Quotes from viewers

Quotes from viewers

"This vivid and thought-provoking performance guarantees to send you on your own quest for social justice"

Sarah Lay
Simmons College

"...Suffice it to say that the theater troupe was outstanding. The experience was enlivening, and we would like it very much if we could do more. It is potentially a fantastic educational tool."

Changes Project Research Site Facilitators
Western Massachusetts

"This type of theater is particularly useful for young adults and teenagers because it INVOLVES spectators in the process and forces them to question the issues at hand."

Joan Giovannini
New North Citizen's Council
Springfield, MA

"The WMass Social Action Theater Group worked hard to tailor their performance to the specific needs of our campus. The actors were very responsive to the audience and quick on their feet in engaging them. I was pleased overall with the discussion they provoked both at the performance and with Orientation Leaders outside of the performance"

Brian Cahillane
Westfield State College
Westfield, MA

"The WMass Social Action Theater Group visited my class, taught some basic acting techniques and guided the students into creating their own scenarios. My ESOL students were excited about performing, ecstatic after the performances and infinitely more confident about their language abilities. As one of my immigrant students said, 'It was like we were people again!' "

Lola Reid
Lutheran Social Services
West Springfield, MA

"Powerful. Engaging. You folks have it all! Seldom have I seen students respond so positively to a presentation. The Social Action Theater Group offered us thought-provoking material while entertaining us with characters' wit and wisdom. Had we stopped at that point, just having observed the performance and interacting during the de-briefing session, it would have been an inspiring experience. You allowed students to explore their feelings and thoughts without fear of censorship. You also, obviously, captured their imaginations, as they seemed to forget that you weren't really the people you portrayed 'on stage'.
The whole performance was educationally provocative; however, the workshop that followed took the experience to a new and deeper level. I could barely believe how quickly you gained the students' trust. It was glorious to see the creative cycle come 'round to where the audience became the actors and authors. This process brought out the best in the students, and for weeks afterwards they recalled each others' work. You seemed to perform miracles with a tough audience."

Tricia Donovan, GED Instructor
Franklin/Hampshire Career Center
Greenfield, MA