Theatre By Kids, For Kids!
Encore Stage & Studio inspires young people to develop the creativity, empathy and confidence they need to create meaningful connections with peers and have a positive impact in their communities.
NEW! Parents' Night Out
Friday, September 25, 2026
Designed for students in grades K–5, this villainously fun evening is filled with themed theatre games, creative crafts, storytelling, music, movement, and imaginative activities inspired by the Isle of the Lost and Auradon! Whether they're channeling their favorite "VK" (Villain Kid) or discovering their own heroic side as an "EK" (Encore Kid), every child can make new friends, build confidence, and let their creativity shine. It's a royally fun night and they'll be counting down until the next Parents' Night Out!
Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm
Encore @ Cherrydale
fall theatre classes & Camps
Our Fall Classes & Camps invite young performers to act, sing, dance, imagine, and make new friends along the way. From first-time theatre explorers to experienced young artists ready for their next challenge, there’s something for everyone. Join us for a season filled with creativity, confidence, and plenty of Encore fun!
It's also the perfect time to start planning your family's next theatre adventure with our newly announced 2026-2027 season. Join us as we kick off another year of unforgettable stories, inspiring experiences, and Theatre by Kids, for Kids!
Bring theatre to your school!
Take your students on a theatrical adventure in your own school with Encore’s Theatre for the Very Young performances! These exciting 25-minute performances are the best length to engage your youngest students. Every performance is followed by a 15 minute question and answer session.
About Encore
Children's Theatre in Arlington, VA — Where Kids Build
Creativity,
Confidence, and
Empathy
Encore Stage & Studio inspires young people to develop the creativity, empathy, and confidence they need to make meaningful connections with peers and have a positive impact in their communities — through year-round theatre camps, classes, productions, and more for ages 3 through college in Arlington and Alexandria, VA.
Founded 1967, Everyone welcome!
No fee to audition or participate in school-year productions - keeping barriers down
Programming for every age from 3 to college: summer camps, after-school, weekend classes, and mainstage productions
Every production role — onstage, backstage, front of house, and technical — belongs to a student
A supportive, inclusive community where young people learn to collaborate, take creative risks, and discover their own voices
Alumni working professionally in theatre, film, and stage management across the country
Programs
Find Your Place at Encore
Take a Class
From Pre-K creative drama to acting, musical theatre, movement, and storytelling, our theatre classes help students build skills in a supportive, welcoming environment.
See a Show
Experience family-friendly theatre performed by kids, for kids. Our productions bring classic stories, new adventures, and student talent to Arlington stages throughout the year.
Audition for a Production
School-year performance opportunities are open to students ages 9–18. There is no required fee to participate, and auditions are open to young performers with all levels of experience.
Creativity
At Encore, creativity takes center stage. Through theatre games, storytelling, movement, and imaginative play, kids are encouraged to explore ideas, take creative risks, and discover their own unique voices.
Confidence
Encore Stage & Studio offers hands-on experiences in performance, production, and teamwork where kids build confidence that carries far beyond the theatre, into school, friendships, and their wider community.
Empathy
At Encore, kids learn empathy by stepping into someone else’s story. In a supportive, collaborative space, young artists build compassion, respect, and understanding, skills that stay with them long after the curtain comes down.
60 Years of Children's Theatre in Arlington, Virginia
Encore Stage & Studio was founded in 1967 as the Children's Theatre of Arlington. For six decades, we have offered performing arts for kids across the DC metro without charging families to participate in school-year productions. We have grown from a single program into a year-round organization serving families in Arlington, Alexandria, Washington DC, and McLean — and we have never moved the stage out of reach. We run summer theatre camps, weekend classes, after-school programs, holiday mini-camps, private lessons in voice, and acting, school residency programs for Arlington and Alexandria elementary schools, and touring productions that go directly into schools. Every part of what we do connects back to our vision: a space where any child — regardless of experience or background — can learn, grow, and discover.
More Ways to Be Part of Encore Stage & Studio
Scout Days & Preshow Workshops
Create a memorable outing with your scouts! Earn a badge during our preshow workshops and/or enjoy a live performance together at the theatre!
In-School Residencies
Encore can help you put on your school's play! Learn about our school residencies and onsite school enrichment offerings
Holiday Mini-Camps
Theatre mini-camps on school-off days, running for 15+ years across Arlington and Alexandria.
Birthday Experiences
Backstage tours, meet-the-cast access, and group packages tied to real mainstage productions.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction in voice, and acting with Encore's professional teaching artists.
