What People Say About the Atlanta Workshop Players

What the Educators Say:

"In my 20 years as an educator, this was indeed one of the finest programs I have ever witnessed. I found that it carried an important educational message in addition to being highly entertaining." William K. Anderson, Principal, Kennesaw Elementary

"They were superb. In fact, on our evaluations, they rated as "favorite" and "most professional-appealing to everyone."
Debbie Shepard, Cultural Arts, Compton Elementary

"I would like to commend the Atlanta Workshop Players. Their professionalism and competence were exemplary. The content of the performance was educationally based and curriculum oriented. I strongly recommend this group."
Mona G. Tucker, Birney Elementary

"This was an example of how the arts enhance learning."
Lynn Freeman, Education Specialist, Rocky Mount Elementary

Click here for a principal's review of "BENEATH THE SURFACE"

What the kids in the Audience Say:

"Awesome" Michael Molina

"Terrific! It was hilarious!" Ander Steele

"Our whole team loved It. I'm a huge fan" Stephanie Abbot

"Cool! Your program was exciting and educational. It was very, very, very, very fun." Derek Faust

What the AWP Performers & Parents Say:

"When I'm on stage I come alive."

"The best thing about performing is the rush, the energy, and the power of making a difference."

"I changed my mind about the whole concept of 'bullying' after performing in Masquerade. This is real stuff. I see it in the halls of my school every day. I realized that this does involve me and since I see it; its my job to help stop it."

"AWP has helped open my eyes to the problems of others."

"When you have an audience that will listen, you can change the world."

"I was astounded when I realized that the audience was with me on the ride."

"AWP gave me confidence"

"I learned more about life and myself than any textbook could have ever taught me."

"AWP inspired me to work hard for what I want and stick to it."

"Performing is a passion that will always be a part of who I am and what i do."

"AWP means a happy childhood."

"AWP is a place where I feel safe & I know that someone understands and accepts me for me."

"AWP means guidance for me."

"AWP gave me the opportunity for my creativity to be taken seriously and professionally as a young child; subsequently fueling my drive, validating my confidence and securing my passion for the arts."

"To me, AWP means an artistic family with a gentle yet impermeable foundation with whom I celebrate the successes and failures of myself and others, both in art and life."

"AWP means family to me."

What Parents Say "Wonderful, Meaningful, Unforgettable."

"Uplifting! I can't tell you what it's done for my son's self confidence."

"The ideals and principles you are installing in these kids is great!"

"AWP enables our kids to shine."

"I wish there was a place like this when I was a child."

"I was such a shy child, that I am awed by these young people who are not afraid to perform."

"AWP is my daughter's second home."

"Summer at AWP is my daughter's fondest memory."

"Thank you for the unending gifts of friendship."

"AWP is a safe-haven for all children."

"What an outrageous, stupendous experience."

"It touched our lives."

"Thank you for providing such a loving, artistic environment."

"We felt so loved and accepted ...your support and encouragement enables us to receive love from a second 'family.'"

"Your influence has been an important one. I know her mother would have been grateful."

"My son is not always accepted in his mainstream school, but AWP makes him feel special."

"Thank you for the 'fire' you lit in my child."

"AWP makes love visible!"

A principal's review of BENEATH THE SURFACE

To Whom It May Concern:
The Atlanta Workshop Players' production of the musical, "Beneath The Surface" was performed at Mundy's Mill Middle School in February of 2004. I have seen many plays, musicals and other productions during my 26 years at the school, but I have never seen any presentation that affected the students more profoundly. They laughed; they cried; and they wrote heartfelt responses, discussing what the musical meant to their lives for weeks afterwards.

Because the content of the musical was developed from interviews with students just like themselves in terms of background, interests, and demographics, "Beneath The Surface" was relevant in a deeply personal way to every student. Problems the students face daily such as alcohol, sexual activity, gangs, self-esteem, and decision-making were presented in a gripping yet entertaining manner. The playwrights obviously have expertise in the field of education, as the drama engaged the students' interest immediately, developed a captivating story line and summarized key concepts at the end, all the while keeping the students totally absorbed and attentive.

The music reinforced the concepts introduced by the dialogue. Students mentioned that the songs were 'in their heads' long after they had gone back to their classrooms. The teachers and school counselors reported that scores of students came to them to talk about issues in their lives for which they decided they needed to get help and advice after experiencing the show.

It is my opinion that students all over the nation would benefit greatly from viewing the musical. Our students did not anticipate enjoying the presentation, and I am sure that other groups of middle and high school students would be equally cynical until they have seen it for themselves. The groups who need it most might not be able to afford to pay to see it and might lack the motivation to voluntarily go to a musical. It is important, therefore, that a way be found to share the message with as many groups as possible. I recommend the production without reservation and trust that a method will be found whereby thousands of other students will be provided the opportunity to see "Beneath The Surface".

Very truly yours,
Nancy Colwell
Principal-Mundy's Mill Middle School
1251 Mundy's Mill Rd.
Jonesboro, Ga. 30238