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About Rent
Rent:
“We are very grat eful for the opportunity to be part of such a beautiful experience - the time and attention given to young people who love theatre was outstanding!”
-Rose Ann Di Gennaro, Sacred Heart High School
“It truly was a memorable day all around, my students had the time of their lives-and so did their teachers!”
-Kim Flood, Teacher of Seaford High School
“I found the workshop to be very well organized and a nice introduction to the show. I was very impressed with the entire organization aspect. I would participate in one of your workshops again without hesitation!”
-Beth Isaf-Lauri, Monticello High School
“My students LOVED the workshop! They all participated and thought all of it was so much fun! Everything about the workshop was so enjoyable.”
-Tara Kiesel, Teacher of Sachem North High School
“We absolutely would return for more programs in the future. Actually, my students are already begging me to plan another trip!”
-Paul Kocum, Teacher of Franklin school
“During the last Holiday Season, I was grateful to make the acquaintance of Philip Dorian McAdoo, an understudy for some characters in “RENT”. He inspired me to do whatever I could to achieve my dreams on the stage. If I had never heard what Mr. McAdoo had to say about his experiences, I never would have believed that it was possible for any ordinary person to land themselves on Broadway. He made me realize that I could pursue that dream.”
- Jackelyn Mariano, Work Force 2000
“The workshop was wonderful! Everyone said it was fantastic! Thumbs up all the way!”
-Mary K. Millery, Teacher of East Hampton High School
“The workshop was a wonderful experience.”
-Maria Oaechea, High Tech H.S.
“Never get rid of the work-shop at the start of the show!”
-Yurely Ramirez, High Tech H.S.
“First and foremost, I would just like to say that the complete workshop was exceptionally interesting, breathtaking, educational, and very worthwhile.”
-Danielle Rose Tamayo, High Tech H.S.
About Chicago
Chicago:
“Without the class preparation and workshop, I doubt that we would have enjoyed it as much as we did. I must admit, at first I was skeptical about whether or not I would enjoy a Broadway show. But the show proved to be better than I ever expected, especially in addition to the workshop. Now, my view of all Broadway shows has changed for the better and I would love to see another.”
-Kenneth Chung, Mark Twain I.S. 239
“This is an excellent program. The resource materials are wonderful, the workshop is exciting and having the students involved is fantastic.”
-Cathy Sepulveda, Satellite Academy High School
“This was definitely one of the best trips that I have ever been on. I hope that in the future, I will be able to go on more trips like this one.”
-Andrew Vorsanger, Mark Twain I.S. 239
Girl Scouts on Broadway Day:
Girl Scouts on Broadway Day:
“Thank you for your organization and the wonderful programming that you do. I look forward to participating in other activities with Students Live.”
-Robina Barlow
“THIS WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! We had the best day. The morning program was great - we enjoyed it so much. There were councils from as far away as Kentucky and Buffalo and Baltimore - the cast was great and we learned a lot and enjoyed the Q&A session. Well, we enjoyed the whole day! Your staff was very helpful in the morning greeting and answering questions when we arrived. Please keep me on your mailing list - this is a worthwhile program that I will continue to promote in our council and in our statewide training cluster. Thanks again!”
-Jennie Clark, Director of Training and Program Services, Girl Scouts of Rolling Hills Council
“Just wanted you know how wonderful this program was! Thanks for a great time.”
-Patty Holmes, Troop 183
"For Good" Wicked Girl Scouts Day on Broadway Feedback 2010
“I just wanted to let you know that we had a totally amazing time. The Students Live Workshop was fantastic as well as Wicked!! This will be a highly recommended show and program.”
Jennifer Jones, Girl Scout Troop 204 — Stanton, NJ
“I just came back from seeing Wicked and attending your workshop and I would appreciate it if you could say thanks for the people who planned it because it was truly a great experience!”
Mallory Feldman, Girl Scout Mom — Ridgefield, NJ
“Thank you so much for all the work you did for Saturday's WICKED performance. My troop thoroughly enjoyed their trip to New York. We stayed in Secaucus NJ and took the NJ Transit in for the day. Please, try and keep these programs alive, and if another one comes up, include me on the email.”
Joanne Kulesh, Girl Scout Troop 748 — Gaithersburg, MD
“I just wanted to thank you for such a great and memorable day, yesterday, with my girl scout troop. The workshop in the morning was both informative and entertaining. It is hard to get such a large group of girls to sit for 2 hours and the performers and participants did it effortlessly. Personally, I loved the message the costume designer gave to the girls about observing and recording what is around you no matter the field you choose and also pursuing your dreams! This happened to be my daughter's first time to a Broadway show and she was wowed (even for a jaded teenager). It could not have been a more perfect day for all of us. Thanks for making events like this possible to girl scouts!”
Kathy Nelson, Troop Leader — Suffern, NY
“Thank you very much for this wonderful experience!!! The girls in my troop and the moms who attended the event were blown away with the quality of the workshop and the exciting performances. Everything was so well done that they are already asking for more. We never knew so much about costume making and the details and observations that go into such a production. Thanks again sooooo very much!!”
Elizabeth Murray, Girl Scout Troop 50667 — Weston, CT
“We had a great day. Thank you!”
Julie Smith, Girl Scout Mom — West Trenton, NJ
“Just thanks to everyone for all their hard work and dedication. We appreciate you being there- this program is amazing.”
Karen Powers — Cranford, NJ
“The workshop was FABULOUS! Some of the girls even got to be on stage. They were DELIGHTED!”
Kristen Burt, Troop 56 — Ithaca, NY
“WE loved it. My daughter had a blast and thought it was the best show she has ever seen. She thought they were fun and funny. It kept her entertained and she is 8.”
Ellen Pape, Mom
“Thank you for a wonderfully Wicked day! All of us – girls and adults – enjoyed the workshop, the ease of just walking to Applebee's for lunch and best of all the performance. You made it so easy for me to have a great time with so many Girl Scouts and moms – thank you!!! I will recommend your program to all leaders who ask. Thank you.”
Kathy Lehner, Girl Scout Troop 364 — Alexandria, VA
“Thanks for a great workshop and providing my troop with the opportunity of a lifetime! My girls had a great time and this will be one of those things my girls will remember forever...”
Shelley Stewart, Girl Scout Troop 5221 — Arlington, VA
“Thank you for helping to provide a wonderful experience to the girls in my troop, including my own daughters! They have not stopped talking about how amazing theentire day was to them.”
Debbie Cornelius
“Thanks for this amazing production. The morning workshop was very fun for the girls and I believe helped them understand and appreciate the show so much more! We would do another of these well run productions! Let me know what else you have on your agenda!”
Kristen Burt, Troop 56 — Lansing, NY
“I am just so happy we went and the whole experience was a lot of fun. I have already told so many people how great it was.”
Patrise Heins, Mom
“I loved the show and the workshop blew me away.”
Cheryl Gomes, Troop 40432 — Hillburn, NY
“Enjoy is an understatement! It was delightfully “WICKED”. We were a group of twenty-five and not one of us could stop talking about it. The set was amazing and the overall theatre was beautiful. The fact that they were able to see the costumes up close was a HUGE deal for them...Thank you for putting on a spectacular performance and making this an experience my Scouts will never forget.”
April Williams-Gammage, Troop 71512 — Ewing, NJ
“Girl Scouts always promotes understanding of others, helping others, being a sister to every scout, improving the world around them, etc. The themes of the show and workshop showed how significant these values and ideas are in life.”
Debbie Cornelius, Troop 70663 — Ewing, NJ
“The workshop was very well run, the guest speakers were informative and engaging and the “inside” information regarding the costumes, set design, etc. really added to the show experience. My daughter now wants to be a costume designer!”
- Tanya Richmond, Girl Scout Mom,
“My girls really enjoyed the workshop, especially hearing the For Good Project speeches and the talks by the guest speaker and the Wicked cast members.”
-Nancy Sauers, Girl Scout Mom, Holland, PA.
“We definitely enjoyed ourselves …our favorite part was the dance and the costume designer presentation.”
-Mary Kolonia, Girl Scout Mom, Milford, NJ
“Well done, mixed activities, speaking portion and audience involvement kept the girls interested. Can’t thank you enough for those AMAZING seats!!!”
-Lily Babigian, Girl Scouts Troop 899, Upper Saddle River, NJ
“As an adult I loved the costume presentation and the question and answers. The girls loved everything! We had a great time. Thank you for making signing up so easy! ”
-Geri Schuster, Girl Scouts Troop 80963, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
“The girls really had a great time and would love to return. The frequent emails were comprehensive and informative. I was never left with any questions or concerns.”
-Donna Zouck, Girl Scouts Troops 30306, 31234, and 30337, Beavercreek, OH
“I think it was so great to see the career element in the program and all of the professional’s passion for their career choices. Also the “For Good projects”; it was great to hear what other troops were doing.”
-Caroline O’Neill- Girl Scouts North Eastern New York
“The show dealt with friendships and making hard decisions, I think it was very relevant to what they are experiencing in their lives. It was fun and we all learned about the show and Broadway.”
-Lisa Sausville, Girl Scouts Mom, Addison, VT
“I think the whole concept of doing good for others is the foremost theme, but we also touched on the topics of judging people by outward appearances, tolerance and the motivation that moves people to do the things that they are passionate about.”
-Patty Hoffman, Girl Scouts Troop 80797, East Brunswick, NJ
NEW Chicago feedback from 2007
“Speaking for myself (Cal Elite dance team director) the parents and kids, we thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and of course the musical as well. I was very skeptic of the workshop when I found out it was NOT a purely dancing workshop. But was THRILLED as to how interesting, informative and fun it was for our dance team. We would do it once a year if it was handled just the same for a different musical every year at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. This area is saturated with dance teams that I know would love it as well. And I would help you with local studio names to support it. Looking forward to a Student's Live every year.”
-Gail Throne, California Elite Dance Director
“My daughter attended the “All that Jazz” workshop yesterday at the Orange County Performing Arts. I cannot tell you what a great program your group performed. The entire crew was fun, energetic and so professional. We've attended many plays here, L.A. and New York but my daughter's never been as interested as she was yesterday when watching Chicago. She knew so much more about the show, the characters, the actors and the dance routines. You're offering a great service to our children.”
-Mary Kay Coo, Parent
“It is such a pleasure to do workshops like this one, especially when they are so well rounded and thought out. It never fails to remind me of why I do this- love that! I look forward to working with you all again in New York sometime. P.S.: The girls screamed so loud, we felt like rock stars!”
Kelly Crandall, Actress in “Chicago"
“It was much more than I expected. There was so much audience participation, I was very impressed. The actors were great, they really seemed to enjoy being there with the girls. This was very well put together. We just LOVED IT.”
- Mashell Ingrande, Parent
“I think what you are doing with your program is terrific. Best of luck with the program. keep reaching out to kids. they are our future!”
-Mike Walter, Anchor/Reporter WUSA-TV 9
“If I had known the program was going to include such wonderful speakers, I would have brought pen and paper with me that day. the whole program had been great! You're all so utterly efficient and reliable in getting the job done! You "guys" are simply the best. Keep up your wonderful work.”
-Rosemary P. Rhew, parent
Charlotte:
“. the perfect evening! Thanks for this once in a lifetime experience!”
-George Schneider, parent
“I could sit through an exercise like that again and again, and again!... I highly recommend the experience for children of all ages! Thank you so very much for all your contacts and the personal touch you gave this whole experience for us! We were so energized after the workshop. I don't know if your Students Live is involved in all productions that come this way. what a mistake I would have made had I not pursued it this time... You were a pleasure to talk to and work with, thank you.”
-Tricia and Emma Schurmeier, parent and student
“Attending the Peter Pan workshop prior to the stage performance enhanced our theater experience in so many ways. Having an opportunity to meet and talk to some of the cast members during the workshop's question and answer session allowed us to interact and feel the actors' excitement and learn first hand about their love of their craft. Because we learned some of the songs and choreography from the show, we felt a part of the performance when those songs were played and, although we couldn't dance, we were able to use some of the hand gestures. We played a Jeapordy game to test our knowledge of musicals and history (What fun! We won!). This widened the scope of understanding from the author's point of view and a historical perspective. Children presented their essays on "What My Neverland Would Be Like," revealing a thoughtful process of their hearts' desires and encouraging other workshop participants. All in all, it was a comprehensive, well thought out introduction to a much-loved show which provided insight and became a spring-board for many future discussions.”
-Bonnie Stewart, parent
“The StudentsLive program for Peter Pan was well received by our audience. The program was informative and entertaining, and clearly enhanced the audience's enjoyment of Peter Pan. It also provided a useful marketing hook for group business, which is always looking for additional value added benefits and unique experiences.”
-Wendy Oglesby, Marketing Vice President, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Tampa:
“What a wonderful experience the girls had yesterday at the Peter Pan workshop and the cast greeting after the show! The workshop was exceptional.”
-Jan Baskin, parent
“This program was so impressive! We enjoyed it so much! My daughter hasn't stopped singing and doing the dances. I wish we could go to this before every show I take her to. It was the experience of a lifetime!”
-Julie Salek, parent
“I think it went very well. over all it was a great workshop to offer to our patrons.”
- Jennifer Gonzalez-Bohnert, Group Sales Manager, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
“I thought the experience was wonderful for the participants who decided to join us that afternoon and I think you may have opened some young people's eyes to the reality of theater. It's not just something you go watch....you can be a part of it, if it's what you dream.”
- Heather McCarthy, Marketing Manager Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
San Jose:
“StudentsLIVE is a wonderful concept to enhance students' appreciation and understanding of live musical theatre. It is a necessary supplement to cuts to school arts funding. It is imperative that students grow up with an appreciation for live performing arts as they are the audiences of tomorrow. StudentsLIVE addresses this most important need. Presented in a theatrical environment with trained theatre professionals, StudentsLIVE is not only educational but extremely entertaining. StudentsLIVE is highly recommended to any theatre company looking to enhance their programming.”
-Steven Favreau, Director of Marketing & Development, American Musical Theatre of San Jose
Denver:
“Working with StudentsLIVE on the National Tour of Peter Pan was a great experience. As a lover of art, in all forms, I believe in its power to make a difference in life everyday, being a part of a program that helps open young person's minds to this was very fulfilling. StudentsLIVE helped to bring children to the theatre who might not have had the opportunity and has likely helped create livelong supporters of theatre and the arts.”
-Molly Riddle, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Philadelphia:
“StudentsLive provided us the chance to create a turnkey educational solution to presenting Peter Pan in Philadelphia by developing an opportunity to enhance the mid-week matinee performance for our education groups and a new educational experience for their students.”
-Jordan Fiksenbaum, Director of Theatrical Presentations, Kimmel Center
Columbus:
“Working with StudentsLive to bring the Peter Pan education program to Columbus, OH was such a rewarding experience. The program itself was one of the most comprehensive and enjoyable education events I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. The elements taught in the Peter Pan Education Program were right in line with the state of Ohio's curriculum expectations, covering subjects such as literature and history in addition to dance and music. Not to mention that the program was so much FUN, the students never lost the smile off of their faces!”
-Mindy Hayward, Director of Marketing, Broadway In Columbus
Overall Feedback :
“All my students had a wonderful time; it was a great experience for all.”
- Andrew Christopolos, Glasgow High School
“Keep up the good work. You made the children very, very happy. A super learning experience.”
- Lorraine Conforte, P.S. 97
“This was an incredible program. Our girls enjoyed the workshop even more than the show!”
-Heidi Jensen, Troop 821
“The students were excited, amazed and engaged. It gave all a wonderful understanding and connection to the show and actors. They all want to be Broadway stars!”
-Diane Kelly/Pat D'Annolfo, Educators at Tangier Smith Elementary School
“Many [of my students] said, 'Mr. Kocum, you were right. Live theatre is way better than watching TV and going to the movies.”
-Paul Kocum, Educator at Franklin Middle School, NJ
“[The Program] is so well organized, researched, and presented! I have told so many friends, colleagues, and fellow teachers about this program. Hope it never ends!”
-Mary K. Miller, Educator at East Hampton High School
“Everything was wonderful! Many in our group had never been to a Broadway show, and it was a great experience.”
- Mary Lou Sasso, Troop 329
"One word: Fabulous!"
- Erin Schneeweiss, Educator at Hasbroock Height HS, NJ
"This was the most well prepared and well-executed education program I have attended."
- Mark Solkoff, Educator at Academy of American Studies, NY
"Any grade or class subject! This was a wonderful day that all students should get to experience!"
-Keri Tielis, Educator at Landmark High School
"I would not have given that moment when I was up on a Broadway stage up for anything."
- Kelly Trimble, Student at Greenvale School, NY
StudentsLive Broadway WorldWide Program Testimonials
“Wow! I cried though the first 5 numbers and three more times throughout the course of the show. What you put together is incredible. It reminded me of the magic of Broadway and how lucky we all are to be a part of this. More importantly what it can do for these children, how it can bring them out of their shells. You did a wonderful job. I was honored to be a guest.”
- Stephanie Klemons, Broadway Cast Member, In The Heights
“I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend the Broadway Dream Camp. What an incredible amount of song and dance the kids learned in English! The quality of their performance was evidence of the strong teachers that they had. It was inspiring to see their passionate faces having a great time on stage and fearlessly nailing each number. I felt privileged to share in the experience. I am impressed by how StudentsLive connects people in this global world, offering a personalized taste of Broadway.”
- Katharine Vandergriff, BDB Marketing, Wicked and Oleanna Broadway
“My name is Hee Jin. I miss you...Ah, my Dream changed. nice Professor -Musical Actress, Cool, huh? Would I be able to do better? Do you see me got a chance? Tell me frankly.” “I'm hearing the musical songs. My sister plays the piano. I miss you, musical practice, musical teachers and my camp friends!! I will go to watch the movie. p.s. Next time, Can you visit in Korea?”
- KHee Jin Kim, Dream Camp Student
“Hello, how are you? I arrived Korea at August 18. I was met my parent so I was happy but little bit sad. Because I was broke from 2009 summer Broadway musical camp group. I want meet them. Anothor people are merrymaked with you? I want to go to Broadway musical camp one more time. This camp was very important for me.”
- Sangyoon Lee, Dream Camp Student
“It's my first time writing a e-mail in English. So I'm nervous. August 18th, I arrived at Korea with every teacher and my friends. That moment, I'm happy. But, I think of musical teacher. umh....;I'm not good at English. You know, I want to be Surgeon. So, I endeavor everyday. study..reading newspaper. and anymore. Our musical performance is still green is my memory. I want to see every teacher again. Thank you.”
- Yeonghun Kim, Dream Camp Student
“What a pleasure it was attending today's performance. The kids were truly inspiring. Watching a stage full of such joyful, enthusiastic kids was an absolute joy.”
- Benton Whitley (NAMCO Casting Agent)
“I know what it takes to pull off such a piece and to add in the language barrier—impressive. Those kids clearly had a special experience.”
- Peter Avery (NYC Department of Education Theater Director)
“Thanks so much for asking me to be a part of today's show. It was truly joyous. I know all too well how much work goes into these programs so congratulations to you and all your staff. I've been smiling all afternoon and after watching those kids I can clearly remember why I do what I do.”
- Phillip Katz (Producer of John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean)
“It meant a lot for me to be there, because I know how much this (program) means to you - and it warms my heart to see these young hearts blossom - and to know that you stoked this flame in them, this love for Broadway that you have... this is an experience that will change them as human beings... it can't not affect them - in the most positive of ways.”
- BoSergey Gordeev (Press Representative for Youth America Grande Prix)
“These kids broke down the wall, first within themselves, and then with the wonderful people from New York and beyond. They also bonded themselves to their art. It was very exciting, great work.”
- Barry Salotto (Director- Youth Arts Forum)
StudentsLive Broadway WorldWide at The United Nations Testimonials
“The students performed the piece seamlessly. This program should become an integral part of all students United Nations Conference.”
- Yvonne Acosta, Chief Education Outreach, The United Nations
“I just wanted to thank all of you for your straight-from-the-heart hard work and dedication. This is something that these students will remember for the rest of their lives (me, too!!). Having worked with immigrant students for many years, I can tell you that they live what they sang and narrated everyday of their lives. They know that music and song are strong outlets for conveying feelings and emotions for which words alone cannot do justice.”
- Pamela Taranto, Principal, The Brooklyn International High School
“What an AMAZING performance! I was moved to tears! It was so powerful and courageous. What you and your team accomplished with 8 rehearsals only just blew our minds away!
We clapped, laughed and cried all at once.”
- Maggie Vasquez, Director of Programs, Girl Scout Council of Greater New York
“The kids seemed to enjoy themselves. I know their participation in this will touch many of them deeply and in ways that will stay with them forever.”
- Rada Angelova, Booking Agent, Columbia Artists Theatricals
“What a wonderful group of hardworking students. The concert was fantastic! I can't believe you were able to do so much in just 8 rehearsals. The work you guys do with these students is very inspirational.”
- Donyale Werle, Broadway Set Designer, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson
The following quotes are from students, teachers, and touring Broadway presenters participating in programs produced by Students Live for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Rent, Chicago, Peter Pan, and other Broadway show experiences:
Click here to read
"One word: Fabulous!"
-- Erin Schneeweiss, Educator at Hasbroock Height HS, NJ
"I would not have given that moment when I was up on a Broadway stage up for anything"
-- Kelly Trimble, Student at Greenvale School, NY
"Many [of my students] said, 'Mr. Kocum, you were right. Live theatre is way better than watching TV and going to the movies."
-- Paul Kocum, Educator at Franklin Middle School, NJ
"This was the most well prepared and well-executed education program I have attended."
-- Mark Solkoff, Educator at Academy of American Studies, NY
"It was a perfect way to introduce opera to students who have never been exposed."
-- Debbie Amaro, Educator at St. John's University Liberty Partnerships Program, NY, on the La Boheme Education Program
"The educational materials presented topics that enhanced many literary lessons teachers proffer; the depiction of the power of the press and the theatrical elements of the judicial process stimulated spirited discussion."
-- Leslie Altschul, Educator at New Rochelle High School, on Chicago
"To see a Broadway show is one thing. To meet the cast, have a mock trial, and learn a song and dance to the show is another."
-- Paul Eskenazi, Student of Mark Twain I.S. 239, on Chicago
"[The Program] is so well organized, researched, and presented! I have told so many friends, colleagues, and fellow teachers about this program. Hope it never ends!"
-- Mary K. Miller, Educator at East Hampton High School, on Rent
"The students enjoyed the production very much. Many students were turned onto the whole theatre experience. Several students over the next couple of days told me they had purchased the Broadway Cast CD. Even students who came from very conservative backgrounds felt the experience was a good one for them to have before they went off to college and started meeting people who come from different backgrounds than themselves."
-- Lee Matthew, Mt. St. Mary Academy, on Rent
"The experience was comforting since it allowed the teenage audience to hear people of their own age confronting universal issues."
-- Lucia Macam, Student of High Tech High School, on Rent
"It was totally different than others [education programs on Broadway] - unique and highly educational."
-- Penny Hickey, JHS 56, New York City Public Middle School
"The students were excited, amazed and engaged. It gave all a wonderful understanding and connection to the show and actors. They all want to be Broadway stars!"
-- Diane Kelly/Pat D'Annolfo, Educators at Tangier Smith Elementary School, on Annie Get Your Gun
"Any grade or class subject! This was a wonderful day that all students should get to experience!"
-- Keri Tielis, Educator at Landmark High School, on Annie Get Your Gun
"I would definitely recommend seeing this to other teenagers. It's a great chance to have fun and get educated at the same time."
-- Danyelle McDowell, Catskill High School
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