Scout Theater Workshops in Northern Virginia — Earn the Badge, Leave With the Memory
Hands-on theater instruction that meets badge requirements, plus an exclusive pre-show experience built around the current Encore production.
Troop leaders do not need another checkbox activity. Scouts do not need another afternoon that feels like a field trip. Encore's scout theater workshops are designed to be both — legitimately educational for badge credit and genuinely fun in a way that stays with a kid long after the workshop ends.
The workshop covers theater skills instruction designed to meet select Girl Scout and Boy Scout badge and adventure requirements. Before or after the instructional session, scouts get an exclusive pre-show experience tied to the current Encore production — think cast interactions, themed crafts, dance parties, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and photo opportunities. The day has shape, energy, and a real payoff. Troop leaders can exhale.
What the Workshop Covers
Encore's scout theater workshops are led by professional teaching artists — the same instructors who run Encore's classes, camps, and productions. The instructional session is designed around the performing arts requirements of select badge programs for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Because badge requirements vary by troop level and program year, we recommend contacting us before booking to confirm that the current workshop structure aligns with your troop's specific badge focus. If you know which badge or adventure requirement you are working toward, tell us when you inquire — we will confirm fit before you commit.
Badges and adventure requirements the workshop is designed to address include performing arts, visual and performing arts exploration, and theater-related achievement requirements across Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and equivalent Boy Scout levels.
Scout Workshop Dates and Times
Disney's High School Musical Jr - January 11, 2026, 2pm at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
Sherlock in Wonderland - March 22, 2026, 2pm at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
Dare to Dream Jr - May 31, 2026, 2pm at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
Looking to schedule a different performance date? Please email boxoffice@encorestage.org.
Badge and Adventure Options
Cub Adventures
- Lion - Pick my Path
- Lion - Rumble in the Jungle
- Lion - On Your Mark
- Tiger - Stories in Shapes
- Wolf - Howling at the Moon
- Bear - Roaring Laughter
Girl Scout Badges
- Daisy - Considerate and Caring
- Brownie - My Family Story
- Brownie - My Best Self
- Brownie - Dancer
- Brownie - Making Friends
- Cadettes - Comic Artist
- Junior - Journey: aMUSE
- Junior - Playing the Past
The Pre-Show Experience — More Than a Workshop
The pre-show component is what makes an Encore scout workshop a full day rather than a single session. Built around the theme and characters of the current Encore production, pre-show activities run before the performance and are designed to keep every scout engaged, moving, and invested in what they are about to watch.
Pre-show experiences include a rotating combination of:
- Cast interactions and meet-and-greet opportunities with Encore performers
- Themed crafts tied to the current production
- Dance parties with choreography connected to the show
- Scavenger hunts and obstacle courses built around the production's story or characters
- Photo opportunities in set pieces or costume elements from the show
Scouts go into the performance having already met the cast, learned a move from the show, and made something with their hands. The production lands differently when they are already inside it.
What Troop Leaders Need to Know Before Booking
Group logistics matter. Here is the information most troop leaders ask for before committing.
Group size: Encore accommodates scout groups of varying sizes. Minimum and maximum group sizes depend on workshop date and availability — confirm when you inquire.
Booking lead time: Workshops are tied to the Encore production schedule. Book as early as possible to secure your preferred date, particularly for weekend performances and spring season shows.
Supervision: Teaching artists and Encore staff lead the workshop and pre-show experience. Troop leaders and parents are welcome to stay for the session and are encouraged to attend the performance.
Time commitment: The full experience includes the workshop session, pre-show activities, and the Encore production. Plan for a half-day commitment at minimum. Exact timing depends on the current production schedule — confirm when you book.
Fee and Registration: The scout theatre experience is priced at $25 per scout (this included workshop + show ticket). Additional performance tickets will be sold at the group rate of $11 for parents, siblings and scout leaders.
Packages must be prepaid and are non-refundable. Must have at least 12 scouts in order to register for workshop. One person must register for the troop or group (typically the troop/den leader).
What Troop Leaders Ask About Encore Scout Workshops
Which Girl Scout badge requirements does the Encore theater workshop fulfill?
Encore's workshop is designed to address performing arts and theater-related requirements across multiple Girl Scout levels, including Brownie, Junior, and Cadette badge programs. Because specific requirements vary by program year, contact us with your troop's current badge focus before booking so we can confirm alignment.
Is there a Boy Scout or Scouts BSA theater workshop option in Northern Virginia?
Yes. Encore's scout workshops are open to both Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, with instructional content designed to support performing arts and theater-related achievement requirements across both programs. Contact us to confirm which requirements the current workshop covers for your troop's level.
How far in advance does a troop need to book a scout workshop?
As early as possible, particularly for weekend dates and high-demand production windows. Workshop availability is tied to the Encore production schedule — check the current show calendar and reach out to confirm open dates.
Do troop leaders stay during the workshop, or is it a drop-off program?
Troop leaders and chaperones are welcome to stay for both the workshop session and the pre-show experience. Encore teaching artists and staff lead all programming — troop leaders do not need to facilitate any portion of the day.
What performing arts badge workshop options exist near Alexandria, VA?
Encore Stage & Studio serves scouts from Arlington, Alexandria, and throughout Northern Virginia. Workshop sessions are held at Encore's Arlington facility. If you are booking from Alexandria or the surrounding area, contact us to discuss the current schedule and confirm the experience fits your troop's badge requirements and calendar.
Encore Stage & Studio has welcomed scout troops through its doors for years — the same organization behind 60 years of Northern Virginia children's theater, designed to give every scout who walks in a day that actually sticks. Badge requirements met, pre-show memories made, and a live performance to cap it off. Book your troop's workshop and we will handle the rest.