Testimonials
This page lists the submissions of those who have written in to PACE with something to say about the benefits of theater education, or about a PACE production, et cetera. Thanks for writing in and for sharing your thoughts!
One of the most impressive features about working with the PACE program is the consistent professionalism demonstrated by the student performers and student technical crew. It is clear that they have been trained well on what it takes to make it in the theatre world - respect. They not only showed this to me, but to their fellow performers and the rest of the technical and artistic team. Another advantage to working with this program is the freedom that you receive from the artistic directors. What a treat it was to focus solely on the artistic aspects of the show, reassured by the fact that there was someone else taking care of the business aspects and all of the other small details. I can say with surety that anyone who would choose to work with PACE would be surrounded by capable and willing parents and artistic directors eager to share their knowledge of and their passion for the stage.
Trent Rash,
Guest Director CATS 2007
The Ten Top Reasons I Love Your Production Company
1. You Can Do This! Every child learns to be proud of what they can do and can accomplish- instead of what they can't.
2. Keep Reaching. Instead of setting the bar low and watching them step over it - you set it way up in the clouds and watch them soar as they reach, and sometimes leap over it.
3. This is Not About Me. Every contribution is important, and every role is important. You are a team that includes the actors, directors, musicians, stage crew, tech crew, make-up artists, set designees, and even parents. The production won't work without everyone on the team working together.
4. Accept Responsibilities. Each person learns to be responsible not only for their lines, their costume, and their props, but also for their behavior. They learn to be responsible to one another and to you as the director.
5. I Am Accountable. Everyone learns to be accountable for his or her behavior. Instead of making excuses, that person learns to say, "I made a mistake. I should not have done that. I am accountable for the actions I chose and will choose better the next time."
6. Be Happy for Others. Each child learns that the key to true happiness is to be proud of and happy for the success of others. One of the greatest things about PACE is that it teaches kids that the world does not revolve around them. They learn to be genuinely happy when a struggling friend makes a break-through, gets a great part, or hits a difficult note. Life-long friendships are built here.
7. Life Throws You Curve Balls. Hit Them. As we grown-ups know, life doesn't always work out the way we planned. Things happen. Like Nathan [Blake] and Alex [Hoffmeister]'s scene when the medal (a pivotal prop) wasn't there. So - they improvised. Alex tossed the imaginary medal to Nathan and Nathan caught it, held it, and studied it. And we, the audience, saw it too!
8. Hard Work Equals Success. Nothing of real value ever comes cheap. Success is earned by dedication, hard work, and sincere commitment. Yes, you will be tired. But you will have the knowledge that your hard work created something memorable, and something you can be proud of.
9. It's Everyone's Job. Your parents, director, cast mates, and someday your boss and co-workers don't ever want to hear, "It's not my job." Remember - if a job needs to be done and no one is doing it - it's up to you to make it happen.
10. Life's Not Fair - Get Over it! You may not get the girl/boy you want, the job you want, or the part you want. PACE teaches kids two things. First, it makes you stronger when you learn how to deal with disappointment. Secondly, you can't always control what happens to you. You CAN always control how you deal with it. So you didn't get the part you wanted? Take your small part and make it great. Watch the other actors, learn from them, and who knows - the next time around it may be your turn.
Thank you for helping to teach my children all these things. Thank you for being another grown-up in their life that won't accept their second best, but always asks for their greatest effort, the one they can live up to, and be proud of.
Juanita K. Snyder
To who it may concern,
My daughter, Maria, has had the great fortune to receive scholarships for two semesters of P.A.C.E. classes. In these classes she has found the courage to stand up in front of others and not just act but catch hold of greater contexts and sink herself into characters through which she blossoms. P.A.C.E. has given her an opportunity to find more in herself, trust in herself and nurture her confidence.
Maria has been identified as a gifted child by the Columbia Public Schools. She wants to dig deeper and know more and is constantly seeking a fuller meaning in all things. As a single mother undergoing medical treatments, I find keeping up with Maria's intense drive difficult. She has faced terrible pain in her life which may explain whay, in everyday life, Maria takes things seriously and faces difficulties courageously. She is shy, a remarkable child at risk of being lost in the complications of life.
We are so very grateful for the wonderful opportunities P.A.C.E. has brought to our lives.
Sincerely,
Christine Doerr
Angela -
I just wanted to take a few minutes and say Thank you. Thank you for giving Miss Myah this opportunity. I know she is young and others may have passed her by, but you were able to see her potential. She loved it!!! I don't know that I have ever seen as excited as she was about this play!!! It was a wonderful experience for her and one she will never forget!! PACE is a wonderful organization. I enjoyed my time this summer as well and all the great people I met. You do an awesome job!! Good luck with the next play!!!
Thank you again!!!
Rochelle
Dear Angela,
You have done it again, and if possible, even better than ever! The Miracle Worker was fabulous! Even the third and fourth times, "Helen" at the water pump brought tears to my eyes. Also, for you to take a group of teenagers, notoriously self conscious, and mke them a tight team, poised and professional in a matter of weeks, is amazing.
Thank you for your huge contribution to them and to the community. Keep it up!
Gratefully,
Ann Russell
Angela,
I just wanted to thank you for the experience you and the PACE organization provided to my daughters this summer. They have been in Triple E for a couple years, Michelle takes Piano, Brianna plays trumpet at school, they've both played on soccer, basketball and swim teams, gone to summer camp, they shot a local commercial once but it appears to me that nothing has been as "meaningful" and I suspect "memorable" for them as being a part of this production. They've auditioned a number of times over the years, but this was the first time they were cast. To say they thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, would be to ignore the hard work and challenge which sometimes wasn't enjoyable. But honestly, I think the effort required was a large part of what made it so wonderful. It is a strange feeling in our house now. I have come to realize it reminds me of when one breaks up with a girlfriend or boyfriend. You cherish the memory of what it was, and you know it had to end, but you miss it and wish there wasn't this big hole left in its place.
How much of that is projection on my part... Not sure. My grandfather was half Italian and half Puerto Rican, and public performances are important to both Lynda and my families, so this whole experience was meaningful on many levels for all of us. In any event, I am sure that my daughters have learned and grown tremendously over the past 6 weeks, and so, I thank you. Your high expectations, and equally high levels of support and guidance, make all the difference.
John (Purdie)
Dearest Angela,
Thank you so much for dedicating your time and energy this cause. You have touched the lives of so many people by your
giving so much of yourself. I know that it is not easy all the time and you really sacrifice of yourself to give to
these incredible children and their families. I know that you have brought out a piece of Mitchel that we did not know
was there. We look forward to his continuing to grow and develop his acting abilities. He has been forever changed by
this experience! We appreciate you so much! You truly are the GREATEST!!!
Love ~ Tracey Fedl
WHY PACE IS SPECIAL
My daughter came out of each PACE class last winter literally beaming with pleasure because she felt that she was being treated as a young professional, and that what she was learning to do would be helpful regardless of whether she stayed in acting or not.
As a parent who has been taking her child to various theater classes for many years, I feel the difference with PACE. The teachers are truly dedicated to fostering creative growth in their young students. They have clear lesson plans and goals, and the students are given meaningful assignments that help them explore who they are and what they can do.
Through it all, the kids obviously have FUN! You can see it on their faces when they are picked up. They talk excitedly and skip down the hall on their way out. What a great feeling to take with them!
At a time when budget cuts are eating away at support for the arts, supporting PACE is a crucial way that we, as concerned adults in Columbia, can nurture the gift of imagination and creativity that is in every child. I only wish PACE has been around when I was in school!
Jeanie Francis
PACE is a top-notch organization with the combined talents of Deborah Baldwin and Angela Howard. They have proven their dedication to our kids over and over. Every child who works with these ladies benefits so much from their experience with and passion for theater. It is an awesome opportunity for the kids (and fun for the parents too)! They encourage all parents to become involved, and believe me, EVERYONE gains by being a part of these productions. It develops a sense of community as well as being a confidence builder for the kids.
If you want to offer your child an opportunity they won't forget, join PACE today! It is entirely for the kids - and it's well worth every minute! Trust me - You'll be glad you did!"
Susan Hayden
Angela,
Thanks so much for the amazing work you did with the kids this summer. Katie truly had a wonderful experience and is already talking about auditions next summer! Her confidence has soared this summer. Driving home Thursday night, she said, "you know mom, tonight's show was OUR show." I could just hear you saying this to the kids...and she really felt pride and ownership of the performance. She also learned so much about a production. The vocabulary and skills she gained...well, we're just so grateful. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Many thanks,
Beth Gardner
We welcome your input. To submit, e-mail your text in the body of a message or as an attachment to pace@kidsintheact.org. Note that we reserve the right to edit submitted pieces for length and/or appropriateness. If you provide us with contact information in your e-mail, we will be able to reach you in case we have any questions.
