Hope Musical Theatre Comments

Would you like to comment on Hope Musical Theatre? Please Email Sarah@HopeMusicalTheatre.com

This was a fabulous production and the children were unbelievable performers. 
We look forward to next year,
Corinne Marcus - Hillsborough (2009)

I’m Caroline’s dad. She had a tremendous time at camp - thanks for giving her a wonderful experience.
J - Los Altos (2009)

She is still singing "it's a hardknock life" and is now reciting miss Hannigan's lines with gusto!   Thanks for a great summer camp and theatre experience. You're amazing.  Warm wishes.
Michele Wheeler - Menlo Park (2009)

Abby and Sara both loved the camp. We were very impressed with what they learned (Sara - as her first show; Abby - after many shows, she noted HMT was very professional compared to other after school programs she has done).  What are great show and experience!

We expect to be back next year with Sara (2nd grade).  Abby would love to do it again (if you expand to 7th graders).  Thank you.
Jeanne Lowell - Menlo Park (2009)

I just wanted to thank you for the amazing experience Ethan had at Hope Musical Theater Camp.  He was so excited to start the camp, so excited to go to camp everyday and words cannot describe how proud he was of his performance last Friday.  He had 11 fans in the audience and we were all completely blown away with what you were able to accomplish with all of these kids in such a short period of time.  Ethan cannot wait to sign up again for next Summer.

I am looking at the Fall workshops schedule.
Meredith Walsey - Menlo Park (2009)

She had a blast, and we all loved the show.  It is amazing what you could accomplish with these kids in just two weeks, and still make it fun!  This was the best, and most enjoyable, children's theater production I have seen!  And she is still singing and dancing the songs!
We'll see you next summer, if not in the fall!
Best,  Kristen Anderson - Palo Alto (2009)

Thank  you thank you thank you. This was one of the best experiences of Sophie's life - (she was Tessie "oh my goodness, oh my goodness") - we'll be back for more next summer - you were GREAT with the kids Sarah - thank you so much.  please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Julie Gerhardt Jacob, Ph.D. (Sophie Jacob's mom) - Palo Alto (2009)

Thank you so much for these pictures.  Mostly, thank you for a wonderful camp and production. Olivia thoroughly enjoyed it, and I was incredibly impressed by what you were able to do in 2 short weeks. The show was fantastic and very entertaining. I have seen children’s productions with more time, resources, and talent selection, but none were as good as this one. Thank you for giving Olivia and all the other kids such a unique, challenging, fun, and growth opportunity.
Gina Jorasch - Palo Alto (2009)

I want to thank you for doing such a fabulous job with the theatre camp. My daughter, Gabi, had the most wonderful experience. I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that she would enjoy acting on a stage. Gabi used to have difficulty just getting up in front of her class to read from a book. This summer, I saw her blossom and become much more self assured as a result of a successful theatre performance. She even said to me, "Mommy, I love acting camp and feel so good about myself."

I can attribute this to your teaching skills and talent. The performance was breathtaking and all of the parents were so proud of their children. Most importantly, the children worked well together to create something wonderful which they felt so good about.
Elana - Los Altos (2008)

Hi Sarah, Thanks for a GREAT camp this summer. My son, Mac, was pirate# 5 and really got so much out of your camp. He came in really lacking confidence and enthusiasm for the theater, and came out of the camp feeling so proud of himself for sticking with it. It was a real confidence booster for him to know that he could get up there and do it, so thanks!
Liz - Palo Alto (2008)

My child enjoyed doing the play so much this summer. I hope you realize what a great experience this is for so many children, especially a child like Isabelle. She has had some difficult health problems and a very tough year. Her doctor recommended drama as a means for her to express herself and because she seemed so well suited to it. Her ability to participate in Hope Theatre and to have lead roles in two productions has helped her self confidence tremendously. Anyway, I have wanted to thank you for a while for creating this delightful camp and for all of the effort you and your staff put forth each time you plan and produce a musical.
Sincerely, Kathleen - Menlo Park (2008)

Thank you again Sarah for the two weeks camp. I am always amazed you can put this wonderful show together in just two weeks. Hope to see you soon in your workshops. Best wishes for the rest of your camp and have a great summer!
Yuxi - Palo Alto (2008)

I just wanted you to drop you a note and let you know how much my daughter Maggie enjoyed your camp for the last two weeks. Every night she would come home and sing, dance and tell me all about her day. My husband and I were thoroughly impressed with the show last Friday…WOW! Your energy, enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism really shine through the kids. We look forward to another great camp session with you next summer!
Regards, Alli - Hillsborough (2008)

Sarah, Thanks so much for an amazing camp this year. You and Cassie do such a wonderful job with the kids. It is incredible what you can do in 2 weeks. Madison learned so much, and is still on cloud nine. She had an amazing time. Thanks again, we look forward to the fall workshops.
Nancy - Los Altos (2007)

i've been meaning to e-mail you with some thoughts about your HMT summer production:

1. kudos! i couldn't imagine how you would turn such a musically-difficult musical into one that children could do. i thought that you did a masterful job.

2. i loved the elks lodge as a hope musical theatre location for the parking, the air-conditioning, the comfortable chairs, and its cleanliness! we've been to three elementary schools and the elks club with HMT and the elks club is our hands-down favorite.

3. this was the first year that we were unable to sign up for your camp without a friend. everything worked out fine for sondrine, however, which is a statement of the community building work that you do with your campers to make them all feel part of the group.

sondrine's favorite part of the summer is your musical theatre camp!
:), kristen (2007)

Sarah, Thanks so much for your energy in directing this summer's production. Martin enjoyed it so much that he is still singing the songs and acting out all the different lines.
Kathleen Mitchel

Hi Sarah - Just want to thank you for all your hard work with the children in musical theater. My daughter Tia joined your 1 week camp this summer and enjoyed herself immensely. Although, she is normally very shy, we were quite surprised to see her open up in the performance! She looks forward to joining your class/camp again in the future!
Sopida

Sarah, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did with the show. My daughter, Meg, had so much fun and can't wait to do it again next summer. If you do any workshops or shows during the school year, please let us know. I am sure Meg will want to participate! Have a great rest of the summer!
Ann Enthoven

Hi Sarah, Thanks for putting so much energy & time into each session you do with the children. They really love it.
Anne Harrison

Abby participated with Hope Musical Theatre for the first time this year and loved the class, the rehearsals, and the show. The most amazing thing to us was not that she was born to emote (we knew that) but how it motivated her to improve her reading skills as she worked on her lines, her listening skills, and her personal sense of responsibility to Sarah and the others in the group. She can't wait until next year's class and neither can I.
Laura B.

Just wanted to write a quick note of appreciation for the HMT Camp.
Marissa absolutely loved the experience - said it was her favorite camp of all time! She definitely wants to participate again next year. I know it helped to raise her self-confidence and interest in theater and music.

A lot of Marissa's family & friends came to yesterday's performance and everyone was delighted. Bravos to you, Cassie, Kimberly, et al, for pulling together a charming performance.

We'll definitely be signing up for next year's session.
Lisa Hmelar, Palo Alto

Our daughter absolutely shined when she was in the camp's play this summer and cannot wait to enroll again. We feel it is the best summer experience she's had since we adopted her two years ago and wish we lived closer so she could enroll in the after-school camps during the school year. Next summer we'll definitely sign her up again!
Valerie

I wanted to let you know that our kids (Jasper and Darica) had a wonderful time (again) at your summer camp this year. Along with our friends and family, we are always amazed at what a you can do in such a short time. It was a great performance!
Marcus, Sunnyvale

Sarah Hope runs a wonderful after-school musical theater program in Palo Alto. I particularly love this program because the children absolutely love attending every week, the semester culminates in an amazingly fun and professional performance and best of all, all children receive an equal opportunity to perform.

There really aren't any "starring" roles but rather, all of the children have an opportunity to shine both as a group and through individual parts. It is amazing how much is accomplished in such a short amount of time and I feel each child experiences significant growth and overcomes stage fright in a supportive way.

Bella loved HMT - we got the falling grass skirt on video and she thinks it was hysterical! She'll be signing up again! Thanks again for all you do.
Marci Lamb - Palo Alto, CA

Boy: I can't thank you enough for a wonderful 2 weeks for my daughter Kristen Carey. She enjoyed every single aspect of the camp/production. I think we'll be singing Bye Bye Birdie songs for many years to come.

We'll certainly see you next summer.
Lynn Carey, Palo Alto

you are such a great teacher sarah....i loved watching you with regan today....thanks...you work miracles with my kids.
A - Palo Alto

My nine year old daughter, "Optimistic Olivia" came home from the first day of camp so excited and energized by the whole thing. She also noted that you are very stylish, and promptly had me purchase the baseball HMT tee shirt. She is having so much fun with this, and is quite eager to practice her lines as Helen and Ursula. So thank you for a terrific camp, which she has already told us she will do again next year!
Carolyn, Palo Alto

I think Sarah does an awesome job with her wonderful energy. The joy I got out of the last one in itself well worth $500 to me! (even though that was a stretch) Watching my only child grow, stretch, express and just be who she is, is a sheer pleasure. You are giving to them and to their parents, a wonderful gift for what you do!
Sharon Svensson (Palo Alto) - May 2005

Wow - I want to congratulate you on helping the children put together such an amazing performance! You did such a fabulous job of bringing it all together - I know how much work it is! Mackenzie invited some of her friends and I think two of them are "in" for next year! Thanks!
Marci Kay - Hillsborough

I do want to share with you the incredible impact Sarah Hope has on my daughter's life. She has learned to love theatre and performing because of Sarah. She is also inspired to be a director "like Mrs. Hope" when she grows up.
Thank you!
Lisen

My Hope Theatre Class - By Vivian Zhou

To: My Hope Theatre Class Teacher
               who teaches me great songs,
               with love

I go to Hope Theatre every Thursday. It is at my school Hoover. In Room 6 only my friend Jillian and I go there. After the bell to go home rings, we run to Hope Theatre in a hurry in case we are late. In my Hope Theatre class we sing songs, and play games. Sometimes our teacher lets us have a short break. I love my Hope Theatre. I wish I could go there everyday, even on weekends!

Hi!
I was staying at Mary Albertolle's house for 1 week, because I was in Palo Alto with my choir. I was searching for her name at google, so I found this website (I saw the musical 'Annie' on video at their home, so I knew she played in it)!
So... you're kinda international now :P
Sarah
Enschede, Netherlands - Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 11:26:29 (EDT)

I love her class so does my sister!
Katherine Price
Palo Alto, Ca USA - Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 21:57:48 (EDT)

She is the best!!!!!!She said I was Maria from the sound of music it was easy when she was there!!!!!!!
Callie Walker
Palo Alto, CA USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 18:23:31 (EDT)

My daughter has been watching the rehearsals every summer at W.Hayes. Every week she'd ignore her playgroup and just stand by the MP room door totally mesmerized. She's now in Kindergarten and will start 1st grade in the fall She wants to know when she can start! Please contact me with answers.
Katja Broddesson
Palo Alto, CA USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 19:19:10 (EST)

This is a terrific web site. Sarah Hope is an incredible talent and a wonder with children. I have worked with her first-hand and can tell you she has the most incredible energy and commitment to her craft. Way to go, CBG! from Sweater-Boy :-)
Lenny Moors
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, January 02, 2004 at 03:02:57 (EST)

Working with Sarah Hope has been a treat! She is so talented and cheerful. Someday I hope I can take voice lessons just to hear her play the piano & sing - it's inspiring to be around Sarah.
Clean Web Design Lisa Onizuka
Round Rock, TX USA - Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 18:26:15 (EDT)

Would you like to comment on Hope Musical Theatre? Please Email Sarah@HopeMusicalTheatre.com