Summer Camp FAQs

We are so excited that you’re interested in our Summer Camps! Please find some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you don’t find the question your looking for, send us an email – Camps@Synetictheater.org!

We are closely monitoring CDC recommendations and updates. This FAQ will be updated frequently to reflect new policies and procedures. 

This FAQ was last updated on: 3.21.2022

Jump to a specific section:

COVID-19 Policies and Safety Plan FAQ | Registration Questions | Pick up and Drop Off | During the Camp Day | Final Performance

In-Person Camp FAQ Top of page

Registration Questions – 

How do I sign up for classes?

You can sign up here! Take a look at our camp options and find the best one for you and your student. You can also call us at 703-824-8060 ext 108 during regular business hours and speak with a member of our team.

I’d like to request information on financial aid. How do I do this?

We believe that theater should be for all! During registration you’ll have the option to pay monthly installments with the payment plan. If you’re looking for information on Financial Aid, send us an email (Camps@Synetictheater.org) with the subject line: Financial Aid.

How do I get the best deal on Summer Camps?

Take a look at our pricing calendar below and find the best time to purchase a camp package. We recommend sooner rather than later as our camps do sell out.

Is my student a Young Artist or Thespian?

Great question! To make sure we are gearing camp activities to appropriate age groups we divide our campers into to groups – Young Artists and Thespians. If your student is a rising 1st grader – rising 5th grader they are in our Young Artist group. If your student is a rising 6th grader – rising 8th grader they are in our Thespian group. Both groups will see the same camp structure and activates – just geared to their learning abilities.

My child is a Young Artist but their friend is a Thespian – can they be in the same group?

While we try to make sure the students are in groups that best fit their age group – being in camp with a friend is way more important! Send us an email (Camps@Synetictheater.org) and let us know, we’d be happy to accommodate.

How large are the groups my students are in?

We will operate at reduced capacity to enable social distancing and our students to have space to freely move/create. Capacity numbers may fluctuate in accordance with Virginia Department of Health’s guidelines for group sizes. To promote the best environment we camp each group at 15 students. 

I want to sign up for the same camp as my friend, how do I do that?

Email us! Camps@Synetictheater.org

Pick up and Drop Off – 

Where do the camps take place?

Our classic summer camps (Elementary and Middle Schools camps) will take place in our Studio location. Also known as Studio Violet. 2155 Crystal Plaza Arcade T19,  Arlington, VA 22202. Parking can be found on Crystal Dr. We are located in the Crystal City Underground Shops across the hall from the Subway Sandwich shop. To enter the Crystal City Underground from Crystal Dr, enter the doors to the left of the Chick-Fil-A and Sweetgreen restaurants, walk down the hall and make a right at the staircase – our studio is straight ahead. If you’re outside looking for us, you won’t find us. Parking in any public garage is free for up to an hour, so pick-up and drop-off will incur no cost to you.

Our high school camps are held in out mainstage theater (1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202). This can be accessed from South Bell street. Students can be dropped off in front of the building. The theater’s façade is painted black and pink.

How will drop off and pick up work?  

Drop-off and pick-up will occur outside our front doors to limit the number of people entering our spaces. Students being picked up early will be brought to the front doors to meet their adult. Per recommendations from the Virginia Department of Health, only students and essential adults will be authorized to enter learning spaces this summer. Adults should bring an ID with them every day for drop off and pick up, for verification.

Can my child be picked up by our family friend/relative/other family?

Yes. Please fill out and return this release form prior to the first day of camp. The names can be altered at any time by emailing Camps@Synetictheater.org or talking to the Camp Director. Students will only be released with names in accordance to this list.

During the Camp Day – 

What is the Daily Camp Schedule?

The camp day is 9 AM – 3 PM. Each day features active play in the form of games and activities with a variety of group classes throughout the day. After Camp Care available upon request. 

What will my young actor do all day?

Have fun! Our camps are designed to keep your students up and moving during the day. Daily activities vary by age group and camp theme/show. Some activities include: warm-up exercises, theater and improvisation games, physical movement games (tag, capture the flag, etc.),  music and choreography rehearsal, crafts, and group work/rehearsals. All of the lessons and activities are geared to help prepare the students for the camp performance at the end of each session.

How will lunch work? What about sharing food?

We enforce a “no food sharing” policy in order to protect students from allergens, food sensitivities, and dietary restrictions as well as COVID-19 spread. Each day, the campers that have signed up for a lunch package will order their lunch. If the weather is nice, lunch will take place outside in the courtyard directly above the studio. If it is not possible to eat outside, students will sit at tables in the lobby of the studio. 

I heard there’s a talent show? Can I come watch?

The “Talent Show” has been a camp tradition since our inception. While it’s called a “talents show” it’s more of a show-and-tell. Students are welcome to showcase anything that they LOVE doing! We have students who have played piano (keyboard provided), told jokes, showed magic tricks, did a funny dance with their friends, showed off their artwork, ate a peach in 30 seconds (yes, someone actually did this), the possibilities are endless! No student is required to perform in this very low stress and super supportive showcase, but we always love to see how awesome our campers are. The Talent Show is held at the end of the day on the first Tuesday of each camp session. To maintain a safe and relaxed environment, this is not open for parents to come and watch – just camp participants. 

Will my student get to see a Synetic Performance?

Yes! Synetic Theater is a world renown center for physical theater. On the first day of each session, your students will get the opportunity to see a private performance of our Theater For Young Audiences show – The Miraculous Magical Balloon. The show is performed by our Synetic Company members and often time some of the camp instructors. The performance is only open for camp participants to watch and is followed by a Q&A with the actors.

Final Performance – 

Will I still get to see my child perform?

Of course! That’s the best part of camp! We look forward to showcasing students’ work in in-person performances. End of session performances are designed to allow students’ families and friends to celebrate their time at camp. This will be individualized to each camp. To see this summers list of performances, click here! To protect the privacy of all families, all recordings or group photos are for private viewing only and are not to be shared on social media or any other platforms.

What is the final performance?

The final performance is a showcase of the students work for their time with us. All performances are at 1PM on the final Friday of your students camp session. Performances will take place in our MainStage theater (1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202). The doors to the theater lobby will open at 12:45 with the theater doors opening at 12:55. Seating is first come first serve. The performances are open to all family and friends; however, we do not open it up to the public.

Will there be a pot luck after the camp show like last time?

Unfortunately we no longer have the availability to accommodate a pot luck following the camp performance. After the camp performance students are released for the day after checking out with one of our teaching artists. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants in the area if you’d like to grab a bite to eat prior or post performance. Click here for an updated list of our favorites! 

Top of page

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN AND PROCEDURES FAQ

Jump to a specific section:

Student and Staff Safety | In Case of Exposure or Infection | Performance Info | Refund Policy

Keeping Our Spaces Safe

How are you keeping the spaces clean?

• We have installed HEPA-grade air purifiers in each room where students are working, and have MERV 13 filters in our central HVAC system.
• A “deep cleaning” will be performed every week by a professional cleaning company.
• Water fountains can only be used to refill water bottles. ALL students should bring a water bottle EVERY day to keep hydrated.
• At the end of each day, we will sanitize often-touched objects (chairs, table tops, door knobs) with CDC & EPA recommended disinfectants.

Does my student need to be vaccinated to attend?

Yes. All students should be fully vaccinated by the time their first day of camp arrives. The CDC defines fully vaccinated as “a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine.” 

• Two doses of an FDA or WHO authorized two dose COVID-19 vaccine.
• One dose of an FDA or WHO authorized single dose COVID-19 vaccine.

Keeping Our Students and Staff Safe

What will your spaces look like in terms of working space? 

 Our studio consists of two main rehearsal spaces. Each day the students will cycle through the studios for different activities. Teaching artists and students will engage in social distancing of at least 3ft whenever possible to achieve programmatic goals. At the end of each class, all surfaces will be wiped down and sanitized. Our air filters run 24/7 and are changed accordingly. 

Are masks required? What if my child forgets?

Yes, all teaching artists and students will be required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times, except when eating or drinking while stationary. If either do not bring a mask, a mask will be provided. In accordance with CDC recommendations, we require that fabric face masks have two layers of fabric and be fitted to closely cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Learn more from the CDC about how to find the best mask for your student here.

Will there be temperature checks?

Yes.  As part of camp registration, all parents and teaching artists will complete an intake form, in which they will outline their at-home health and safety habits; parents and teaching artists will sign attestations that they will maintain these habits throughout the program to limit exposure and transmission. All in-person summer camp participants will complete a daily symptom questionnaire and temperature check upon arrival. Temperature checks will be done with a contactless thermometer. No one with a temperature higher than 100° will be permitted to enter the building. After a fever of more than 100°, young people and adults must wait 72 hours before returning to the building. A Synetic staff member will be trained in contract tracing, and will work with local and state health departments to facilitate contact tracing if an exposure occurs.

Are staff members vaccinated? 

Yes! All Synetic camp staff will be vaccinated prior to the start of camp.

How will lunch work? What about sharing food?

We enforce a “no food sharing” policy in order to protect students from allergens, food sensitivities, and dietary restrictions as well as COVID-19 spread. Each day, the campers that have signed up for a lunch package will order their lunch. If the weather is nice, lunch will take place outside in the courtyard directly above the studio. If it is not possible to eat outside, students will sit at tables in the lobby of the studio. 

Will there be opportunities for my child to wash their hands?

We will have hand sanitizer in every camp space and remind students to wash their hands/sanitize frequently. Students & adults must sanitize or wash their hands at the start of the camp day, before and after eating, and before leaving the studio.

How can I prepare my student for camp?

If wearing a mask all day will be new for your student, practice wearing a mask at home for increasingly longer durations working up to the length of a full camp day. We recommend practicing different activities while wearing the mask including moving around, having conversations, and playing games. Review the policies we have in place with your student and discuss why they are important. If your family chooses not to observe social distancing, mask-wearing, and the CDC recommendations, we invite you to check out our Virtual offerings.  

There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place or group gathering. This includes Synetic Theater’s in-person summer camp programming. While we have taken the fullest safety measures possible to reduce the risk of exposure and infection, by participating in our in-person programming, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and any of its variants. Families wishing to participate in our exceptional education programming this summer without assuming any risk of exposure, are welcome to join us in Virtual Camps.  

We will offer videos, a social narrative, and class discussions to help students prepare for and understand the importance of these guidelines and are happy to work with families to support their student’s individual needs to observe these guidelines.  For the safety of all students and staff, students who attend camp and refuse to wear their mask, wash their hands, or observe social distancing will be dismissed from camp.

In the Case of Exposure or Infection

 If a student or teaching artist exhibits symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19 they will be asked to seek a COVID-19 test ASAP; they will not be allowed to return until we receive paperwork showing two consecutive negative tests and they will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

What if my student begins to feel sick during the day?

 If a student exhibits any sick symptoms during the day, they will be quarantined in a designated private space until their parent or guardian can pick them up. All students must be symptom free for at least 72 hours before returning to camp.

What if someone in the camp is exposed?

Families will be contacted about suspected exposure, confirmed exposure, presentation of symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and positive COVID-19 cases in accordance with training and guidelines for contact tracing from the Virginia Department of Health.

If cases start to rise, what will Synetic do?

Synetic reserves the right to cancel any in-person programming due to an increase in local cases, updated recommendations/regulations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, or local leaders, or because of the exposure or infection of any participant or Synetic staff member.

Keeping Everyone Involved

Will I still get to see my child perform?

Of course! That’s the best part of camp! We look forward to showcasing students’ work in in-person sharings (performances) with very limited seating that will be livestreamed for their extended family and friends to enjoy. Sharings (performances) are designed to allow students’ families and friends to celebrate their week at camp. This will be individualized to each camp and group of students and may consist of a recorded performance/showcase of skills, a compilation of students’ work, photos, etc. To protect the privacy of all families, all recordings or group photos are for private viewing only and are not to be shared on social media or any other platforms. 

Register with confidence

We recognize the COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-evolving situation and will continue to monitor the data and recommendations provided to us by the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and local leadership. If any in-person summer camps must be canceled due to increased cases, changes in regulations, or an infected student/staff member, families will be offered a full refund if the camp has not yet started or a pro-rated refund if the camp has begun. If an in-person camp closes due to COVID-19, we will provide an option to families transition to a virtual option. Virtual offerings will be a combination of synchronous engagement via Zoom, asynchronous sharing and creation on our Camp website, and off-screen activities. However, we recognize that virtual learning is not the best fit for each student, is not appropriate for full-day engagement, and does not serve as supervision in the same way our in-person camps do.

I need to change my reservation, what are my options?

Due to the pandemic, we are offering flexible registrations for Summer 2022 in two ways:

• If you have registered for an in-person summer camp and determine a virtual camp is a better fit, you may transfer your tuition up to 7 days before the scheduled camp date. Any differences in tuition costs must be paid at the time of transfer. Any remaining balance may be processed as a credit to future Synetic purchases, a donation, or a refund. 
• If you believe your student was exposed or if your student becomes infected before your scheduled camp begins, we can transfer your tuition to another education offering later in the summer (depending upon availability), put your tuition on your Synetic account to be a credit for future purchases, process your tuition as a donation, or process a refund.

What is Synetic’s refund policy?

A full refund is offered if Synetic Theater cancels an in-person camp before the first day of programming or if your student/member of your family/close contact tests positive for COVID-19 prior to the start of camp. 

If Synetic makes the decision to end in-person instruction of a camp after that camp has begun, a prorated refund will be offered. The amount of the prorated refund will depend on how many days of in-person camp have been canceled and whether you choose to join a virtual option for continuing camp. Families may also choose to have their remaining tuition processed as a credit on their Synetic account for a future Synetic purchase or donate the remaining balance. 

Due to the limited availability, unused extended care is nonrefundable and may not be transferred onto your account. An exception will be granted if Synetic closes programming due to COVID-19 or if your student/member of your family/close contact tests positive for COVID-19 prior to the start of camp. 

No refund or credit will be issued if a student is registered for an age-inappropriate program and Synetic staff determine it to be an unsuccessful fit.  

Registration holds a student’s spot in a program, making it unavailable for other students to register for that spot. We hope your class is a great fit but if, after the first day of class, you choose not to continue, the Education staff is happy to switch you into an available program within the same session, but we will not issue a refund. After the second day of camp, we are not able to accommodate class transfers.

Top of page

I’m not going to remember all of this! What do I do?

Registered families will be sent a welcome video one-week in advance of their first camp day. This video will include an overview of our policies, an outline of the schedule for your student’s program, a social narrative for our safety policies, a video tour of the spaces your student will be using, and an introduction video for your students to meet their teaching team.

Still have Questions?

Email us at: Camps@Synetictheater.org. We’d be more than happy to help!