React
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
React specializes in structured theater programs (like semester-long sessions) designed to build children's confidence and self-esteem through self-expression and performance. It offers a supportive and encouraging environment where kids can explore both on-stage acting and behind-the-scenes roles like costume making, aiming for significant personal growth and a love for theater.
Key Highlights
- ✓Staff generally described as very friendly, caring, passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic.
- ✓Programs are effective at building children's confidence and boosting self-esteem.
- ✓Actively encourages self-expression through theater arts.
- ✓Helps introverted children 'come out of their shell' and enjoy group settings.
- ✓Children get hands-on creative experience, specifically mentioned for making their own costumes.
- ✓Performances are well-executed, and every child receives a 'decent amount of lines' and front-and-center stage time.
- ✓Fosters a positive peer environment with '100% love and encouragement' among students.
- ✓Provides enjoyable opportunities for involvement both on-stage and behind-the-scenes.
Standout Features
- ⭐Structured, long-term programs (e.g., semester-long) for in-depth learning.
- ⭐Strong focus on personal development, including confidence and self-expression.
- ⭐Hands-on creative activities like costume design integrated into the program.
- ⭐Equitable stage time and significant roles for all participating children.
- ⭐Cultivates a highly supportive and encouraging peer-to-peer environment.
- ⭐Offers varied experiences, allowing participation in both acting and backstage production.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Ideal for children who need to build confidence, improve social comfort in group settings, or explore their artistic expression.
- →Inquire about specific instructors, particularly if staff temperament is a concern, and ask about 'Justin' by name if possible.
- →Be prepared for a program commitment, as reviews suggest semester-long engagements rather than drop-in activities.
- →Excellent choice for children interested in both performing and hands-on creative tasks like costume design.
Things to Consider
- ⚠One specific instructor, 'Justin', was reported for bullying, incessant yelling, and temper tantrums.
- ⚠Unprofessional and embarrassing behavior from a staff member (Justin) was observed in front of children.
- ⚠Concerns that such behavior can cause children to cry and negatively impact their experience and confidence, despite the program's stated goals.
Price & Value
No specific pricing information is available in the reviews. The value is implied through significant personal growth, confidence building, self-expression, and the quality of performance experiences provided.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding food and drink policies was mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information regarding parking was mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Reviews pertain to classes/programs rather than public events, so typical 'crowd levels' are not applicable in the usual sense. Group sizes for classes are not specified.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features were mentioned, beyond the significant concern raised about instructor conduct (bullying/yelling) as a safety/well-being issue.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your child is highly sensitive to harsh criticism, yelling, or potential bullying from instructors (specifically if 'Justin' is leading the class).
- • If you are seeking a casual, drop-in activity, as the venue appears to offer structured, semester-long programs.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Monthly Membership (9 Months)
Duration: 9 months
Take the hassle out of signing up each session.
Monthly Membership (Spring & Fall Sessions)
Duration: Spring & Fall sessions
Sign up for a monthly membership and save.
Year Round Membership (Spring, Summer & Fall Sessions)
Duration: Spring, Summer & Fall sessions
Sign up for a membership and save.
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Sleepaway Camp
October 3-5
Located at Camp Rivervale. Focus on building skills as an actor and creator through workshops in theatrical techniques such as improvisation, movement, and stage combat. Includes camp classics like nature walks, campfires, and s'mores.
Love Over Dose (School Performances)
February 24, 2026; February 25, 2026; February 26, 2026 (at The Athenaeum)
Tickets required (price not specified)
An original play developed by youth for youth, addressing the opioid crisis among 15-24 year olds. Performances include a Q&A session with cast, staff, and partnering organizations. An education guide with activities, discussion questions, and resources is provided. Available for school audiences all year round, either at React's locations or at schools.
Dreamland (Premiere)
March 1 @ 7pm
Tickets required (price not specified)
A new original play produced by React, addressing eco-anxiety in youth. Developed by middle and high school students. Performance includes a Q&A session.
Dreamland (School Performances)
No upcoming performances listed (available all year round by request)
Performances are available for school audiences all year round, either at React's locations or at schools. Includes a Q&A session with cast, staff, and partnering organizations. An education guide with activities, discussion questions, and resources is provided.
The Bullying Project (School Performances)
Ongoing (available by request)
An original play developed and constantly re-devised by students since 2013, addressing bullying. Performances can take place in school cafeterias, gyms, or classrooms (anywhere with room for three chairs). Includes a Q&A session with cast and staff. An education guide with activities, discussion questions, and resources is provided.
📅Booking Policy
- • School performance booking: Connect school administrative teams with Fiona Dwyer via email (fiona@reactclasses.org).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Reese Padrick
5 months agoI go to react, and it is amazing. I love it so much. The people are very fairy very friendly.
Roz Rankin
5 years agoYAT allowed my daughter to build her confidence while expressing herself through the form of art. Over the past semester, I've seen my daughter come out of her shell and enjoy being around groups of people. She really enjoyed making her own costume and being front and center on stage. The performance, was well executed. Every child had a decent amount of lines. I highly recommend this program for young actors.
Amelia Soline
3 years agothis place has shaped so much of who i am today. everyone there is so great and they truly care about the students. i found a space to express myself and show my love for theater. and behind the scenes is just as fun as being on stage! React will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Shannon james
8 years agoI have to laugh a little at how this place has 5 stars. My experience was horrible with having my child attend. To all the instructors you don't teach a student how to gain confidence with bullying them to a point were they want to leave crying. Justin's incessant yelling and temper tantrums were beyond unacceptable in a professional setting. Almost embarrassing that a grown man behaves this way In front of not only my child but other children! My child is confident!! She's a beautiful young girl!! She knows her worth but I truly feel bad that she had to experience what she did with the people she did. I would give you less than 1 star if I could you barely deserve that. I honestly hope that one day you can experiment with different ways of teaching your eager students confidence without having to use bullying.
Loneta Norkus
7 years agoMy children receive 100% love and encouragement from every student in the class. Now where else can you find this?? The staff are quite passionate and help each child grow. YAT changes outlooks and boosts self esteem. Thank you staff for your dedication and enthusiasm.