Testimonials

From Gail Rottari, Educational Services Assistant Director for Horizon Activities Center

I am writing on behalf of Horizon Activities Centers regarding programming done by The MAD* Factory for its after school programs. The MAD* Factory provided an “Introduction to Musical Theatre” program at four of the nine Horizon sites over a seven week period. During this time, each class learned at least four chorale numbers, along with simple dance routines. As a culminating activity, The MAD* Factory also organized a student performance for our students and families.

I am pleased to say that this program was a huge success! Our children not only learned these routines, but also learned a great deal about themselves and their peers. The children enrolled in the musical theatre program developed a better understanding of the arts, as well as opening up socially in a group setting.

We appreciate The MAD* Factory and their wonderful program that they brought to our elementary sites! As an organization, we hope to incorproate The MAD* Factory and their programs in the future!

From Sindy, MAD* Factory patron:

I have attended several of The MAD* Factory’s productions in the last year. The acting and singing are superb. The cast always delivers a great performance.

The MAD* Factory provides young people with building self-esteem and developing excellence in the arts.

People can go to a show and be entertained for a nominal fee. Whether it is a musical play or a drama, The MAD* Factory is always entertaining.

Lorain County cannot afford to lose The MAD* Factory! The MAD* Factory is an excellent theatre troupe.

A Play Changed My Life by Alex

One of our teens chose to write about us for a school assignment. Here is his story.

Katy went to MAD* Factory for over five years. She encouraged me to try out for the play called, “Urine Town.” I decided to try out because people think I’m funny so I thought there was a possibility I could act. I put on magic shows which are similar to acting. During the audition I was shaking in my boots! What was I thinking? Somehow I made it through the audition without keeling over. Now, I have to wait a long two weeks to find out if I got the part or not. What a long two weeks!

On a scorching hot Friday night in June, I received a call from the MAD* Factory. I felt nervous as I took the phone call. “Is this Alex?” said Linda, the director. “Yes, this is Alex,” I said with a curious voice. Then Linda went on to tell me I got the part. I ran around screaming and jumping like a crazy house monkey. My parents thought something was wrong but everything was right. Linda told me to come in and pick up my libretto and schedule. I went to Oberlin immediately and met Linda. I just could not believe something so spectacular could happen to me!

The first thing on the schedule was summer camp. Summer camp occurred in June from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Wow, these were long days! First, I would go from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and then Katy and I would walk around Oberlin. We would eat dinner and hang out for three hours until we had to go back at approximately 6:00 pm. Once summer camp ended the regular schedule began. This one was packed full of new things to learn.

One of the skills we had to learn was singing. We had started to sing at summer camp a little but now we had to focus on the words of the song and how to pronounce them correctly. We also had to learn choreography and how to make a set. Everyone needed to know how to change into a different costume after each scene quickly. There certainly were a lot of things to learn as well as several new people to meet!

During the rehearsals I meet many wonderful people, Jesse, Julian, Amber, Cameron, Linda, Nina, Erica, and others. One of my favorite friends was Julian. He was extremely shy but funny. Julian was tall with brown hair. We would hang out and chat about everything. Actually, I got along with everyone there. They all seemed to be similar to me. They were about 30 actors in the play. Some were paid and others, like myself, were volunteers. How awesome it would be if you were able to get paid for doing something you love!

We usually practiced in auditorium at Oberlin High School. There were hundreds of chairs, although it only seemed like a few. The auditorium had a fresh aroma but the dressing room smelled like sticky feet. Singing and laughing echoed the halls. As the day came closer for the performance everyone became serious. The director really had to crack down; the first performance was upon us! Wow, we were all getting nervous!

Finally, the day is here! I thought nothing could go wrong but wait. hurts my head, stomach, and body. How can I possibly attend the play tonight? I somehow dragged myself to the play because the show must go on. Although I felt sick during the play I managed to perform my best. As time went on, I felt much better.

The cheers from the audience over shadowed my illness. The audience clapped and cheered and I felt like I could accomplish anything! It was the best feeling ever!

After the last performance, we had to take our final bow. My feelings were sad and happy at the same time. I had tears of joy and was very proud of myself. My parents were proud of me also. When I got out of my costume and saw my mother and father standing at the end of the hall waiting for me, I was so happy. But now we had to take down the set. I realized then that my great summer was ending.

It’s time to celebrate our accomplishments by having a cast party. Everyone went to the director’s house, Linda. There was a variety of foods. They actually had a taco flavored chip. I got to pet a cow, pigs, chickens, and roosters. Unfortunately, I also got to smell them as well. We all went swimming in an enormous pool in the dark. And then came the really exciting thing, the fireworks. The director’s husband shot them off. I am talking about big fireworks! Words can not describe how they looked! After lots of fun, we all had to say goodbye. It makes me sad to think about it even to this day! Saying goodbye to these people makes my heart sink.

The MAD* Factory gave me something I’ll always remember. My costume is hung up in my room. Linda and the others encouraged me and made believe in myself. Because of them, I will continue my acting and plays. I have also become more mature over the summer. I hope someday I’ll be able to meet everyone and act again. This experience truly has changed my life!

From Jennifer, the parent of an autistic child:

Dear Linda, Nina, Amber and all the camp counselors,

Thank you all so much for providing Jaden with such a wonderful and rewarding camp experience. He truly enjoyed coming and seeing you guys every day and had so much fun with you and learned so much about theatre and art. Thank you also for your patience and for welcoming him with open arms. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. It makes me smile each time I think of all the joy you’ve brought to Jaden….

From Anne, who attended our production of “Seussical:”

Dear Linda and everyone connected with “Seussical the Musical,”

I came to Opening Night because I am Ella’s Grammie Annie. I came again on Saturday evening because I enjoyed it so much on Friday. I am writing now because you ALL deserve the utmost praise for this most enjoyable, funny, sad, imaginative, convincing and completely professional production. It is one of the most oustanding theatre productions I have ever seen—amateur of professional. No moments that dragged—NONE! No weak characters. No lapses of character from anyone—everyone was ALWAYS completely “into it” on stage. Wonderful choreography! Always something going on that was relevant to the plot. Every character acting and reacting very convincingly.Totally enjoyable. What a priviledge for everyone to be a part of this. Bravissimo!! No one should miss this show.

In High School and University I was involved with many Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas in the chorus or orchestra. More recently I was Sister Henrietta (Instead of Bishop) and in the chorus of a local production of “Anything Goes”. I also played in the orchestra for “Footloose” and “Oklahoma”. I am an amateur clarinetist playing in orchestras, bands, dance bands, shows and in LOTS of chamber music groups locally, in Interlochen, MI, and on the beach of Ischia, Italy. I see a lot of amateur musicals and few would get such high praise as I am giving your “Seussical, the Musical.”

From Caty, age 12:

MAD* Factory is awesome. I started taking classes with The MAD* Factory in 2007 and I haven’t missed a session yet. Miss Linda and all of the counselors are awesome. You get to meet a lot of fun people and you learn how to overcome your fears about performing in front of an audience. I love Musical Comedy Improv, but every class I have been in was great. The MAD* Factory is one of the best parts of my week, and I look forward to it. So, give The MAD* Factory a try. You won’t be disappointed.

From Charlotte, volunteer Costume Mistress:

Dear Linda and The MAD* Factory,

Many thanks! The gift cards were a great surprise and I really appreciate them! Helping with “Seussical” was really a fun experience and I truly enjoyed it! The cast was so good and they changed those costumes like clockwork, which was not easy. They were amazing and never complained or got tired of performing. They had a list of their costume changes on the wall and some were checking it even on Sunday!

I met some terrific actors and singers adding to the ones I already know. Thanks for letting me be part of your production and enjoying “Seussical” many times! It was a super show!

From Ella, age 11:

I love the MAD* Factory. I have attended MAD* Camp every year I could and recently went to Improv classes and done musicals. I also attend First Friday night Improv. Every single day I go to MAD* Factory I always get happy and hyper. This is because MAD* Factory is hilarious, amazing and fun. If I have had a bad day, I always cheer up when I go to The MAD* Factory. When I am at MAD* Factory, I always feel I can just be myself and not worry. I am always so comfortable with The MAD* Factory. I’m extremely grateful fo MAD* Camp. If it weren’t for that camp, my summer would be much more boring, dull and pointless. But instead, I can go to camp and spend three entire weeks of laughter, acting and happiness. I think MAD* Factory is the meaning of happiness. I am always sure that I mention MAD* Factory to all my friends. Thank you for giving me so many hours of nothing but smiles.

* Music, Arts, and Drama