I learned so many skills at CET that I still use today, and yet it didn't seem like learning, it was tons of fun and a constant adventure. It definitely improved my confidence, helped get me over my youthful shyness, taught me public speaking skills, team work, physical expression, and to think on my feet. The traveling troup, traveling to schools was basically professional experience...years later I performed with a dance company touring schools and it was no different! What an amazing experience for any child!
CHILDRENS EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE was an awsome experience as a child, I learned I loved live productions and created a career in live stage shows. I wish there was a place like this in my area for my children. I suggest it for every kid!!!!
I took classes at CET from age 6 to 14, and can't think of a better way to have spent my childhood. The school is a truly rare and extraordinary place that honors and gives scope to children's imaginations, instills poise and confidence, celebrates folklore, mythology, and Classical plays, and gives young people many opportunities to experience the excitement of ensemble playing. In short, CET offers serious fun, positive empowerment, and unforgettable memories.
I remember one of the first times I saw a live performance in the amphitheater outside in Carmel. I attended the outdoor production of Dragons Blood written by Marcia Gambrell Hovick and performed by the children and youth of CET. I was blown away by the performances as well as the quality of the production. I think this is such an important organization especially in hard times when the first cuts from donation budgets are generally in the arts. I would love to see CET continue its work. In the age of video games and all things electronic, children need this more than ever.
CET was so many things to me-a place to learn acting...a place to perform...a place to let my imagination run wild in every possible direction under the loving eye of the instructors. It was here that I learned the confidence to speak up, the ability to take critiques, and I learned the ever-true actors creed: The Show Must Go On. It was also an opportunity to cross all the boundaries of age and grade. One month, I'd play an old man in a Greek fable...the next I was my real age in a Moliere show...I learned about love, death, and everything in between. This is an acting school, true...but for me, I learned as many life-lessons as I did stage combat techniques. When my kids are old enough, I KNOW where they're spending their Saturday mornings...
While I did not attend the CET as a student, I WAS a student of sorts under Marcia. She illuminated my life and gave me inspiration when I had none by showing me the importance of community, the imagination of children and the far reaching effect of nurturing the artistic and creative expression of a child in an APPROPRIATE environment. Let's face it, Public School Systems today are in dire need of an over haul. We know that funding for arts programs has all but disappeared and our teachers are overwhelmed with budget cuts and more. The Traveling Troupe was offered to schools at NO CHARGE - - the kids were thrilled and the adults inspired. I was not just a volunteer, I was on the staff of the CET for a term and joined with the Hovick Family in their quest to bring culture and theatre to a world in need of enlightenment through the arts. Marcia Hovick was a pioneer for this form, and many have tried to imitate her passion. Few have succeeded; and if imitation is the highest form of compliment, than Marcia has been complimented too many times to count. We cannot, nor should we allow this Institution fade in to memory.