Partnering with TADA! Youth Theater for the past two years has undoubtedly benefited our students in many ways. The skill-building residency has had a huge impact on our students’ level of confidence. While mastering a subject certainly does build a student’s confidence, there is something special about participating in the arts. Getting up on stage and singing about kindness, for example, has given our students a voice and a chance to step outside their comfort zone and lead. As they improve and see their own progress, their self-confidence grows. It has been amazing to watch many of our students grow from uncertain, hesitant, and timid children to children who believe in themselves and in others.

I joined TADA! because I loved their productions, but I keep coming back because of the friends I’ve made. The casts are filled with the most interesting people I know, and they’re all very passionate about their work. I’ve always had a bit of trouble socializing, but knowing we have musical theater as a common interest has helped me start conversations more than I would in other situations. The size of a role doesn’t matter to me anymore because no matter how much (or little) I get to do in a show, I always look forward to seeing my friends and helping the production flourish.

From the ages of 11 to 15, I was an active TADA! member. We were singing, dancing, and putting on fantastic original shows. I cannot gush enough how positively the experience affected me. We worked hard and were responsible for our actions. We were focused, determined, and full of heart. Being in the company was being a part of a team but even more so it was being a part of a family. That support has never faded and I’m grateful for TADA! every day.

When people ask me what TADA! means to me, I usually can’t put it into words. But it’s a home away from home. It’s a place where I can do what I love without being criticized. It’s the only place where I feel like I truly belong. It’s where I’ve met 95% of my friends that I consider my family. It’s a place that I can go when I’m having a bad day or just when I need a break from all the drama. It’s a place I can truly be myself. And now more than ever, I can’t wait to go back. I miss the shows. I miss the rehearsals. I miss the hugs. I miss the talks. I miss the songs. I miss the dancing. And most importantly I miss my family.

TADA! doesn’t only teach technical skills. Yeah, we know how to sing and dance and act because of TADA! But it also teaches time management, responsibility, kindness, empathy, understanding, compassion. TADA! is a home to so many kids. Kids like me. Kids who don’t know who they are yet.

My family was evicted from our apartment around Thanksgiving 2013. By the time I took my daughters to see their first show, Princess Phooey, we had already lived with several friends and family. I never forced my daughters to audition but I was glad when my daughter showed interest in auditioning that year. By the time she was cast in the ensemble, we had moved two more times, and transferred to several different schools. This meant moving away from friends. At TADA!, and through the ensemble, she was able to bond and build strong relationships with the other children. I cannot even begin to tell you how much TADA! has been a force of stability for my family. It not only provided my child with an outlet to express herself artistically, it offered her consistency, something to build on and look forward to.

This was amazing!!! A huge thank you to the entire staff for once again taking on the enormous task of teaching these song and dance numbers in such a short time and making it so much fun for them (even in these Covid times) in the process! We were so excited to have TADA! summer camp back in person this year! After a very stressful school year full of fits and starts and way too much screentime, our daughter was so happy to be back in the rehearsal studio making new friends and singing and dancing her heart out every day.

TADA has been and continues to be a huge part of Isabella’s growth and development. She has become a more confident singer, dancer and actor. She is also more expressive and outgoing. TADA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has afforded my daughter the opportunity that she otherwise wouldn’t have. Isabella and I also feel that the instructors meet the children where they are and are supportive, kind and fun. Arts education is essential to our youth because it provides an outlet to express themselves, develop their talent, while also allowing them to create friendships that will last a lifetime. TADA is a community that we are happy to be a part of!

TADA! had a great effect on my child. She was excited to see her classmates and teachers every day. It gave her a sense of belonging during this difficult time. She developed confidence, became more outgoing, and has a greater love for dancing, acting and singing. Her teachers were amazing. They were so patient, kind, encouraging and very supportive. The entire staff was professional, made the process easy, and made us feel welcomed. They allowed the kids to be themselves embracing their thoughts, ideas, and feelings while creating a fun teaching environment. Arts education is essential as it gives kids freedom of self expression. Allows kids to be kids. Introduces learning in a fun creative way. Give kids life skills and gives them something to fall back on or pursue in the future.

TADA! is special because its unique classes and programs offer young children a wonderful opportunity to create an original musical together in a safe, creative and collaborative environment. I have been impressed by TADA!’s highly talented professional teaching artists who nurture, encourage and inspire kids to be creative, confident, share ideas, and not be afraid of making mistakes. The program attracts kids from diverse backgrounds and interests. It provides a welcoming and accepting environment where kids feel good about sharing different ideas and learn to listen to others with respect and empathy. In the process of creating a musical together, they also learn the importance of responsibility, hard work, teamwork, and independence which are all crucial life skills.