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More than 100 Fairfax County middle school students gathered at Key Middle School on Saturday, Oct. 25, for a full day of acting, design and technical theater workshops.

TheatreMania 2025 brought together sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students from across Fairfax County Public Schools. Organized by FCPS middle school Theatre Arts directors, the event introduced participants to stage combat, makeup design, directing, choreography, puppetry and Shakespeare.

Each student attended four 50-minute sessions led by FCPS theater teachers and professional teaching artists from the local arts community.

Tara Taylor, FCPS educational specialist for Theatre Arts, said the workshops allowed students to develop their interest in theater while meeting peers from throughout the district. Organizers hope that enthusiasm continues into high school and beyond.

Taylor said FCPS is among the few school districts nationwide with a theater teacher in every middle school. She credited that investment with supporting the district’s award-winning high school programs and helping students strengthen collaboration, creativity, communication and critical-thinking skills.

For some participants, TheatreMania opened the door to parts of a production they do not ordinarily explore in class.

Zoey, an eighth grader, said her school theater class focuses on performing for an audience, while the event offered experience with directing, makeup and singing.

Her classmate Louisa learned how stage lighting changes the appearance of makeup. She said the workshops demonstrated how acting, design and choreography must work together.

Students also described theater as a source of confidence, self-expression and belonging. Marius, who had participated in other theater programs, said TheatreMania stood out because of its strong community and the enthusiasm shared by those attending.

Louisa said the confidence and communication developed through theater can remain valuable even for students who do not pursue it as a career.

Taylor said theater can represent people from many backgrounds and tell a wide range of stories. Its impact becomes especially meaningful, she said, when students recognize themselves in those stories and in the communities they create.

The event also supported the school division’s strategic goal of expanding equitable access and opportunity.