CYC Theatre is not just "Another Children's Theatre", but a unique organization which is making a difference in the lives of its participants. From the first-time student performer to the famous stage or film actor, people are impressed with the quality of what our company offers. Not only our performances, but the overall experience of our programming has people talking. The following comments are not the 'anonymous' ads you'll find on the websites of our imitators, but unedited testimonials from real parents, patrons and participants (past and present), and the words speak for themselves. Enjoy!
"3/9/12
Greetings. I had the pleasure of attending your show this evening. Having worked on the Broadway National Tour and several other professional Equity productions over the years, I wanted to tell you that the young man who played Huck was by far the best I have seen. I have worked on the show with several actors playing the role, including a few celebrities, and none of them captured the essence and charisma that your Huck did. I am a costume designer who has designed and/or over 150 shows. I currently live in Palm Springs and am visiting San Diego and saw a poster for your show. Big river is one my favorites and to see the wonderful performances by Huck and Jim was pleasantly surprising. I think what you are doing is great. If I can ever be of service with a costuming issue just let me know.
Lee Friend
Palm Springs"
"I never once expected to get the professional treatment in acting before
college, and then I found CYC. Getting the opportunity to work with such a
phenomenally talented cast and a superb director was a blessing that I counted every day on my way to rehearsal. There I was nurtured as an artist and taught so much, not only by participation, but by watching the Associates work, watching Shaun work, and learning from the choral director, choreographer, stage manager, and costume designer. There I found lasting friendships and permanent memories, and without CYC, I would not be the person I am today. I know CYC will continue to teach me so much about acting and life, and I couldn't be more thankful to have found a company so dedicated and wonderful as CYC."
--Emily Beaver, CYC Performer
Dear CYC Theatre,
I took my wife to see A Few Good Men after I saw your ad in the Navy Dispatch. We didn't realize that CYC was a youth theatre until we got there and we were a bit skeptical about what to expect since A Few Good Men is one of our favorite movies. All we could talk about for days was your show. Wow. I still can't believe most of the actors were in high school. The kid that played Kaffee was just as good as Tom Cruise! My wife and I are both in the Navy, and we were very impressed with the spot-on accuracy of your uniforms. We go to a lot of plays, and that was one of the best we have seen in many years. We look forward to seeing more productions from CYC.
--Cdr. Will Hoggins, U.S. Navy Retired
"Dear Mr. Evans
I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed Spring Awakening last night. You really should be proud of your accomplishment with this production. We love the show and have seen every production of Spring Awakening in San Diego (including the professional tour at the Balboa) and enjoyed yours the most. We weren't sure we wanted to drive to Escondido for another youth theater presentation of the show, but I have to say that there was nothing "youth" about your show at all. Your Wendla, Melchior and Moritz were truly the best we've seen, and all of the acting and singing was every bit as good as the tour. We got to meet most of the main actors after the show, and they were so neat to talk to, especially Mary (Wendla). Please add us to your mailing list. This was one of the best plays we have ever seen anywhere. We will be first in line for your future shows!
Thank you,
Gene and Marti Graham"
"I love CYC Theatre. I love the company and everyone involved with it. There is no other theatre company quite like it. I feel like CYC is a second home to me. It is a truly amazing experience being able to work with such amazing people. The opportunities CYC provides to young and experienced performers alike cannot be beaten. Having recently finished RENT, I realized just how much this company means to me. Being able to help, and watch young people grow as actors is a unique and rewarding experience. Shaun Evans is the most talented and capable director I have worked with and in the past year, he has become more than just a director but also a teacher and a friend. Working with him has made me not only a better actor, but a better person. No matter who you are or what you do--after just one show with CYC, you will be able to call yourself an actor and mean it.
Josh Pinkowski*, CYC Theatre Associate Artist
*Josh recently led the cast as "Mark" in CYC's RENT--the first-ever youth theatre production of the full-score (not the School Edition) musical.
"Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed 13 this past weekend. We were visiting from Salt Lake and are involved in community theatre in this area. We checked the SDReader and the papers looking for a show to see in San Diego. Originally, we found nothing we were interested in and were planning on seeing a movie Saturday night when at 6:30 we saw the poster for "13" in a La Jolla Starbucks! I am a huge Jason Robert Brown fan and was thrilled to have the opportunity to see 13 live after a very fast drive downtown and running into the theatre to make it on time :)
Anyway, I just loved the show! What a bunch of talented kids you have. They were a joy to watch and I was pulled into the show and cared about the characters. I was amazed at the kids ability to take risks on stage that really paid off. It was great to see them just go for it. It seems you have a great program and what an opportunity for the kids to be able to work with professional guest artists. Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing 13 with us."
--Jann Lowder, Salt Lake City