Testimonials

Click to read testimonials from school administrators

Much love and hugs to you and thanks for all you have done to positively position our ladies (Grace and Ashlyn) to be confident with inner and outer beauty with the teaching of Drama Kids and your awesome program.  I truly do believe it instilled in them the amazing instinct to be comfortable in their own skin, to not take themselves so seriously, to have fun and not second guess their love for life and freely display their strengths as they journey on to reach their full potential with confidence.

As always, Thank you!
Love Buffy and the Smith family (Longtime Drama Kids Family, Longwood Park)

I just wanted to say thank you for setting up the online drama session today. My son was so happy and he had so much fun! You really went above and beyond for all of the kids.

Beth Hall (Sarasota – Wilkinson Elem.)

Drama Kids of Manasota and their director Miss Tamara Solum are an example of an organization where every child is recognized as a unique talent! Drama Kids organization has the best teacher -to- parent communication – one can address a question way outside of “drama” and would be looked at seriously! With today’s announcement of Coronavirus, Miss Tamara Solum sent out a meaningful letter of concern and awareness to the parents- what does that mean to me as a parent? She considers well being of our children as her priority! As a parent, I feel that my child and all children in this regard are very important to her!

Thank you, Miss Tamara! – Saida Jennell (Sarasota)

I was just sitting down to text you a thank u and saw your message. Heather had so much fun (at Drama Kids Online) and is already looking forward to next week. Thank u!!!

Dennis Collins (Williams Parent, Parrish)

We had a great time today at the Halloween dress up class. Jessica has done a wonderful job and I am sad to see her go. I asked Jon if he had met Zack and he said yes. I then asked him if he liked him and he gave an enthusiastic yes. Jon is a bundle of energy and I am working on his paying more attention and not talking while the teacher is giving instructions. He loves the class and looks forward to going each Wednesday. Thank you for all that your staff does.

– Robert Hampton, LNS (Jonathan’s Grandpa)

Hello Tamara, Our third graders from Mrs. Hegener’s class loved their time with Barb Wolf last month. Thank you so much for making this experience possible for our students. During our subsequent music classes, I have noticed the children are treating each other with more consideration and acceptance. They seem to be enjoying each other’s individuality, reacting with smiles and laughter instead of criticism. The sessions gave me the precious opportunity to observe my students without also teaching them. I learned surprising and wonderful things about several of them, particularly those who were new to Gene Witt Elementary this year. The children absolutely came alive during the activities, and Barb’s gentle and accepting manner provided the can-do atmosphere that children need to express themselves freely and fully.

– Marsha Juday, Music Teacher at Gene Witt Elementary

We want to thank you for all the amazing experiences Kasey has had through Drama Kids. She was always pretty confident and loved to perform, but her time in Drama Kids taught her so much about working with a team / group to create something pretty cool! Her ability and confidence improved each year with Drama Kids. And the joy she got from being in the end of year performances is priceless. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, I so much appreciate that I had the opportunity to watch her beam with joy and excitement as a member of DK, and of course watching her growth and poise on stage made me very proud. –

Tracey Morgan, Sarasota

I want to say thank you to Mrs. Tamara for naming me one of your success stories (Nextgen Family Magazine)! I love that Drama Kids allows me to be me! Drama Kids is an environment where people are ok if I want to do something out of the box. That is why I look forward to Drama Kids every week! Already thinking about Friday!

Caden Denslow, 6th Grade – Longwood Park Acting Academy

I just wanted to share a couple wonderful things that happened over this last school year with Sammi Snow, and we want to give ALL the credit to Drama Kids and Miss Sarah. Sammi won a speech contest AND took 1st place in the science fair at the school level. Until she entered Drama Kids she was very shy and had anxiety any time she thought she might have to speak in front of others. We are so pleased with your program and will be forever thankful. Can’t wait till next year!

Sara Snow – Sarasota

“When Camber first told us she wanted to join Drama, we had mixed opinions. Both Chris and I tend to like the athletic activities, and so we thought it was only natural Camber would head that route, like our son, Bailey. But she wanted to do her “own” thing – so we supported her and said we would give it a year. Well, three years later, both she and our family think it is one of the best programs she could have found. A few bullets include:

• • Her vocabulary has grown tremendously with not only us, but her grandparents and teachers
  • She communicates her thoughts
  • She looks you in the eye during conversation
  • and of course there is more “drama” in every suppertime storyThank you for introducing such a wonderful program to our daughter!”

Betsy Pecor, Sarasota

Dear Ms. Tamara:

I think you’re a very good teacher. You always help me when I don’t know my lines and you always help me and give me tips. I’ve taken various drama classes and I think your class is one of the classes that helps me improve my confidence and my skills. You also gave me a part in the play that I really did want. And after this hard work of FCAT all week I was looking forward to coming to your class and expressing myself. Thank you for taking time out of your life and teaching me the highest standard of acting that I know of. And when I watch you teach the lower primary, it inspires me, and makes me work better with littler kids too. Thank you for being my drama teacher!

Warmest regards,

Phoenix Berman, 5th grade, Bay Haven Upper Primary

We selected Drama Kids because of its thought-provoking and unique approach. The classes are not all about rehearsing for one specific play. The Drama Kids classes focus more on public speaking, creative impromptu dialogue skills and working successfully with a team or partner. Also, the students learn the proper names and techniques of such theatre approaches. All this while the kids have a blast! The benefits of this special approach are far superior to doing a typical “play” at other drama companies. The skills the kids learn at Drama Kids will last a life lifetime through their years in school and in their careers.

Marla Whitmore, Lakewood Ranch

One other bit of news I would like to share with you regarding the positive effect of Drama Kids in the lives of my children.
Zack had to put together an informative speech for his class. It was an in class assignment with no help allowed from classmates or parents.  He got his grade today.  Out of a possible 100 points, he received a 98%.

His introductory statement:      10/10 points

Eye contact with class:       10/10 points

Voice, expressive, loud and clear:     10/10 points

Speech mannerisms, slow, relaxed natural tone:    5/5 points

Language, clear, correct, own words:       5/5 points

Posture; Stand tall, no leaning, swaying or slumping:  10/10 points

Use of notes, preparation:    9/10 points

Information, factual:   24/25 points

Use of props, easy to see:   10/10 points

Required reading:       5/5 points

I have no doubt that this was the direct result of his participation in Drama Kids.
You have an excellent program and I appreciate having it available for our family.  Thank you for your commitment to excellence.

Wayne Fitzpatrick, Sarasota

I had read in numerous articles that Drama Classes are excellent for improving social skills and self-confidence. My daughter Melissa (14) needed assistance in both areas, so when I came across Drama Kids International, I signed her up. Within a few weeks, she became so comfortable with the kids and Mrs. Tamara Solum that one Friday evening she said “You don’t have to come in with me Mom. You can just drop me off and go shopping.” Melissa’s social skills improved drastically and she became so confident in herself that she auditioned at her middle school for the talent show and, when she auditioned for the school musical, she got the part! I am now seeing a side of Melissa I had never seen before, and I like what I see. Many thanks to Drama Kids and especially Mrs. Tamara Solum for making Melissa feel welcome and teaching her skills that will last a lifetime.

Beth Gonyea, Drama Kids Acting Academy mom

*Note:  Melissa is a highly functioning child with Asberger’s Syndrome.  Drama Kids has helped her both with language and social skills.  She has been in the program for 3 years now!

Dear Tamara and all the DKI counselors,

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed volunteering at “Mystery” Drama Kids Camp. I was really impressed with the counselors: how prepared they were and how well they instructed and interacted with all of the children.  If “Drama develops Kids” as your slogan says, then your counselors, who are all alumni of Drama Kids are a testament to DK philosophy.   What a great group of young people!

I miss my little friends, Dylan, Carly, Emma and Gabriel.  They were such great kids.  When actors put on a play together, if they are open, giving and kind they develop a bond that is very special.  It was so wonderful to find that the 5 year old group displayed that bond of trust and sharing.  Even when things got rough (learning those lines) the 4 little actors in the clown play worked together, worked separately at home and worked through their jitters to support each other and give a really entertaining performance!

After the performance, Emma (who had been more than a “little” nervous)

asked me, “Are we going to get to do the play again?”   Watching kids

develop and grow just doesn’t get any better than moments like that!

Love and fond wishes to all the Drama Kids staff,

Robby Schlesinger,  New Gate Field School Art Program Director

*Robby is a parent who volunteered at our camp and is a teacher at our local Montessori school.