Testimonials

March 13 and 14, 2008

For the children of McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia
"Trickster Tales"
Written by the Tiger's proud Nana, Judy G. Ikels of Bethesda, Maryland

"Trickster Tales"

The lights dim, the audience of proud parents
Silence cell phones and hold a collective breath
Hoping each young actor will remember lines,
Stage direction, and cues.
The dog-eared script lying on the
Dining room table for a month
Comes to life through young voices
Ringing from the stage in rhythm with
Cymbals, drums, and guitar.
His face painted with orange and black stripes
My grandson leapt confidently through his lines
As the tiger in the elementary school play,
Singing and dancing among children
Brilliantly costumed and coiffed,
Telling their own version of folktales in which
The smallest creatures are the smartest.
“Trickster Tales” spin out to laughter and applause,
The intensity and fleeting stardom of the moment
Felt keenly by the knowing, captive audience.
We understand the real trick is on us.
Before our eyes these children we love profoundly
Are growing into confident actors on a stage
Expanding from this time and place
Until their role in life’s larger drama unfolds.
May our shouts of Bravo!
Great Job! Wonderful show!
We love you!
Be inscribed in their confident hearts forever,
An indelible prompt to comfort them
Should grown up life play some silly trick
On a distant night when
The lights are not so bright,
And laughter seems far away.

December 27, 2007

Educational Theatre Company
1318 South Pollard Street
Arlington, VA 22204

Dear Mr. Kang,

Please accept the enclosed donation from our son who has been thrilled, proud, and privileged to participate in ETC productions through a school partnership, as well as through a summer camp program.

Each year, our children choose a charity instead of exchanging gifts with the children of two close family friends. When we get together to celebrate the holidays, the kids present their recipients. Our son gave an eloquent and heartfelt description of his positive, fun experiences with ETC and why he hopes everyone has an opportunity to be a part of a theatrical production where the participants do MUCH more than memorize a script.

All the best for a successful year ahead and thanks for enriching the lives of so many through your creative work.