Testimonials

"My dog, Yellow Labrador Retriever, Sasha placed in Annie II. We had a  wonderful time . I never was involved with theatre before and I loved it too. Sasha had a delightful "stage" presence. Even the kids who were afraid were not afraid of Sasha, "Sandy" and she helped the star, Annie sign her solo, although, I do not believe the star was too thrilled. Sasha, also got verbal in the Green Room, when all encircled and did their chant. It was fun for me and Sasha. She even was in the huge limo with her parotic red, white and blue silk scarf, I let her wear from my scarf collection. She loved to "go to rehearsal", I would show her a bandana and say, "lets go to rehearsal" Sasha "AKA Sandy would do her "hip hop dance". She worn her Annie II tee shirt proudly and loved running around the stage and up and down the aisles after the show. She loved singing, and when she realized, the audience, I was so afraid she was going to bolt into the audience, instead, she slowly turned to the audience, sat straight up, she re-positioned herself and looked to the right then the left and straight into the audience., the "ham" she is she must have decided the audience was there for her, and she began to sing even louder during Annie's solo. I got so much out of this show and thoroughly enjoyed my Sasha. My Sasha was a PERFECT SANDY in ANNIE II. Thanks for the memories as Bob Hope would say. Cheers" 

    -Susan Dowhan, ANNIE II - Play in 1990's 

"UpStage Players was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Everyone there is the most welcoming, kind, and enthusiastic people and it was really the best opportunity for me. Every single rehearsal taught me the values of how hard work and determination and a lot of practice can produce something so incredible. Upstage was a family and I got to meet some of the best people there and grew close with everyone in the cast and appreciate how much was put in to make every production amazing."

     - Caroline B. 

"The Kiwanis Club of Cleveland has been contributing to the support of Upstage Stage Players for many years. As a member of the Kiwanis group I have attended five or six of the plays and several rehearsals. I have witnessed the way the adults instructing the group lead by modeling the behavior they wish to see in the students. I have seen the excitement and energy they incite in the students in this amazing program that leaves no interested child out.  I have seen first hand a child rehearsing a part that I thought he would never get right and then seeing the finished production and there he was doing a terrific job. The children grow right before your eyes in this Upstage Players group.  Not only does their confidence thrive as performers and speakers but they also do service projects to help others!  I've seen them cleaning up Euclid Beach Park and then preform for the beach visitors. They have made many cards for the elderly in nursing homes and before Covid they performed at nursing homes as well as the VA hospital to cheer up the residents. It's been a great program for 25 years and it needs to continue for another 25 years of changing the lives of young people for the better.

      - Julia Loeb

"Some things that I learned from UpStage is how to get out of my comfort zone that helped me a lot because now that I go to a high school for theater and I’m going to play different roles so it’s easier to play those roles since I can get out of my comfort zone. Another thing UpStage has taught me was stage presence and what I mean by that is I know what down stage, stage left, up stage, right stage, and center. This helps me to understand where the director needs me to be. Lastly,  I know how to face the audience and still act but the correct way so the audience can see me. So that’s some of the things UpStage taught me and many more."
    - Charlise Ellison-Wring

"During the few years, I spent at Upstage Players it was the most important thing in my life! I think that in those years (formative ones!) I learned so many of the skills that I have taken with me in my life in film production in New York City. We learned to show up on time, listen to our coaches and respect each other and the work always. 

To have a local children's theater group that is not just a song and dance camp but a place that gives important lessons on responsibility, skills building, and teamwork is a rare thing.  

For that group to be free to all, with a mission that ensures that no child who wants to participate will be turned away is invaluable. I know Upstage Players has been so important in many lives over the last 28 (!) years. I am so grateful for the Walsh family as I know many other Cleveland families must be as well." 

     - Theresa Scott

"UpStage Players made a difference in our family by making performing arts not only  accessible but exposed to a very high level of quality. My son Chinja has benefited a great deal through opportunities to volunteer and give back and develop new relationships outside of school. We are grateful to have a neighborly connection that has enhanced our experience of living in Euclid."   

    - Siu Yan Scott | UpStage Parent