TESTIMONIALS
Fouad Hassan, Stage Manager
“As a Stage Manager, a part of how I approach a production is to try to instill a sense of community and love for the work. As a theatre maker, it is equally important for me to introduce young audiences and artists to the theatre. Working with Creative Stage Collective truly allowed me to experience and advance my mission of nurturing the talent of young artists and bringing new young audiences to the theater!”
Jordan Bak, professional violist
“Creative Stage Collective allows us to come together, young and old, to imaginatively create performances for all of us to enjoy in which the product is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Naomi Sage, Director of community partner, JCC-Harlem
“CSC recently performed Summer Shebang at JCC Harlem and despite the rainy weather, the space was filled to capacity. I found myself hustling to find additional seating to accommodate the enthusiastic audience that laughed themselves silly and jumped to their feet with a standing ovation at the end of the show. JCC-Harlem is thrilled to collaborate with CSC — this company is clearly going places!”
Ella Smith, Adult Artist
“CSC is one of the rare spaces where kids and adults get the opportunity to work and create together. Adults model professionalism, and the kids remind the adults how excellent it is to be silly and create--and that makes us all stronger actors. We need more spaces like CSC!”
Tanner Norris, adult actor
“CSC has given me the opportunity to not only hone my own craft, but to also help future actors hone theirs. CSC helped me fall back in love with acting.”
Gerry Vega, adult artist
“As a performing artist, it has been truly mesmerizing to witness the Collective's growth. It is becoming a fine-tuned, well-trained, triple-threat machine, and I cannot wait to see how much more it progresses as they continue welcoming a diverse group of artists (and audience). The impact this collective will have on the younger generations is astounding, but, as an adult artist myself, connecting with younger artists has truly been healing and redeeming in many ways.”
Willy Colon, audience member
“Creative Stage Collective is very important for our neighborhood. I’ve attended a number of performances and they are beautiful. I recommend it!”
Nicole Greevy, parent
“CSC has been a genuine family affair for us. My favorite times with CSC have been the workshops. The kids are an endless font of creative, funny ideas and seeing them grow and develop over the years into polished performers is an absolute thrill. Best of all, the kids learn that the very best part of theater is that it is collaboration; they learn to create and work and perform with both peers and professional actors, never in a spirit of competition, but in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.”
Cate Smit, adult actor
“The capacity of CSC to gather creatives from all fields to come together to nurture and develop self-esteem and confidence in young and vulnerable children is remarkable. As an artist CSC allows me to participate in an arts environment where I can offer my strengths while simultaneously learning from multi-generational talent. There is an unmistaken sense of inclusion evident in CSC from every angle.”
Joel Oramas, adult actor
“Having diverse representation among both the professional and youth artists is CSC’s greatest strength. Multigenerational collaboration is inspiring and soul-restoring. Working with youth helps build future audiences for the performing arts. CSC has supported me in everything I’ve needed as a teacher, and an actor. I always attribute a lot of the playfulness I bring as a college instructor to the environment created at CSC.”
Nessa Finucane, parent
“As a parent of a young performer, I was looking for somewhere safe and nurturing to encourage my fledgling performer and CSC provides space for her. The creativity, diversity and energy of this program allows people with varying backgrounds to be brought together and create something unique and brilliant. They are inspirational and talented and much more. My anxiety-ridden daughter loves to perform and this is one of the only places she feels doing so”
Frances Harrison, Board Member.
"After seeing the confidence boost and pure joy my daughter has experienced over the years through her involvement in Creative Stage programs, and more recently the CSC Youth Troupe, I knew I had to find a way to support this remarkable organization and its mission. I am proud and grateful to be able to play a small part in the evolution of Creative Stage Collective, so that more kids have access to and enjoy all the benefits of being part of this diverse, creative, safe and supportive performing arts community.”
Neiza Davis, Board Member and Director of Community Partner, Joe’s Barbershop
“Joe’s Barbershop is proud to collaborate with an organization like CSC that brings out the best in our youth, and we appreciate their commitment to promoting diversity in the performing arts that starts with the leadership of the organization. We recently hosted their first annual benefit, and you have never met a nicer collection of people!”
Mia Borrelli, audience member
“I’ve been an audience member for quite a few years now and I always look forward to the show! The ensemble is always engaging, funny and entertaining for people of all ages. It appeals to kids and adults and It always amazes me how it comes together so quickly and so well.”
Octavio Warner-Greene, adult artist
“I have worked with Creative Stage Collective for the past 10 years and I have seen the company mature into a dynamic and innovative team that supports both up-and-coming actors as well as seasoned professionals. Over the years CSC has influenced my own work in reminding me that risk-taking is a critical part of the creative process. The company's improvisational approach to creating really amazing material is not only inspiring but has also helped me remember the value of taking creative risks.It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the CSC team.”
Jessica Svenson, parent
“CSC has been such an incredible addition to our family. My preteen found something she's passionate about and that she is truly dedicated to (no easy feat). My husband and I are constantly amazed by the smart, hilarious, and collaborative performances we get to enjoy as audience members. And my little one is eagerly awaiting her turn to join the group and find her place in what feels like a uniquely creative environment. CSC reminds us of the importance of finding safe spaces that cultivate creativity and empower our children's sense of self”.
Stephanie Pena, Board Member and contributing adult choreographer
“CSC is important because, whether age 9 or 99, we can all learn from each other.”
Stacy Charland, Audience Member
“I attended a CSC show earlier this year expecting to be amused by the creativity and cuteness of the younger participants. I left the show still wiping tears from my eyes from laughing so hard. The pieces were clever, original commentaries on life as we know it.”
CSC Youth Troupe Kid
"What I love most about CSC is that if someone comes to the show and they're feeling down and they didn't have a good day, they come to the show and after they see it, they feel so much better.”
Francisco Alvidrez II, Board Member and contributing adult actor
"CSC has been a home to me for years, where creativity is boundless and the possibilities are endless. There are so few spaces that emphasize the importance of play and community in such a joyous way. The world is that much brighter because of CSC."
Sheri Graubert, Youth Troupe Parent
"The positivity, joy, and community focus of CSC restored our daughter to her true self. She would return home from rehearsals joyously happy and confident. She was kinder and more of who she truly is after rehearsals and the show. It even made it easier for her to stand up to a bully."
Ted Burke, audience member
“I have attended a number of CSC performances over the past few years, and they just get better each time. You can feel the joy of the performers (both the kids and the adults) coming from the stage, and it’s infectious. I always leave the shows wearing a big smile and feeling a little bit lighter.”
Marisa Ryan, adult actor
“Nothing to my knowledge exists like CSC insomuch that you have adult professionals mixed with children and teen performers in a collaborative, fun, supportive and yet rigorous and challenging format. Other companies should pay attention, this model not only works, but encourages work that can be appreciated across multiple generations.”
