I think what you have created in this program (Actors Conservatory, 2012) is really quite incredible. Those teenage performers are getting an invaluable experience in what it is like to produce a play, to work as an ensemble, and to be held to professional standards (or close anyway). The team of support staff you have gathered, the eagerness of the students, the openness of the parents—well, I feel privileged to have been able to take part in it all. So, thank you for this opportunity.
Devin Brain
Professional Director
MFA, Yale School of Drama / Directing
While my 17-year old son has been in many theater camps in the Long Island/New York City area, never has he had such a memorable experience as last summer with Theatre Arts Center. He has maintained close ties with many of the wonderful friends he made in the program—I believe this is because at Theatre Arts Center he worked harder, with more professional expectations than he ever has, and the kids shared an enormous pride in their accomplishments together. The staff is extraordinary, and I recommend this program with pleasure.
Kim Oler
Richard Rodgers & Emmy Award Winner
As a director/choreographer, you strive to work with a company that will inspire your creativity and artistic growth. TAC is that place. Theatre Arts Center selects student with passion, ability, and dedication who want to experience what working professionals do on a daily basis. Not only do these students develop applicable skills to succeed in a competitive field, but TAC nurtures and supports their process along the way. Every year, I see the emerging artist of the future of this industry.
Robbie Roby
Dance Captain
B’Way Billy Elliot, Hairspray, Legally Blonde
I’m looking forward to seeing what you have planned for next summer. My daughter not only had an incredible learning experience with TAC last summer—but also a fabulous time. She very much wants to attend this summer. Having seen your level of discipline and professionalism, plus how much my daughter matured, and her talent developed under your tutelage, I will definitely allow her to audition.
Dennis Size,
EMMY Award Winning TV Designer
My son is a natural clown, so I assumed he would enjoy TAC’s theater program. What really pleased me was my son’s efforts to concentrate on his dancing and other performance requirements, a discipline that always seemed to elude him. He developed focus and concentration while learning things he loved to do. I think any parent would welcome these “side effects” of the TAC program.
David Paterson
Award Winning Film Writer/Producer
The Bridge To Terabithia
The DVD is simply fantastic. It is everything I expected and more. Obviously, you have a very well organized summer camp running in America. The children really loved it and hope to return again. They often mention it, remembering the wonderful time they had. I guess those memories will stay with them for a long time. (Two international students for two years in the Senior Company, NYC)
Rose P.
Dublin, Ireland
What we really valued about your program (NYC, Queens) is that your teachers were very professional and imparted a sense of what it’s like to be a performer—the discipline and the fun. They were good role models. Paloma enjoyed every moment of every day (2004) and I think she really learned a lot. In her previous summer programs (Los Angles) she also had a lot of fun, and the staff were equally caring and supportive—but they didn’t have the range of experience that your staff had. I was also impressed at how well organized and thought-out your program was for each of the age groups. And, while I usually prefer to see musicals to be performed in their entirety, as opposed to the variety show format, I was won over by your approach to teaching the kids how to be part of an ensemble.
Carla B.
Singapore
I was accepted into the High School of Performing Arts’ (“Fame’s” LaGuardia H.S. in New York City) Vocal Music Program and I just wanted to thank you for all of your help because for the past three years (2004 – 2007). I have gained so much from Theatre Arts Center. (Cindy is currently in LaGuardia’s Drama Program.)
Thanks!!
Cindy D.
And about coming back, are you kidding me? It has gone from being a great way to spend her summer, to the best experience of her life! The kids talk online all the time, and can’t wait to be back together!
Best, Candace
I am the mother of Olivia from the Stars Company and I would just like to say thank you for the experience you have given to my daughter. What a terrific time she had and I could not have been happier with the quality of your show and the things that I feel she has learned. You obviously put your heart and soul into making this a rewarding experience for these kids and I can assure you that you are doing an incredible job.
Robin S. from Pennsylvania
Stars Company/NYC
Just a note to say “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart to you and your staff for making a huge difference in my son’s life. Your staff not only provided him with excellent training an valuable experience to the industry, but on a larger scale, you have ignited within him a love for the Arts that I am sure will follow him for years to come. Thank you so much.
Sandra L.
Senior Company & Cabaret Workshop/NYC
I wanted to let you know how pleased I was with your summer program. My daughter, Samantha M., Junior Company, had a wonderful experience and was so happy to be a part of your program. Your show far exceeded our expectations. I cannot begin to tell you how impressed my family was with the show and what Samantha had accomplished in the four short weeks of the program. She made a lot of friends and learned so much in such a short period of time. Your staff was so professional and she felt honored to be there. Samantha is so sad that it is all over and is already talking about coming back next year. Do you have a mailing list that we could be on so we can know when auditions will be next year?
Again, I just wanted to say thank you so much. I hope you and your staff enjoy the rest of your summer and Samantha and I look forward to joining you again next year.
New York/Long Island Mom
As you know, we did see the Cabaret show and we were all very impressed. I didn’t realize this was your first year doing it and it is such a wonderful idea for all the reasons you stated. Looking at the program and seeing how long some of the kids have been with you, it is so heartening to see such enthusiasm and loyalty from them for you and your staff. If you have the space available next year, Julia is definitely interested.
New York/Long Island Mom
I just wanted to let you know how thankful and pleased I was with the summer program that Kourdell had the opportunity to be part of. This summer has truly changed his life and gave him much more desire to fulfill his dreams. We are definitely and impatiently waiting next year’s auditions.
Tracey Y.
Junior Company & Cabaret NYC
I just wanted to tell you that I auditioned for LaGuardia H.S. I was given a call back for drama, and ever since I have been waiting to hear from them. Today I received a letter. I was accepted as an incoming freshman in their drama studio! As soon as I found out, I knew I needed to let you know. I want to thank you and TAC for everything that I have learned over the past two summers. I do not think that I would be attending LaGuardia if it weren’t for you! Thank You!
Bernadette S.
I just wanted to say that I hope that Jackie and Lena lived up to your expectations, because Theatre Arts Center certainly lived up to ours. What an incredible program you have developed for these children. From the professional instruction, to the opportunity to experience different genres of music, to the chance to meet talented children from all over the world, you provided an unforgettable summer experience for my girls. They are very depressed today now that it is all over. Thank you so much again…can’t wait for next summer.
Stephanie S.
New York/Long Island Mom
This is Claire, Ayana’s mom…writing to say thank you for the wonderful experience in this theatrical forum for my child. You and the rest of the staff have really opened Ayana’s eyes to the acting and performing. She is still reeling from the work, the group’s accomplishments and the friends she has made. You put together quite the troop of players; many look like they will be life long friends. Well life long in kid terms at the very least. (Smile).
Teen Acting Ensemble / NYC
You’ve taught me in so much. I’ve learned over the course of four weeks, that there so much more talent inside of me that was just waiting to be embraced. You and your phenomenal staff showed me how to do so, and how to be proud of it. I’ve learned that in addition to dancing, I also have a special place in my heart for acting. Before I never had even considered it. It didn’t seem like it was my place. Now, I know how much fun it could be and the effect it has on people. I’m hoping to someday be on Broadway. I don’t care if I were to be a swing, or even an understudy. You taught me about a new place, which I am now confident to call my new home—musical theatre. Thank you Robert, for everything.
Sincerely,
Polina P.
THANKS! William has become a huge TAC fan. He keeps in contact with all his friends. Thank you so much for allowing him to visit. He absolutely loves TAC…and so do I! All the very best and see you next summer.
Nancy L.
Teen Acting Ensemble Mom
Thanks for making by first year at TAC so enjoyable! WOW! I really have never done a summer program quite like this one! It takes a lot of hard work, but is soooo much fun throughout the whole process. I hope all went well with Cabaret too. I would love to do it next year too.
Tia C.
Senior Co.
Thanks so much for organizing such a wonderful program for our children. But most of all, thank you for being so kind and encouraging. She mentioned how one day you sat at the lunch table with the new senior kids for a while just to see how they were doing and how much that meant to her. Thanks for being that kind of person. Wishing you all the best in the future.
Gigi C.
Senior Co. Mom