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CHECK OUT WHAT STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND GUEST
ARTISTS
HAVE TO SAY ABOUT
"THEATRE ARTS
CENTER"
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"It’s
always nice to be appreciated but even better when
it’s in writing...for thousands of New Yorkers
to see! That’s why we’re excited to let you
know that Theatre Arts Center's Musical Theater
and Dance Camp (Teens AND Youth) was recently
highlighted by Time Out New York Kids.
(2011)"
Kind Regards,
Your
Friends at TIME OUT NEW YORK KIDS |
I
just wanted to let you know how wonderful I
think you and your staff are. From the
first day at orientation to the last standing
ovation, your work with the children (and us
parents) has been nothing but pleasant and
professional and perfect. I believe
Nicholas had an extraordinary experience, one
that may put him confidently in the direction of
his dreams, whatever they may be. (I do
believe the ability to perform in front of an
audience can help with a multitude of career
paths.) The hard work and focus, plus the
fun and new friends he acquired, gave him an
incredible opportunity to learn about dedication
and passion at such a young age. After
seeing the show twice, this morning I am sad
that I can't see it a third time. Our
telephone has been ringing nonstop with friends
and family members expressing their gratitude
and praise for such an impressive show. Thanks
to you and your incredible staff, a program such
as this exists, and your visions for what is
possible with our children is inspiring. This
weekend, for me, was priceless. Thank you,
from the bottom of my heart.
Respectfully,
Arlyne
D.
(2010)
PS.
After 20 yrs. in product development in
the garment industry, I am baffled on how you
fit SO MANY beautiful costumes in the costume
fee!
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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
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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
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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 |
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Another
wonderful year. She has LOVED this year,
more than the other three--which is hard to
believe given how much she has loved it
before. The Seniors closeness is really a
credit to TAC. It only gets better and
better--the show was fabulous, the transitions
were amazing, the costumes were the best
ever. She wishes it could go on for another
four weeks!
Candace
C.
Several Year Alumni Mom
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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. 2009 & 2010 |
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. 2009 & 2010 Mom |
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Thanks
so much for a wonderful experience this summer at
camp. This was my daughter's first time at the
camp. She enjoyed your musical theater classes
so much, that she wanted to try out your camp. The
shows that were put together were amazing. It was
hard to believe you and the rest of the staff
along with the kids, were able to put together
such great performances in such a very short
period of time. Besides having the opportunity to
gain theater experience; as an added bonus my daughter
made a lot of nice new friends this summer.
She looks forward to next summer, along with one
of my other daughters, who's already chosen her
audition piece for the camp. We look forward to
seeing you in September for the start of the girls
seven, count'em, seven, classes this season.
Thanks
again for a great summer,
Randi R.
Bucks County Mom |
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I
was very impressed with the production of THOROUGHLY
MODERN MILLIE, JR. I saw at Theatre Arts Center
(summer '06). Having started in educational,
summer and youth theatre myself, I am well aware of the
importance and value of introducing young people to the
art of live theatre. I would have been happy to
see a group of young adults having a good time and
falling in love with the art form. They did all
that -- but they also put on a darn good show, that the
audience enjoyed watching as much as the cast enjoyed
performing. As an author, I was gratified to see
that. And who knows? One of those young
actors might end up creating (or starring in!) a Tony
Award-winning musical one day; I started where they did,
and it was the impetus for my career on Broadway.
Dick
Scanlan
Tony Award Nominee
Book & New Lyrics
Thoroughly Modern Millie

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While
my 17-year old son has been in many theater camps in the
Long Island / New York City area, never has he never 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
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

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I
truly want you to know, the tremendous
enrichment, and importance
that TAC has had in 'both my daughters'
lives . For Chloe: simply put, she has told me
that when she is at school during the day,
if she thinks about how later, she has a class
at TAC, it makes her feel so happy. A good
deal of her life is her life at TAC, and I think
it is where she has her favorite moments.
Cathy
B.
Bucks
County Mom
You've
taught me in so 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.
Junior Co. 2010
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Because
of your amazing program Christy has developed
such solid friendships with so many kids that
she met at your theatre program.
Also,
she was 1 out of 20 students selected to
attend Pace University's drama program (with a
partial scholarship) so thank you and your
staff for playing a major part in her
education.
Sincerely,
Camille
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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 groups
accomplishments and the friends she has made.
You all 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
2007 & 2008 |
Theatre
Arts Center has been of great help to MTI in the
development of MOBY DICK, The Musical and THOROUGHLY
MODERN MILLIE Junior. The talent and expertise they
bring to the process has been extremely helpful in the
development of these titles. We look forward to
working with them on JUST SO this summer ('07).
[TAC
has been granted the rights to premier BEAUTY & THE
BEAST JR in 2008.]
John Prignano
Senior Operations Officer
Music Theatre International
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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 genre 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
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Congratulations
on your obvious success with Willy Wonka Jr and
Rumpelstiltskin. Your ability to bring out the
talent and skills that these your teenagers possess is
truly impressive. We commend you on the further
development of Jake's acting skills and the noteworthy
elevation of his confidence on stage. His
improvement is undoubtly the result of you instruction,
coaching, and guidance. Thank you.
Milton
M.
2007
Session Four/Bucks County
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The Theatre Arts Center is a wonderful place for
students to learn about the performing arts. It
is a nurturing environment that promotes insight and
education into the exciting world of theatre, dance
and related arts, as well as positive social skills.
What could be better than to see a young talent who
has gained confidence, surprised themselves with their
newfound ability and celebrating the joys of theatre
arts and performing? All of this is
possible due to the hardworking and caring
Directors--Kristine Lewis and Robert Laconi. I
am proud to be part of this fine and well-run
operation.
Gary
John La Rosa
Professional
Director & Choreographer
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Just
a note to say "Thank You" from the bottom of
my heart to you and your staff for making uc 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.
2007
& 08 Senior Company & Cabaret Workshop/NYC

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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.
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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.

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I
am very excited to be working with The Theatre
Arts Center to adapt a new School Edition of Moby
Dick the musical. I was very impressed by the
talent and the staff and thought this would be the
perfect
group to premier the new version of the show. The
score of the show and the concept in general
has
been a big hit with audiences all over. It appeals
to all ages but the HS groups have had particular
fun with the show.
I
look forward to working with the cast on this
exciting project.
Disney's
Aladdin Junior is the first release in MTI and
Disney's collaboration. During the next several
years more
titles will be developed. The hope is to have high
quality stage versions of some of the classic
Disney
titles available for the Junior and the new KIDS
collection at MTI. Several of the students from
Theatre Arts were involved in the first leg of
development of the show as well.
Music
Theatre International
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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 definetly and
impatiently waiting next year's auditions.
Tracey
Y.
2007 & 08 Junior Company & Cabaret NYC

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This
is Bernadette S. 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 (2007,
2008).
I
do not think that I would be attending LaGuardia
if it weren't for you! Thank You!
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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.
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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
2007
Stars Company/NYC
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Kids
from Theatre Arts Center know how to work and
rehearse. That's why when I'm putting
together a show, 90% of my cast comes from
TAC! [That's
What Kids Do
(link) starred many TAC students.]
Cathy
Block
Professional Composer
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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
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I
just want to say how much fun I had over the summer at
the Ensemble workshop, and I want to thank you very
much for giving me the opportunity to go to New York
and work with wonderful actors. I have learned a
lot from you.
Philip
P.
Bucks County, H.S. Senior
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I
just had to write you to tell you how much we as a
family enjoyed your performances at the Bristol
Riverside Theatre. The students did a
wonderful job thanks to their great
teachers. Thanks so much for being so open
with your incredible school to a child who loves
to sing, dance and act. You have given her a
great opportunity to do what she loves to do, with
amazingly talented teachers. Thanks for your
talent, your kind teaching style, and for the
loads of laughter!
Jill
Bucks County Mom

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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
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My
daughter, Amanda, just completed her first year at the
Theatre Arts Center and absolutely loved the classes,
the directors, teachers, and other students. It
has been a wonderfully exciting year for her [she has
auditioned for several Broadway shows!] and we look
forward to her returning in the fall.
Donna
K.
Bucks County Mom

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