Testimonials and Reviews

NOTE FROM A PARENT...

I just want to thank you for another joyful summer of Very Merry Theatre Camp.

It’s hard to overstate how much our children love these programs - and how much they’ve grown as a direct result of them. You maintain such a thoughtful balance between taking the students and the art seriously while staying flexible, inclusive, and lighthearted about it all.

You’re doing something truly magical with these kids and I know I speak for other parents when I say that we are profoundly grateful.

NOTE FROM SCHOOL PRINCIPAL...

I just wanted to reach out and say thank you thank you thank you - the play was magical, and it filled my cup to see our kids SHINE! Thank you for all that you do to bring Very Merry Theatre to us at Flynn - younger kids and other 4th/5th graders were already asking how they can get involved in the next play. It was such a pleasure to see all your hard work play out in the magic of joy for our kids. - Flynn Elementary School principal, Nikki Ellis

NOTE FROM A TEEN PARTICIPANT...

One of the people who's had the biggest impact on my life: Don Wright. I was told by a teacher to write a letter about an influence in my life. I thought about the people I've crossed paths with and settled on Don. Don's taught me how to be kind, and opened my heart to new things. He taught me that kindness and patience is important. He gave me chances to get to know myself, and challenged me and pushed my boundaries. He's given me leadership opportunities and has supported me and so many other Kids. Don also taught me that when things get hard, not to give up. I wouldn't be the same person I am today without his influence in and on my life. I want to thank Don for the role he's played in so many lives. I hope that everyone has someone like Don in their lives. - Mairi / South Burlington High School

NOTE FROM A TEEN PARTICIPANT...

You know, when I do other theater companies, I'm learning about acting, but when I do Very Merry, I am learning about LIFE.

LETTER FROM A TEACHER... 

I am an ardent supporter of working with VMT. Having witnessed/been a small part of about 9 productions, I think these plays are some of the very best activities that happen in our schools in Burlington. Don Wright is a veritable genius, and every child and school with the chance to work with him is really fortunate. I also believe that over time the benefits for a school increase significantly, as younger children observe and learn for several years before they take on the bigger 5th grade parts. Participation, especially for boys, really goes up as the play becomes a part of the tradition and fabric of the school. The play can become a real community builder, as parents get pulled in and apply all kinds of heretofore under-utilized (or at least not-yet-asked-for) talents and skills. Another of Don's great talents is recruiting parents into the production, in ways little and large, and keeping them involved for years (often beyond their own children's acting). The learning opportunities available for our kids are across nearly every academic area, and into subjects not always explored in our classes. Literature, speech, music, singing, different dance forms, acting, history and team work are only a few strands. I also really appreciate how the play gives extra opportunities to excel to two entirely different types of students; those who have had fewer chances to experience much academic success often really shine; and then those high achievers who are sometimes not challenged as much as they could be are really pushed and encouraged to do wondrous things. - Keith Brown, 5th Grade Teacher, Flynn Elementary School, Burlington, VT