving them the experience of wandering entertainers who carry their dinner, tent and props in their trusty pack.

Camp begins on June 17 and runs through August 23.

For more information, visit www.travelingplayers.org or call 703-987-1712.