Instructor/Industry Testimonials

"The performances by your students were by far the best showcase that I have seen to date. All of the performers were well prepared, poised and Broadway ready. It was an absolute pleasure to be introduced to so many new and well-trained young people. I especially appreciated the positive feeling that was in the room. All of the kids were supportive of one another and it resonated throughout the studio...we have signed several BAA actors who have been attending your showcases and classes." (2010 Winter Workshop)
~ Jody Prusan, Youth Department Manager, Creative Talent Company

"I was really amazed at the level of talent and training I experienced with the students in the master class. It is a great credit to the Broadway Artists Alliance program."
~ Stephen Schwartz, Composer, Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Baker's Wife, Children of Eden

"This program is THE prepatory program for teenagers who are serious about a career in theater. I have never seen such talented kids and talented Broadway professionals working together to enhance the kids' careers in a way that is very true to the ways of the real world. Teaching for these kids is like a dream, they are so eager to learn not only the dances that I teach them, but about what it is like to really live a career in theater. And what better way than in NYC which allows BAA to give them immediate exposure to Broadway performers, music directors, acting coaches, casting directors, agents, and TONY award winners. I wish I had had the BAA experience when I was in high school considering a career in theater."
~ Heather Parcells, currently Judy in A Chorus Line

"Dear Jennifer, Michelle and the entire BAA staff,
Thank you for a fantastic Broadway weekend for students and staff of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Every moment of our time with you was exciting, challenging, inspiring and so well organized. Your phenomenal line-up of master teachers afforded our students an amazing educational opportunity as well as a chance to meet Broadway performers, dance captains, composers and Tony-award winning stars. The entire weekend was meaningful for every one of our young performers. We are already looking forward to next year!"
~ Raye Lynn Mercer, Director, Franklin School for the Performing Arts

"I am amazingly impressed with this program. It is executed with style, professionalism and a sense of care. Every student seemed to matter. I most loved the concept that many styles were being 'passed on' to our future performers. BRAVO to this amazing artistic team!"
~ Donna Drake, Director/Choreographer, A Chorus Line Broadway Original Cast.


"I think you're doing an exceptional service to aspiring young actors, dancers, and singers by giving them an opportunity to work with some of the finest teachers in New York. If they come here for high school or college to complete their training, they will know where to begin."
~ Jack Poggi, author of The Monologue Workshop, now in its 5th printing.


"I was impressed with the students' courage to stand up in front of their peers and perform. And I was impressed with the sense of comradery and support from the students for one another. That was very impressive - to find such an abundance of generous spirit among such young performers….I highly recommend BAA!”
~ Phil Hall, NYC Music Director/ Vocal Coach


"The BAA summer theatre intensive was a marvelous experience for me as an educator... The students were incredibly focused and attentive and ready to do the work... they had me and my fellow colleagues talking for weeks."
~ Justin Greer, Leo Bloom- Broadway's The Producers


"I think that BAA provides a great opportunity for youth who are interested in the performing arts at the highest level. The artists and staff are terrific and the young people who participated are lucky to have such an experience. They were clearly ready for the challenge and their ability to rise to it is impressive. Bravo and well done to all!"
~ Paul Griffin, Master Teacher- Acting/Improvisation


"FIRST RATE. PROFESSIONAL IN EVERY WAY."
~ Vince DiMura, Composer, Arranger, Jazz Master


"I was so impressed with the caring and concerned staff. The program is run from a real point of view of 'we want these talented actors to have what they need to excel,' and they did whatever they could to make that happen."
~ Penny Templeton, Master Teacher/ Acting Coach


"I found the kids' level of ability very high... and the administrative staff seemed to be really 'on top' of everything!"
~ Michael Dansicker, Creative Consultant to Walt Disney Entertainment....arranger, composer on over 100 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions


"I thought the kids came in with great focus and determination. They were all impressively talented and incredibly spirited. I hope they had as much fun in my class as I had teaching it!"
~ Michelle Kittrell, Broadway's Hairspray, All Shook Up, Footloose, Urban Cowboy, Suessical, Grease, Sweet Smell of Success, etc


"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students of the theatre. The level of professionalism exhibited by the teachers BAA gathered was extremely high and the caliber and collective body of these artists work is extraordinary. How fortunate for the assembled students to be given the opportunity to work with these kind of artists. When I was twelve years old, I could only dream of a program like this. Thankfully, for the next generation of theatre professionals, there is the Broadway Artists Alliance."
~ Richard Sabellico, Broadway Performer (Annie, A Chorus Line, Gypsy...) and Director (Wonderful Town, Rags, Gypsy, Working Girl...)

Parent Testimonials

(A few recent direct quotes from Summer 2009 and Winter 2010)

"The BAA staff sets your Winter Workshop apart from other Musical Theatre programs, as well as the quality of the talent they bring in to work with the kids! It really is an amazing program and you can't get any closer to Broadway than this. BAA works them hard, treats them wtih love and respect and provides them a great environment to develop their talents!"
- Jerry and Beth Langlois, parents of Anna Langlois (Summer 2009 and Winter 2010)

“Sage was thrilled to be with professionals who treated all the participants as professionals and challenged them to further their potential.”
-Cheryl Kelley, Parent

“Thank you so much for running this program.  You gave excellent advice and surrounded the students with well planned activities and an overall fabulous experience.”
-Susan Schindler, Parent

“Staff and guest artists seem to be very generous with their time and knowledge.  The showcase is a great opportunity to get feedback in an industry you usually don’t…Maggie had the best time.  She gained a lot of useful information and can’t wait to use what she has learned.  Thank you for having her.”
- Andrea Pecorino, Parent

“The skill level of ALL the students is greater than other programs.  Also there is a lot more individual, specific feedback. ”
-Angela Green, Parent

“It’s been a professional experience and very positive for my daughter.  She wants to come back every year now!  Thank you for a wonderful first BAA experience! Madisen received great feedback which helps her continue to grow and improve.  She looks forward to many more BAA workshops and intensives!”
-Tia Plum, Parent

“Scher absolutely enjoyed the workshop.  Every night she was so excited to share the details.  She kept talking about it, comparing it to other camps/workshops, and she LOVES BAA!”
-Donna Guzzo, Parent

“The quality of instructors, the talent of the participants, and the organization is amazing.  The industry representatives are incredible.  What an opportunity!” “Everyone is friendly, enthusiastic, and an expert in their field.  This is invaluable for a young performer.”
- Kim & Tim Speedy, Parents

“She gave up performing on a cruise ship to do this workshop and every day came back to the hotel and said she definitely made the right choice!”
-Leslie Weintraub, Parent

"As a parent, what sets the BAA program apart from other theater programs for young people? It's easy to point to the staff of instructors with professional Broadway experience, the guest stars who step off the stage to teach and inspire the students, the industry people who come to observe and advise….. or the excitement of its unique location in the heart of NYC's theater district. For my child, it was the talent and dedication of her fellow participants that made the difference.( She loved the teachers, and went on about all of them, and she loved meeting and working with her favorite artists, but that wasn't even the best part of her BAA Intensive experience.) For the first time in her life, she met other kids who shared her dreams and her passion for theater. It was a homecoming: here were kids of all ages from all over the world and they were just like her, they were all good! The BAA program is a beacon for truly talented kids who have gone as far as they can where they come from and are ready to step up."

-Katie Kearns, Mother of Ruby Rakos (Summer, Winter, 2008, 2009, Master Classes, Private Coachings)

Update! *** Ruby has recently been cast in the Broadway Production of Billy Elliot!

“I wanted to tell you how much Alexis loved the 1 week intensive...not only did she meet amazing kids but the teachers and professionals who worked with the kids were outstanding. I can't say enough superlatives of how we loved the program.
As a result of the showcase and Alexis' great performance, we did get a call from Nani/Saperstein Management for an interview and we're excited.”
-Denise Molnar, Parent

“Regina has really blossomed and has become an even more confident performer. It was a supportive learning environment and I was impressed with the instructors. The staff is just lovely to deal with.”
-Carol Siegel, Parent

“It’s such a great program for young people who make a serious commitment to dancing, singing or acting. Overall, BAA is fantastic!!”
-Guy Fronstin, Parent

“My daughter absolutely loved this experience! She said everyone has been so nice.”
-Lilianna Solum, Parent

“Kalina was very impressed with the level of training she received daily from the various instructors. She appreciated the comments, feedback and constructive criticism. She appreciated the coaching and mentoring provided. I would send our two daughters back again and recommend to a friend without hesitation!”
-Christian and Chandra Venugopal

“It was a very special experience. I am impressed by the professionalism and rigor of this program.”
-Daniel Siegel, Parent

“The quality of staff training and other participants’ talent level was so high!!!”
-Lynn Hoxie, Parent

“Thank you for giving Mira this opportunity! She has loved it. She plans on coming back every summer for the next ten years!”
-Heather Strauss, Parent

Student Testimonials

(A few recent testimonials from our Summer 2009 and Winter 2010 participants!)

“BAA has been an AMAZING experience and I have loved every minute of it.  Everyone is so nice.  It teaches you information you can’t learn from just a vocal teacher.  You get to work with really successful and talented artists.  Anyone that has a serious passion for musical theatre should go to BAA!”
-Natalie Glatter, Winter Workshop Participant '10

“It’s a great learning experience for those who are serious about theater and it gives you so much exposure to people in the business who give you constructive feedback.”
-India Carney, Winter Workshop Participant '10

“The ability to work with Broadway professionals and learn their wisdom is invaluable to anyone who wants to go into the profession. Not even many adults get this opportunity. I feel so proud to have been a part of BAA and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn first hand what it takes to follow their dreams. The coaches and professionals you work with really change your view on what you aspire to do with your life. They are honest, encouraging and inspiring. That’s what young performers need to begin the road to self awareness and self confidence, and that is a crucial part of what we do.”
-Malinda Reese, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“I would recommend BAA to a friend because it has the intensive aspect of performing professionally but the fun of a camp with great activities and people!”
-Ellie Martino, Winter Workshop Particiapant '10

“It helps you become a better person and performer.”
-Anonymous, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“Fantastic experience within a real-world yet nurturing environment.”
-Alistair Faghani, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“Thank you all for this amazing opportunity. I hope to come back next year with many friends.”
-Anonymous, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“(I would recommend BAA to a friend) because it was the best camp I’ve ever been to.”
-Daniel Siegel, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“I realized that I have the potential to be a triple-threat, thanks to BAA. With their guidance, I will be able to use that potential to propel myself forward.”
-Farrel Brenner, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“Broadway Artists Alliance gave me confidence and brought out the person I want to be. Made me more confident and put me on the right path.”
-Marie Lutes, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“It truly is an inspiring and insightful program!”
-Amna Farooqi, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“Best experience of my life - very informative and beneficial!”
-Juliette Stewart, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to go back next summer!”
-Regina Siegel, Summer Intensive Participant '09

“This is the best week of summer vacation!”
-Matt Robertson, Summer Intensive Participant '09