TESTIMONIALS

Dear Becky and Derek,

Wow! We continue to be so delighted and inspired by the shows that you put on. They are

incredible! Thank you so much for everything you do and all the hard work you put in. Niva has

grown so much in so many ways from this experience, and she is having the most wonderful

time. We are so grateful.

RCT’s impact on our daughter has been transformative. Prior to participating in RCT, she

struggled with confidence, body awareness, and executive functioning. She just completed her

third show with RCT and is like a different kid; she is more responsible and communicative, is

more graceful and athletic, and, most of all, is more proud and joyful. We are so grateful and

hope RCT can continue its incredible work to help more children develop these crucial life skills.

Maya Bernstein

RCT is an incredible community-based theater program that has transformed the lives of

countless children, including my daughter, Navy. From the moment she auditioned, her passion

for the arts and theater has grown with each performance. She looks forward to every show,

eager to learn new techniques and grow as a performer. Her confidence and ability on stage

have skyrocketed. RCT has filled a void that no other program could match. They truly believe in

every child and pour so much into their hearts and minds, helping them become stronger

individuals. Simply put, RCT is the best children's program out there.

Lavasia Minus

Riverdale Children’s Theater has created an environment where my daughter has

discovered new skills, confidence, and friendships where inclusivity and kindness are fostered. I

am always proud to see my daughter on stage, but what’s more important to me is how she

looks forward to each rehearsal. They are learning the process and enjoying it, not just pushing

toward the final show. RCT has taught the children how to manage expectations and how to

strive hard for a goal. All aspects of the shows are absolutely wonderful and so professional; the

costumes, the set, the children, and the overall production.

Thank you so much for affording our child this wonderful opportunity! Your dedication to

this amazing program as well as our children is the reason for its success!

Orla Kelleher

Becky and Derek,

We wanted to convey our deep appreciation to you and everyone involved in RCT. Noa had a

fabulous experience with the Lion King, but more than that, she felt part of something greater

and something truly wonderful. There is no doubt that this program changes kids lives and does

amazing work in our greater community. Thank you for providing that space for all kids -

especially the kids whose Jewish observance is never seen as a roadblock for success in your

program.

Best,

Tuvia and Rahel

This is my second season as an RCT parent and I am so grateful for the lessons the

organization has imparted on my twin daughters Ava and Chloe, age 10 years old. I intentionally

chose Riverdale Children's Theatre for my children because RCT thinks about every childs

ability to grow individually, confidently and then together for a greater good. I think the theatre

program is a real life setting for children to learn. The program combines literacy, visual art,

engineering, design, dance, music, community organizing , and communication skills to name a

few. My daughters think the adults are fair, smart and provide fun yet challenging opportunities

to be great performers. I enjoy sharing the RCT program with my friends, my family, the girls

principals,teachers, and other parents because the work is beautiful. Riverdale Children's

Theatre is keeps our community strong and encourages us all to be great together.

Sabine Desir

Thank you also for keeping RCT going through the most challenging of times. From the shows you still managed to stage to the Saturday Fun Nights online, you didn't just survive, you kept everyone engaged and energized an entire community. For that, and so many other things, Bravo! You don't need me to tell you this, but what you've created with RCT is both special and unique. When you love what you do, I think it really shines through and touches everyone involved. You've done that with RCT. You've made something that makes people happy. There aren't many that can claim the same.

Ward, Kim, and Addie Calhoun

In Spanish we have a saying “ Haz bien y no mires a quien” ( Do well and don’t look at whom “ ) That is RCT!!! You are the perfect example of what service means, no matter what. Actually, I think we should a new synonym to the word service: RCT!! Your commitment and kindness is real it is not only words written on a piece of paper to look good, and for that we are extremely grateful. I think I will never stop thanking you all for what you do, especially during this year and a half and this summer. Having my daughter being a part of summer lights this year has been huge! That sense of touch of normalcy within the chaos is one of the best gifts that my family has received. You are truly making a difference in all these children’s lives, even when you don’t see it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts !!

Wendy and Jairo Castillo

Thank you to the entire crew and all of the fantastic staff for your hard work in putting this breathtaking show together in less than five weeks. Every single cast member was truly amazing. The only thing that surpasses their wonderful performance is their inspiring commitment to kindness. So proud of Rena and to be part of RCT.

Sharon Sturm

In Spanish we have a saying “ Haz bien y no mires a quien” ( Do well and don’t look at whom “ ) That is RCT!!! You are the perfect example of what service means, no matter what. Actually, I think we should a new synonym to the word service: RCT!! Your commitment and kindness is real it is not only words written on a piece of paper to look good, and for that we are extremely grateful. I think I will never stop thanking you all for what you do, especially during this year and a half and this summer. Having my daughter being a part of summer lights this year has been huge! That sense of touch of normalcy within the chaos is one of the best gifts that my family has received. You are truly making a difference in all these children’s lives, even when you don’t see it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts !!

Wendy and Jairo Castillo

When Amara became a part of RCT little did she know that she would find a whole new family!. The education, attention to detail and instruction that Derek, Becky and the staff give to Amara is amazing. Not only has my daughter grown as a performer, she has gained a whole new set of life lessons for her future. Her self-confidence, her work ethic, her ability to work within a team are all better because of this fabulous organization. Thank you to Riverdale Children's Theatre for being such an important part of the community and a major force in my daughter's life.

Beth Ann Barlow

I love Riverdale Children's Theatre because not only did it teach me "the broadway way of life," but it instilled in me values that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Becky and Derek taught me to appreciate what I have, and not take anything for granted. They taught me to be humble, and care for others even when it may not be so easy. RCT is a place for internal and external growth and for that I am truly grateful to everyone who makes this program possible. Go RCT!

Sara Freidman

Thank you also for keeping RCT going through the most challenging of times. From the shows you still managed to stage to the Saturday Fun Nights online, you didn't just survive, you kept everyone engaged and energized an entire community. For that, and so many other things, Bravo! You don't need me to tell you this, but what you've created with RCT is both special and unique. When you love what you do, I think it really shines through and touches everyone involved. You've done that with RCT. You've made something that makes people happy. There aren't many that can claim the same.

Ward, Kim, and Addie Calhoun

“I strongly believe (RCT) is the missing link in many educational institutions. RCT embraces the child transparently achieving their goals in developing the whole child. This has been evident with my daughter during her formulating, impressionable years. My daughter has flourished in this welcoming community which we have not witnessed with previous programs. My daughter continues to be a confident, charismatic, young lady since her joining RCT. During the pre-teens years when many parents are looking for the support of a program to partner with because of the challenges these children are facing, we are so happy with our partnership with Becky and Derek and their professional staff. The encouragement, uplifting spirit they instill in my daughter is heart-warming. Olivia is such a better individual for having this access afforded to her. It is truly a pleasure and has been to date a great experience to be sharing my daughters growth with them. I must say that I haven't been able to figure out how they manage to have every child give 100% and feel a part of their family.”

Regards,

Doris & Robert

My daughter Kara was fortunate enough to be a member of Riverdale Children's Theater since the 2nd grade. As she started her freshman year in a theater arts high school this September, we reminisced about the multitude of experiences with RCT that guided and supported her to this exciting stage of her life. RCT provides high-quality learning experiences in acting, dancing, singing and the elements of theater production. More importantly, RCT creates a sense of community and social / emotional wellness that builds children's confidence. Kara and I credit Becky, Derek and the RCT family with the training that allowed her to audition for, and be accepted to, three performing arts high schools. Thank you RCT!

Christine McCourt Milton