• In their own words...

    Numbers and statistics can offer a glimpse into a program's collective impact on the community it serves, but nothing tells the story better than the words of those who have experienced CYS for themselves.

  • "CYS has not only made me a more capable, truthful, and genuine actor, but also a happier, more trusting, and better human being. I am so grateful for this program."

    ​- CYS Ensemble Member

  • "Our daughter’s experience with CYS was a revelation. She has become a completely different person – confident, outgoing, and receptive to the possibilities that her education and potential can bring her. "

    ​- Summer Shakes Parent

  • "This show was amazing! It really helped me see the connections between the characters and how they interact with each other in the same way, and feel the same emotions as modern people."

    - Audience Member <18

  • "​​I was able to take risks in a place where I felt comfortable and supported. I was able to explore what I was capable of. I now walk a little taller and with more confidence, everyday."

    - Summer Shakes Student

  • "First rate, excellent instruction. Best program [my child] ever participated in."

    - Summer Shakes Parent

  • "I read this play in school, and I’ve even seen it performed before, but I never really “got it” until now. Thank you!"

    - Audience Member <18

  • "This was up there with the best Shakespeare I have ever seen. Five minutes into the show, I forgot that the actors were children. But at the same time, I experienced the story through a young person's point of view which totally moved me. They brought humanity to every part, with nuances and colors and levels and a human understanding that defied their age and experience."

    ​- Audience Member >18

  • "There is one big difference between this program and any other program my child has participated in. CYS provided my child with actual, meaningful instruction, above and beyond just "putting on a play". Other programs feel like they succeed because the play went on and went well. CYS succeeds because of the level and quality of instruction. My child is a much better actor, and a much better person, because of CYS. Thank you."

    - CYS Ensemble Parent

  • "Acting in such a safe environment has taught me that there is not such thing as acting, there is only telling the truth under imaginary circumstances. To be able to tell the truth, to be able to tell YOUR truth, takes a lot of courage and trust in yourself and the people around you. I will forever know what it feels like to be brave enough to do that."

    - CYS Ensemble Member

  • "​​They give students a place to be who they truly are in a world where teens are rarely encouraged to be themselves. CYS allowed me to love myself again."

    - CYS Ensemble Member

  • "My son's time with CYS set him on a path which is leading him to be a more open and grounded young man. In so many ways, CYS widened his horizons. He's more confident and shows more of his true personality to the outside world."

    - CYS Ensemble Parent

  • "All high school English classes that study Shakespeare should see a CYS show. It takes a classic, written in Old English - and makes it modern and relevant to today. The show gives audiences of all ages a new appreciation for Shakespeare."

    - Audience Member >18

  • ​​"This group has become a second home for me. I've met so many amazing people, and I've grown so much. I feel super proud of the challenges I was able to take on and accomplish."

    - CYS Ensemble Member

  • "The diverse and professional quality of the material being taught at CYS makes this program stand out. I know my daughter will be able to use what she has learned at CYS in real life."

    - CYS Ensemble Parent

  • "Getting to hear from cast members about their process added great depth to my experience of the play. It's part of what makes CYS stand out from other play experiences, and underlines what makes CYS unique: giving youth a voice in making Shakespeare relevant for our current time."

    - Audience Member >18

  • "​I was really pushed, and I loved it. I feel so lucky as a high school student to get to work in such a professional yet nurturing environment."

    - CYS Ensemble Member

  • "All of the actors have an intense understanding of the text, which enabled them to truly make it their own."

    - Audience Member <18

  • "My daughter gained a greater appreciation of Shakespeare's work without a doubt, but the community outreach was equally, if not more, impactful. Having an opportunity to visit schools where kids have little or no exposure to Shakespeare and perform gave her a new level of appreciation for both the universality of his work and the way it can connect to anybody or everybody. Moreover, the professional environment at CYS forced my daughter to challenge herself as an actor, both individually and as part of an ensemble. The staff is dedicated to excellence and especially passionate about the teaching process."

    - CYS Ensemble Parent