Kidplayhouse Inc. Theatre Program Testimonials
Parents
"The Copelands blew life into the unique spirit of both of our children. They listened and watched for what voice was waiting to emerge from within and then encouraged and supported our children through improvisation, movement, voice, percussion and imagination. It is an inclusive experience where each child is valued."
Paula Foley and Terry Gadsden
"My daughter took part in the Kidplayhouse Productions’ project, “The Raven of Eirean Mhor” this past July. She has been in several productions to date, but this one truly touched my heart. I saw the production several times, both at dress rehearsals and the actual show. I was moved to tears each and every time by the captivating and moving performances of the actors, most of them children ranging in age from about 10 to 14. Elizabeth and Glenn have a way of identifying and using each cast member’s strengths and talents when they create their scripts and music for their projects. They then guide each individual in rehearsals in such a way that they draw out these strengths and talents with a final product that is simply a joy to watch and be part of. My daughter was absolutely beaming with pride after each of the two shows which was lovely to see after watching her struggle with self-confidence recently.
I have to mention a comment I heard from an adult cast member after the final show. From what I understand, this actor is professionally trained. They mentioned that in the acting world, it is common to hear that it is best to avoid working with animals and children; however, after working with mainly a cast of children in “The Raven of Eirean Mhor” project, it was their experience that these children were just as professional as the adult actors they had previously worked with, if not more so. This can perhaps be attributed to the innate dispositions of these children, but there is no doubt in my mind that Elizabeth and Glenn played a huge part in training them how to “act” theatrically speaking as well as how to “act” on a human level, something sadly but desperately needed by today’s youth.
Thanks for everything, you two!"
Melanie Maltby Ingersoll
Paula Foley and Terry Gadsden
"My daughter took part in the Kidplayhouse Productions’ project, “The Raven of Eirean Mhor” this past July. She has been in several productions to date, but this one truly touched my heart. I saw the production several times, both at dress rehearsals and the actual show. I was moved to tears each and every time by the captivating and moving performances of the actors, most of them children ranging in age from about 10 to 14. Elizabeth and Glenn have a way of identifying and using each cast member’s strengths and talents when they create their scripts and music for their projects. They then guide each individual in rehearsals in such a way that they draw out these strengths and talents with a final product that is simply a joy to watch and be part of. My daughter was absolutely beaming with pride after each of the two shows which was lovely to see after watching her struggle with self-confidence recently.
I have to mention a comment I heard from an adult cast member after the final show. From what I understand, this actor is professionally trained. They mentioned that in the acting world, it is common to hear that it is best to avoid working with animals and children; however, after working with mainly a cast of children in “The Raven of Eirean Mhor” project, it was their experience that these children were just as professional as the adult actors they had previously worked with, if not more so. This can perhaps be attributed to the innate dispositions of these children, but there is no doubt in my mind that Elizabeth and Glenn played a huge part in training them how to “act” theatrically speaking as well as how to “act” on a human level, something sadly but desperately needed by today’s youth.
Thanks for everything, you two!"
Melanie Maltby Ingersoll
Kid Participants
*"This is my third drama class with KPH. It’s lots of fun! As well as learning lines, we get to write scenes and create music. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, and be with people who really want to act and try their hardest. I really love the drama classes!!" Sorcha – Age 11
*Sorcha, now 14, still participates in our programs. She is an artist of many talents - a writer, an actress, animating her drawings and blogging. "Participating in theatre arts makes me feel like I can just be 'me.' I love to sing, dance, act, and just have fun at class. I think Glenn and Elizabeth are like my second parents because they know me so well and I feel very at-home with them. I feel proud and confident in myself because acting is something I love to do!" Sophie – Age 9 *Sophie, now age 12, is still with us. She has turned into an astounding dramatic actress! |
Adult Participants
"What an amazing adventure you brought us on! Looking forward to the next one."
Wendy Jenkins "It was an honour getting to know everyone in our acting troupe, and a profound privilege to witness our collective striving to create something out of what originally looked like alphabet soup. The scripts! Those pages, those pages that started out so pristine and correct, morphed into battle scarred, coffee stained, expletive holding multi- hued works of art. And what a phenomenal brain exercise that was. We are now the proud bearers of new neural circuitry, with additional chemical and functional abilities never thought possible, eh! Don't you just feel SMARTER today??" Maggie Hollis |
Elizabeth and Glenn in Schools - Feedback
"Many special needs students got to be involved in ways that they would not ordinarily be able, and some of our students surprised us with talents we didn’t know they had.
Our students were provided with daily opportunities to express themselves and take part in the creative process. From the outset, they were given frequent opportunities to engage in their own decision-making processes, which supports the kind of critical thinking skills we encourage in our school. The theme of the story was around respect for others, and the artists (Glenn and Elizabeth Copeland) set a tone for respectful collaboration between students." Marjorie Hewson Teacher Bristol Elementary School Bristol, NB |