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Educational Theatre Co.

PO Box 4760Arlington, VA 22204Email: Info@educationaltheatrecompany.orgWebsite: Visit Website


Founded in 1998, Educational Theatre Company’s mission is to unlock the potential of children and adults through immersion in theatre arts. ETC provides process-driven theatre programming for students ages 3–103, fostering creativity, growth, and learning in our community.

All ETC programming is grounded in our four pillars: Creativity, Confidence, Collaboration, & Community.



ETC Beginnings (ETCB) Camps for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

Half-day camps introduce young children to theatre through storytelling, creativity, & play. Guided by professional Teaching Artists in a nurturing environment, campers explore acting, movement, & artistic expression. Each week features a unique theme designed to spark wonder & joy.

What to Expect
ETCB offers an enriching experience for preschoolers & rising kindergarteners to explore acting using their bodies, voices, & imaginations to explore storytelling.

Each half-day session includes:

  • Acting games & character play
  • Story creation
  • Arts & crafts
  • Play time
  • A performance on the final day

Creative Drama Camps (Rising Grades K–2)

Designed especially for young performers, Creative Drama camps are full-day adventures in storytelling, movement, art, & theatre. Campers build confidence & discover the joy of performing in a supportive, play-based environment.

What to Expect
Through improvisation, storytelling, art projects, theatre games, & rehearsals, campers learn the basics of acting while finding their own voice through age-appropriate activities.

Over the course of the week, campers:

  • Create a group story
  • Develop characters & plot
  • Rehearse simple lines
  • Perform in a final performance where every child has a role they feel comfortable with

Youth Camps (Rising Grades 3–6)

Youth camps are full of creative possibilities! With 18 different camps to choose from, there’s something for every interest—whether your child is an aspiring comedian, filmmaker, playwright, Shakespearean actor, or musical theatre performer.

What to Expect
Each camp offers a unique experience:

  • Musical Theatre: Learn songs, choreography, & perform a fully staged production
  • Shakespeare: Explore The Bard’s work while building skills through interactive workshops
  • Playwriting: Create original plays through improvisation & theatre games
  • Camp Comedy: Perform in silent films inspired by Chaplin & Keaton while learning comedy basics
  • Intro to Film: Collaborate with peers to create original short films

Teen Camps (Rising Grades 7–12)

Designed as an intensive next step for experienced & aspiring performers, Teen Camps allow teens to deepen their skills while taking on meaningful leadership roles.

What to Expect
Teens develop their craft through more advanced training, greater creative ownership, & opportunities to lead.

  • Develop stronger performance & storytelling skills
  • Take on leadership roles as mentors
  • Help shape, direct, & devise camp productions
  • Collaborate with peers to create original work

Teen-led camp productions offer opportunities to serve as directors, mentors, and collaborators, helping teens gain confidence and embrace responsibility.

In ETC-on-Film camps, teens take full creative ownership—writing scripts, casting actors, directing scenes, & editing their films.

Why Families Choose ETC

  • Professional Teaching Artists
  • Process-driven approach (focused on growth, not pressure)
  • Welcoming, inclusive community
  • Programs for beginners through experienced performers

At ETC, every child is encouraged to take creative risks, build confidence, & find their voice all while having fun!