Find the Right Theatre Camp for Your Child
Decades of theatre camp, two area locations, and scholarships available for every program! Encore offers year-round sessions — so the right fit is always closer than you think.
Ages 3–4
First Steps on Stage
Our youngest campers explore storytelling, movement, and make-believe in a setting built for their pace. Short sessions, patient teaching artists, and a whole lot of imagination.
Ages 5-9
Experience & Discovery
This is where kids discover what they love about theatre — whether that's performing, creating characters, or hearing the audience react. Structured, energetic, and never boring.
Ages 9-15
Advancing Skills
Older campers work on scenes, script analysis, production, and technical theatre — the full picture of what it takes to put a show together. Including the jobs that don't happen in the spotlight.
Kids Theatre Camps in Northern Virginia — By Age, Date, and Interest
Summer Theatre Camps
Week-long summer camp sessions in musical theatre, acting, and behind-the-scenes production. Multiple sessions available across both locations throughout June, July, and August.
Holiday Mini Camps
Short-session camps built around school breaks in the fall and winter. Ideal for families who want structured, engaging programming when school is out for a few days.
Spring Break Camps
Full-week spring break camps for kids who want a creative, theatre-focused week off. Sessions run at both locations during Arlington County and Alexandria City spring break windows.
Encore Stage & Studio has offered theatre camp in Arlington, VA for over 15 years, serving thousands of families across the Arlington County and Alexandria City communities. Our camps are part of a broader mission that has been part of this region's cultural fabric for 60 years — bringing children into theatre not just as performers, but as creators, technicians, and storytellers. Need-based scholarships are available for all programs. Learn more about who we are on our About page.
Holiday Mini Camps for Grades K-2 & Play in a Day for Grades 3-5
When school's off, Encore's on...onstage, that is! While school is on a short vacation, Encore will take its students on a vacation of a lifetime–into popular films/stories and literary destinations!
Students in grades K-2 will discover the world of theatre through different themes! Enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment. Students in grades 3-5 will craft, play and learn about theatre through storytelling and create a play in just one day!
North Arlington Location
School Days Off: Theme
Monday, September 21 - Minions and Monsters
Monday, October 12 - Hoppers One Day Adventure Camp
Tuesday, November 3 - Toy Box Adventures: A Day with Woody, Buzz & Beyond
November 11 - Spy Academy: Mission ImPossible!
November 25 - Journies in Oz
December 9 - Tangled
December 23 - Polar Express and Train Adventures
January 18 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
January 29 - Little Mermaid: An Under the Sea Adventure
February 10- Superheroes Assemble!
February 15 - President for a Day (NEW!)
March 10 - The Cat in the Hat: A Whimsical Whirl of Curious Creativity
Camp Hours:
10am – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8:30am – 10:00am
PM Extended Care: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Camp Fee: Details coming soon!
AM Extended Care
PM Extended Care
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
South Arlington/Alexandria Location
School Days Off: Theme
Check back for updates on 2026/2027 dates!
Camp Hours:
10am – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8:30am – 10:00am
PM Extended Care: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Camp Fee: Details coming soon!
AM Extended Care
PM Extended Care
Location: Encore @ Fairlington Presbyterian Church (3846 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302)
September 21/Yom Kippur: Minions & Monsters
Monday, September 21, 2026/Yom Kippur
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In Minions & Monsters, young actors create a world where silly meets spooky and imagination rules the realm. Campers become the creators of their own magical universe — inventing quirky minions, mighty monsters, and the unexpected friendships that form between them.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
October 12/Indigenous Peoples' Day: Hoppers
Monday, October 12, 2026 Indigenous Peoples' Day 10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In this lively one‑day camp, young adventurers join Mabel Tanaka, the fearless animal‑lover who once transferred her mind into a robotic beaver to protect her beloved glade from destruction. Campers spend the day exploring the wonders of the animal world, learning how creatures communicate, collaborate, and care for their habitats just like Mabel does when she teams up with King George and the animals of Beaverton Pond to defend their home.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
November 3/Election Day: Toy Box Adventures
Tuesday, November, 2026 Election Day
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In Toy Box Adventures, campers spend one magical day in the world of Toy Story — from Woody’s rootin’‑tootin’ Roundup to Buzz’s intergalactic missions, from Bonnie’s craft‑table creations to the carnival chaos of Toy Story 4. This fast‑paced, joy‑filled camp celebrates friendship, bravery, and the big feelings that come with growing up… all through the eyes of the toys who love us most.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
November 11/Veterans Day: Spy Academy
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In Spy Academy: Mission ImPossible!, young secret agents navigate a world of mystery, gadgets, and clever teamwork as they train for the most important mission of the fall.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
November 25/Thanksgiving Journies in Oz
Wednesday, November 25, 2026 Thanksgiving
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
"We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz". In Journeys in Oz, campers travel into the sparkling, topsy‑turvy world beyond the yellow brick road, a place where courage grows, friendships form, and every traveler discovers something new about themselves. In this one‑day whirlwind adventure, campers become the heroes of their own Oz story, choosing which path to follow and which magical companions to meet along the way.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
December 9/Professional Learning Day: Tangled
Wednesday, December 9, 2026 Professional Learning Day
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
“Best. Day. Ever!” Tangled campers are whisked into Rapunzel’s bright, curious world, a place where creativity is a superpower, courage grows with every choice, and adventure waits just beyond the tower walls. Each activity invites campers to use their voices, bodies, and big ideas to bring the kingdom of Corona to life.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
December 23/Winter Break: Polar Express and Train Adventures
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 Winter Break
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In this joyful winter mini‑camp, young travelers board an imaginary holiday train bound for adventure, friendship, and festive discovery. Inspired by the magical ride to the North Pole. A Conductor who believes in courage and curiosity.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
January 18/MLK Day: The Chronicles of Narnia
Monday, January 18, 2027 MLK Day
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, campers are whisked into a world of snowy forests, brave creatures, and ancient magic, a place where courage grows, kindness matters, and even the quietest voice can change the course of a story.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
January 29/Grade Prep Day: The Little Mermaid
January 29, 2027 Grade Prep Day
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In The Little Mermaid: An Undersea Adventure, campers are swept into a shimmering world of seashells, sea creatures, and big dreams waiting just beyond the waves. This joyful, imaginative day invites young performers to explore Ariel’s curiosity, Sebastian’s rhythm, Flounder’s friendship, and the courage it takes to find your own voice.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
February 10/Professional Learning Day: Super Heroes Assemble!
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In Superheroes Assemble! Campers are launched into a world of bold choices, brave hearts, and sky‑high imagination. This high‑energy one‑day adventure invites young heroes to discover their own superpowers, the kind that comes from creativity, teamwork, and the courage to try something new.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
February 15/Presidents' Day: President for a Day
Monday, February 15, 2027 Presidents' Day
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
President for a Day invites children to step into a playful, empowering day where imagination meets responsibility. Campers become leaders, listeners, and problem‑solvers as they run a tiny “Oval Office,” hold friendly councils, create campaign‑style posters, and practice kindness pledges. The tone is theatrical, warm, and ensemble‑centered: every child is seen, every idea matters, and leadership is shown through listening, helping, and brave small actions.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
March 10/Eid al-Fitr: The Cat in the Hat
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 Eid al-Fitr
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In Cat in the Hat: A Whimsical Whirl of Curious Creativity, campers tumble into a topsy‑turvy world where rules bend, imagination stretches, and silliness becomes a superpower. This high‑energy adventure celebrates the Cat’s clever chaos, Thing 1 & Thing 2’s unstoppable enthusiasm, and the joyful creativity that bursts open when children get permission to play big.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
April 19/Grade Prep Day: Sonic the Hedgehog
Monday, April 19, 2027 Grade Prep
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
In Sonic the Hedgehog: A High‑Speed Imagination Quest, campers dash into a world of bright colors, quick thinking, and unstoppable teamwork. This electrifying day celebrates Sonic's courage, Tails' cleverness, Knuckles' strength, and the joyful chaos of racing toward a goal with friends by your side.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
May 17/Eid al-Adha: Ice
Monday, May 17, 2027 Eid al-Adha
10:00am-4:00pm Encore @ Cherrydale
Ice Age campers journey into a world where glaciers tower, friendships surprise you, and every child becomes part of a quirky herd on a mission. This clever, high‑energy day celebrates Manny's gentle strength, Sid's hilarious optimism, Diego's bravery, and Scrat's chaotic determination all through imaginative drama and ensemble storytelling.
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
Coming soon!
Check back for more updates!
Spring Break Camps
Join us for Encore’s spring break camp inspired by our favorite movies and stories! Enrollment is a la carte. Enroll for select days to fit your schedule or the entire week. Small groups of students will enjoy movement, theatre games and crafts led by Encore’s Teaching Artists.
Camp hours: 10am – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8:30am – 10:00am
PM Extended Care: 4:00pm-5:30pm
Fees: Coming Soon!
March 22, 2027: Mini-Camp & Play in a Day (Spring Break)
Monday, March 22, 2027 (Spring Break) | 10:00am-4:00pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
In Superman & Supergirl: A Sky‑High Adventure, campers soar into a world of courage, kindness, and unstoppable imagination. This thrilling day invites young heroes to explore what makes these iconic heroes so extraordinary, not just their powers, but their hearts, their choices, and the way they lift others up.
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
March 23, 2027 Princess & The Frog: One Day Bayou Celebration Mini-Camp & Play in a Day (Spring Break)
Tuesday, March 23, 2027 (Spring Break) | 10:00am-4:00pm | Encore @ Cherrydale
AM & PM Extended Care available for an additional fee
In The Princess & the Frog: A One‑Day Bayou Celebration, campers leap into a world of music, friendship, and big dreams that shimmer like fireflies over the water. This lively, heart‑filled day invites young performers to explore Tiana’s determination, Naveen’s playful charm, and the joyful magic that lives in every corner of New Orleans. Throughout the adventure, children build their own “bayou ensemble,” discovering how creativity, courage, and teamwork can turn even the smallest idea into something extraordinary. Campers might stir up pretend gumbo full of silly ingredients, design brand‑new swamp creatures, or dance through a jazz‑inspired movement warm‑up that gets everyone smiling.
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Ln, Arlington, VA 22207)
Encore Scholarships
Scholarships are available for all camp programs. Contact camp@encorestage.org. See Encore’s policies page for detailed information on refund requests, late pick up and other camp related policies. All camp titles, dates, times, formats and locations are subject to change.