For anyone still looking for acting classes in DC or acting camps in DC, I want recommend Studio Acting Conservatory (13th and Monroe near Columbia Heights Metro).
SAC Young Actors program (for tweens / teens) is focused on developing acting technique including voice, movement, and scene work. My kids are still in MS/HS, but I heard another parents call SAC 'transformational' and credited the work/inspiration from SAC for providing the foundation that got their child and classmates into acting/theater college programs (or prep for high school auditions). Last day of camp is scene showcase (instead of a play/show like some other camps), so depending on what your kid is looking for that might be a minus. I think the benefit of scenes is that every student gets an opportunity to work on their technique/performance (not just the leads). We think of SAC as the place to practice in order to be better prepared for performance opportunities at school.
It's also worth noting that Studio Acting Conservatory primarily offers acting classes for adults, so it's not just for kids! I've been tempted to take classes there too because it seems like everyone is getting so much out of it but I have to admit I haven't done it yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak more to Theatre Lab?

My kid did Theater Lab two years ago and it was a very good experience. Lots of really talented kids, great directors, and lots of opportunity for growth. They put on a very high quality production too.

NP here. Our boys will be attending two weeks there this summer. Can you share a bit about the day's structure? Do they have free play? If so, how much/when?

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak more to Theatre Lab?

My kid did Theater Lab two years ago and it was a very good experience. Lots of really talented kids, great directors, and lots of opportunity for growth. They put on a very high quality production too.

Can anyone speak more to Theatre Lab?

Chiming in about Traveling Players. My daughter has attended for 5+ summers. They have a professional staff (experienced teaching artists) with a great camper-to-staff ratio. They do Shakespeare, slapstick, and Greek myth plays plus a technical theatre program too. They really emphasize “ensemble” training which means that they intentionally keep each cast small (only 13 actors) so that all of the kids get personalized training and attention. Kids come back year after year to reconnect with old friends but also make new ones. It’s a really strong, accepting community.

https://www.travelingplayers.org/summer-camps/

My kid has loved Traveling Players Ensemble sleep-away camp. It's just in Leesburg, VA, so only about an hour from DC. Options for kids from 4th grader through high school.

My kid loves theater but is not drawn to the Shakespeare part of traveling players. Can anyone speak to that and whether their kids were similarly inclined but still went?

Check out The Free Theatre. It's 100% free and completely run by the students. They have musical theater intensives in the summer that are free.

https://www.thefreetheatre.org/

Another recommendation for Traveling Players here! Middle school sleepaway camp is great and not too far away if that’s part of your calculation.

Can anyone speak to performing camps at Black Rock (in Germantown?). YAA looks amazing but I'm not sure how feasible that sort of drive is for me to do for 2 weeks.

Anonymous wrote:How about programs for the tech theater side of things (as opposed to performing)?

DD has done tech for both Encore and Traveling Players. Very different experiences, but she has generally liked both. She's going back to Traveling Players this summer and is super excited.

She could look at YAA for a more encompassing experience as well.

How about programs for the tech theater side of things (as opposed to performing)?

We love Traveling Players!

Rock Ridge in Loudoun is truly amazing.