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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.
(2010)"
Kind Regards,
Your
Friends at TIME OUT NEW YORK KIDS |
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"The environment of
the Theatre Arts Centre was so relaxed and
supportive, it was no wonder their (Bucks County)
production of The Drowsy Chaperone was such a
treat. Clearly the kids felt free to be inventive
and adventurous. They were a joy to watch. The pace
and comedy of the show was perfect, I had a terrific
time watching the show”
Lisa Lambert
Composer, Music & Lyrics for Drowsy Chaperone |
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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.
Senior Co. Alumni 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. 2009 |
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 Mom |
|
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 (2005) 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
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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
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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.
RUSSELL
OCHOCKI
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 a chorus.
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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AND MORE...
___________________________________________________________________________
I
have had some of my best summers at the Theatre Arts
Center and I have made some good friends. (four year
alumni, Junior Company)
David
K.
Junior Company (2004-2007)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
It
gives me great pleasure to once again return to Theatre
Arts Center in Bucks County. The staff and students are so great to
work with! Last Summer (2005) the huge
success--not to mention terrific production--of
Moby Dick made it an easy decision to once again grant
TAC the rights to a new show, the World Premier of
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, JUNIOR, the Broadway hit
musical.
Russell
Ochocki
Associate
Director
Music
Theatre International
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The
show this year was great..I am so happy that Dalon was
part of the cabaret workshop. It was the best thing
for him and so many people approached him afterwards to
congratulate him on such a great job he did. It
really made him feel really good, and as his Mom, it
felt great too. Thank you so much for putting
together such a wonderful program. Both of us can
not wait until you do it again next year.
Cecilia
B.
2007
Cabaret & Junior Company
________________________________________________________________________________________________
I
would like to thank you for giving me the most wonderful
summer experience I have ever had. I hope to see you
again next summer. I would like to tell both of you
thanks so much for being able to provide this wonderful
workshop. I had the best time and learned so much
helpful information. I will never forget this summer.
Alessandra
L.
Junior Company 2006/07, NYC
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
We
thought this program was an amazing experience and it
helped us so much. It was fun and great
performance experience. We wish it was longer!
Alexa
B.
2005 & 06 Junior Company, NYC
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
It
was a really great experience learning from the
professional teachers and staff. I loved every
minute of it.
Kristie
E.
2006 Senior Company, NYC
At
first my son was hesitant to be so far away from his
family in Tucson, Arizona to attend the Theatre
Arts Camp in Queens, NY. However when we
arrived at the camp, at the age of 13, I could see
that he was already hooked within the first 10
minutes. He never missed one day of camp and
came home every day excited to share what he had
learned that day. Each day was a new
experience that he was eagerly ready to share with
anyone that would listen. He made friends that
he has already made plans with in the summer of
2005! Although tired from a rigorous day of
hard work in acting, dancing and working with other
professionals in the field, he went back eagerly
every day to learn more. I can't say enough
positive comments about this program, it is an
adventure my son and myself will never forget!
The performance was incredible, I was amazed at how
hard these young performers had worked and were able
to put together within 19 days time. I can't
wait for the 2005 production! I can't think of
a better way for students to learn about the
field of entertainment and the discipline that needs
to take place to acquire your dreams!
Mary
Pat M.
Professional Educator
Working
with the enthusiastic young performers at the Theatre
Arts Center was a pleasure from start to finish.
Peter
Morris
Professional Director & Playwright
I
have been a music educator for 28 years and have
worked with hundreds of students and theatrical
programs. I was very impressed with the
professionalism and dedication of everyone involved
with the Theatre Arts Center. The students at
the summer program received high level, age
appropriate musical, theater and dance training.
It was especially thrilling to see my own son
performing with the troupe at the diverse venues
provided by the directors. It was a great
experience for all of the students. I highly
recommend the Theatre Arts Center summer program to
any students who have a strong desire to perform.
Jonathan
P.
High School Chorus/Theater Director
Your
summer programs were wonderful! I have to thank
you. Both of my girls really enjoyed it.
Marcy
P.
Bucks County Mom
I'm
so glad you recommended the Theatre Arts Center for the
Volunteer Dinner. I have heard so many wonderful
comments. Everyone enjoyed not only their talent,
but their passion as well. Thanks for making the
event such a success!
Jeanne
Special
Events Coordinator
Kaitlyn
will always treasure the wonderful memories of last
summer.
Helen
D.
New York Mom
It
is an excellent program. Not only were we
taught by professionals, but we were surrounded by
a positive atmosphere that helped us aspire to
become the best performers we could be.
Fabian
G.
New York H.S. Student
Theatre
Arts Center has been a big part of my life for the
past 3 years. I've learned a lot about dancing,
acting, singing, mime, and having fun! I can't
wait until the next summer program.
Natasia
(age 10)
New York Student
Once
again--it was a GREAT summer session for Russell [H.S.
student from Boston who has attended the summer
workshop for many year]. He really enjoyed the
program very much!!! A wonderful job by all the
Theatre Arts Center team!
Craig
P.
Bucks County Dad
Thank
you so much for another great experience. I
really learned a lot and I appreciate all our
kindness and support!
Sydney
S. (3-year alumni)
Soloist at
Shea Stadium-- NY Mets Game
Daniella
LOVES Theatre Arts Center! She said, "Mom,
pinch me. I love this camp!"
Sarah
O.
New
York City Mom
It
was fabulous! It was Sabrina's third year being
taught by the wonderful professionals that Bob &
Kristine brought to the after school and summer
program in Queens.
Stacey
G.
NYC Schools Administrator
You
did a terrific job with the students! We really
enjoyed the show and are looking forward to seeing it
a couple more times!
Jon
P.
Bucks
County Dad
I
had a great time. I felt like I was a part of a
real Broadway Production. The staff was very
knowledgeable and helpful. I really enjoyed
being part of such a wonderful experience.
Laura
A.
2004 Senior Company
This
camp was a very awesome experience and I look forward
to coming back next year. (3-yr alumni)
Daniella
B.
2006
Senior Company
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