Meet the Camp Directors Leading Our Youth & Teen Theatre Camps

Youth Camps (3rd-6th) + Teen Camps (7th-12th)

At ETC, our youth and teen theatre camps are more than just fun — they’re led by working artists who bring real-world experience and creative energy into every session. Whether your camper is brand new to the stage or already theatre-obsessed, they’ll be welcomed into a supportive, imaginative space where they can take creative risks, grow their skills, and have a blast doing it.

From diving into improv and crafting original scripts to belting out their favorite show tune, campers of all experience levels are mentored by professionals who know how to spark creativity and build confidence — one camp at a time.

Mary Myers

Much Ado About Nothing (3rd-6th, June 30 – July 11)

A professional actor and teaching artist, Mary has been a beloved part of ETC’s summer team for more than a decade. She performs and teaches throughout the DC area and is known for her energy, deep Shakespeare knowledge, and a strong connection to Arlington (keep an eye out for her and her dog, Arrow!).

Favorite Shakespeare Character: Romeo — a misunderstood dream role in what she calls “a pretty much perfect play.”

Sasha Olinick

Photo by C. Stanley Photography.

Much Ado About Nothing 

(Teen Intensive, June 23 – July 11)

Sasha Olinick is a professional actor and teaching artist with an extensive career on DC-area stages, including performances at Arena Stage, Olney Theatre Center, Theater J, Round House Theatre, and 1st Stage, where he was part of Helen Hayes Award-winning ensembles. He holds an MFA from the Trinity Rep Conservatory and teaches acting at Montgomery College, the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art, and through ETC.

Favorite Shakespeare Character: "Prospero from The Tempest, who wouldn't love to be able to  perform magic and  own their own Island!"

Scott Abernethy

Much Ado About Nothing 

(Teen Intensive, June 23 – July 11)

Scott joined ETC as a company member in 2016 and stepped into the role of Shakespeare director in 2021. With years of professional acting and directing experience, Scott brings literary insight and theatrical rigor to our teen ensemble camps.

Favorite Shakespeare Character: Jaques, from As You Like It

Chris Andersen

ETC-on-Film Camp Director:

Intro to Film A (3rd-6th, July 7 – 11)

Intro to Film B (3rd-6th, July 28 – Aug 1)

Camp Comedy Studios (Teen, July 14 – 25)

Picture Up! (3rd-6th + Teen, Aug 4 – 8)

That's A Wrap (3rd-6th + Teen, Aug 11 – 15)

Chris is a filmmaker, actor, and improviser. He has been a director of ETC film camps for 9 years. He has made several prize-winning films for the 48-Hour Film Project—and loves sharing the skills of making short films with young filmmakers.

Favorite Film: "My favorite film is the silent comedy, One Week. by Buster Keaton in which he builds and destroys a house in 19 minutes. I love movies full of visual comedy where the actors actually do real things—amazingly."

Rachel Johns

Camp Comedy (3rd-6th, July 14 – 25)

Acting on Screen (3rd-6th + Teen, July 14 – 25)

Rachel Johns (she/her) is a DC-based actor, director, and teaching artist with a passion for building joyful, expressive spaces for young performers. Whether your camper is cracking jokes or acting for the camera, Rachel brings experience, empathy, and a great sense of humor to every rehearsal.

Why She Loves Teaching Comedy: “It frees actors up to play in ridiculous circumstances — you can’t take yourself too seriously when you’re swimming through an imaginary pool of jello!”

Nigel Rowe

Falls Church Musical Theatre 

(8-14 y/o, July 7 – 11)

Musical Debut (3rd-6th, July 14 – 25)

Musical Revue: Witches & Wizard

(3rd-6th + Teen, July 28 – Aug 1)

Musical Revue: U Be U 

(3rd-6th + Teen, Aug 4 – 8)

Nigel is a classically trained singer and full-time music teacher who brings vocal expertise and performance experience to ETC’s musical theatre camps. He’s passionate about making musical theatre fun, expressive, and accessible for campers of all skill levels.

Favorite Musical Theatre Song: “It’s Today!” from Mame — all about celebrating life to the fullest.

Isabelle Pickering

Acting Out: Comedy vs. Drama

(3rd-6th, July 28 – Aug 1)

Isabelle (she/hers) is a professional actor and arts educator whose work has taken her across the country. She has taught with Imagination Stage, Portland Playhouse, DCPS, and more — blending creative drama, movement, and music to help young artists grow in confidence, collaboration, and creativity.

Artist Insight: “For me, acting is all about connection — to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us. I love using creative drama, music, and movement to help young people discover their voices and realize that their ideas, stories, and imaginations matter.”

KJ Velz

Playwriting 101 (3rd-6th + Teen, Aug 11 – 15)

Acting Out: Stories! (3rd-6th, Aug 18 – 22)

KJ Moran Velz is a playwright, educator, and future drama therapist whose plays have been produced by the Kennedy Center, Imagination Stage, Signature Theatre, and more. As ETC’s Director of After School Programming, KJ brings curiosity, care, and connection into every workshop, empowering young writers and performers to find their voice.

On Teaching Playwriting: “Live theatre syncs heartbeats. Helping students realize their ideas deserve an audience is pure magic.”

Raghad Makhlouf

Falls Church Camps for Ages 8–14:

Acting Out: The Basics (July 14 – 18)

Improv Comedy Troupe (July 21 – 25)

Skits & Sketches (July 28 – Aug 1)

Raghad Makhlouf is a DC-based actor and teaching artist whose recent stage work includes performances with Theatre Alliance and other local companies. With a passion for collaborative storytelling and the power of live performance, she brings energy, empathy, and ensemble-building skills to every camp she leads.

Artist Insight: “I get to live different lives and speak words that aren’t mine, all to connect with the audience. Theatre is a collective breath — a moment away from the noise of everyday life.”

Learn From the Pros. Make Theatre Magic.

Our Youth and Teen theatre camp directors aren’t just teachers — they’re working artists who know how to inspire confidence, creativity, and connection in every camper. Whether your child is stepping into the spotlight for the first time or already dreaming of Broadway, they’ll be welcomed, challenged, and celebrated.

No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to play! Explore the camp calendar and grab your spot before sessions fill...

Explore All 2025 Summer Camps