Testimonials

“The Artbarn program not only teaches children about the performing arts but also uses the arts as a vehicle to help children express themselves. This kind of emotional work can only be done in an environment where children feel safe, supported, respected and cared for.  The Artbarn Community Theater is an exceptional program.”
- Sally Nadelberg, Program Director for the Grief Support Center for Children and Families, York, Maine

“My Life Challenge was when I went to Artbarn Community Theater for the first time. I really don’t like going places where there are lots of people I don’t know…but the grown-ups who work there are nice and soon I made a friend. I had someone to talk to.  Then Artbarn started to get fun.  I wasn’t as embarrassed to do the dances or sing as I was before, and I worked harder at remembering my lines…I highly advertise I mean advise trying it.”
- Artbarn scholarship student

“When you are a parent of a child with special needs you never know where that child will be accepted and included and whether your child will be able to succeed in a program for regular kids. From the first conversation we had about [son] joining Artbarn, there was never a question of whether he could be a part of the group. Instead the conversation was about how to insure his success. Now, of course he is a regular part of the Artbarn family requiring few, if any, accommodations.  Believe me this is not always the case when a parent tries to insert a special needs kid into a typical program. Thank you for all of your work and dedication. This community is richer for your contributions.”
- Amy Tierce, Parent

“Although other after-school programs try to accommodate special needs children, few, if any, after-school programs truly welcome children with special needs the way Artbarn does.”
- Susan Senator, Parent and Brookline School Committee Member

“I  became an aide [H.S. intern] because I was too old to be one of the actors. What I got was a heightened sense of self-worth, a lot of fun, and some great babysitting leads.…If you have the time, I suggest being an aide at Artbarn. If you don’t, I suggest rearranging your schedule.”
- Josh Berkowitz-Geller, High School Intern

“The Artbarn program brings together children from the eight different public schools and some private elementary schools in town to work together and learn from the experience of creating theater. There are very few programs that join children outside of school borders.…It also fills a gap left by decreasing public resources for arts in the public schools.”
- Amy Schectman, Parent