Testimonials

My 6-year-old son has tried lots of activities: gymnastics, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, art class, and drum lessons, and each time he has started out enthusiastic and ended up resistant and reluctant to go. Unity Stage is the first extracurricular experience that he has absolutely LOVED. On a regular basis, he says, “Mom, I wish it was Tuesday, because that would mean I’d be going to Unity Stage.” I am thrilled he has found something that makes him so happy. Unity Stage is a wonderful self-esteem building community, and being part of a theatrical production builds the same valuable skills you find in sports: discipline, focus, and being a team player. Being part of this group is bringing pure joy to my son and subsequently, to me. I am grateful to have found it.

Our daughter and son have been involved with Unity Stage for the better part of a decade, and we’ve been delighted with each production, year after year. Both kids have learned so much—about teamwork and timing, confidence and composure, and mostly just how much fun it is to perform with your peers after months and months of practice. We’ve loved being part of the community of parents as well, watching other neighborhood kids blossom and grow into fearless performers. Many heartfelt thanks to Sofia and everyone at Unity Stage for sharing their love of the theater with all of us.

Our daughter Marie, has been part of Unity Stage since she was 6 years old. Other extracurricular activities have come and gone, but Unity Stage has been a constant, year after year. It has opened up a world of music, acting, teamwork and lasting friendships that she cherishes. The young woman in her third “teen show” has come a long way from the 6 year old in “How To Eat Like A Child ” in 2011. MJ’s and Danny’s leadership, guidance and willingness to let the cast have their own creative input is brave and it works. I cannot imagine Marie’s childhood without this experience.

My daughter has grown up with Unity Stage. In addition to learning a love of the stage, she has learned so much more: confidence, collaboration, and a deep respect for the individuality of each of her fellow actor’s gifts. Unity Stage has fostered a supportive sense of family and belonging which is so critical for children who don’t always go to school with their neighbors. Every year, we look forward to seeing the creative development of this special group of caring performers and are rewarded with shows that constantly exceed our grandest expectations.

Unity Stage has been an absolute joy in our lives for the past five years. Each year we have seen our son’s confidence and skills grow. My favorite aspect is how he has shown ownership and initiative by learning his lines and practicing his roles on his own. And, of course, the sense of cooperation and collaboration is fantastic. I am always so impressed by how much the creative staff accomplishes with the kids in just one rehearsal a week.

We are so thrilled that our younger son has joined and seems to enjoy it just as much as his big brother. We hope that we will remain a part of the Unity Stage family for many more years.

Our child wasn’t even sure he wanted to be in a local musical theatre group, but he quickly found his place among the enthusiastic bunch at Unity Stage. Under the friendly encouragement and guidance of the talented staff at Unity, he has blossomed into a strong young singer and actor. He has made friends, found support, and he can relax and really be himself – an important environment for a tween boy – Unity Stage has become part of who he is, and is nurturing who he will become.”

This summer my two daughters got to perform in a top-shelf production of Bye Bye, Birdie – at a price that would make any parent envious. What Sofia Geier has brought to our Queens neighborhood is nothing short of a godsend. Her work should be applauded and supported.

As an art teacher who runs my own visual arts program in Queens, I appreciate and embrace any initiative taken by artists to bring more culture, art, and entertainment to the community. Hearing about Unity Stage I jumped on the opportunity to send both my kids to attend the program. The feedback from the kids was great! They thoroughly enjoyed it and their final performance was fantastic!!! I think that Unity Stage is a community organization that should be fully supported.

Unity Stage is the highlight of the week for both of my kids. My older child has gained so much confidence through her two years with Unity and deepened her friendships with other neighborhood kids. Her younger sister joined the program last year and discovered a real love of acting. I am so grateful to have Unity in our community. We look forward to next year’s show!

Unity Stage has been an amazing experience for my daughter.  Being in her first production brought out such a love for musical theater.  Unity Stage is a wonderful environment for learning to love the arts and to build confidence and just have a fun time.  We are excited to be a part of this year’s show and love being a part of the Unity Stage community.

My daughters have enjoyed Unity Stage for three seasons and productions now and they can’t wait to return for more. Sofia and her team have helped cultivate their love of live theatre along with the idea that hard work, both individually and as a team, is a worthwhile experience. It has been so wonderful watching them grow more confident on stage over the years. We are so grateful for this group in our community.

Six years ago, when we signed our son up for his first season of Unity Stage, we thought that he would enjoy spending time with neighborhood kids and that we would get to enjoy a cute performance in the spring. We had no idea how much confidence and joy this program would give him—that a season would hardly be over before he’d start asking when he could sign up again, that he’d take such pride in the skills he learned and the roles he tackled, or that he’d make such amazing, long-lasting friendships. He’s loved the program so much that our daughter could hardly wait to join him in it; since she was finally old enough to start Unity Stage this past year, we’ve been thrilled to see her thrive in the same manner. Our kids do a lot of extracurricular activities, but Unity Stage stands out for its value and for the sense of cooperation it teaches—the camaraderie of pursuing a common goal and lifting up those around you—all while instilling a love of performing. It is such an amazing addition to our community, and we can’t wait for the next season to begin!

Participating in Unity Stage was a wonderful introduction to musical theater for our daughter, giving her the chance to work with experienced professionals in music, drama and dance.  It was especially gratifying to see her take feedback seriously and grow as a performer and team player.  For a child still exploring her interests and strengths (and in a busy family trying to make limited time for activities count) it was a perfect fit.

Not only did Clara’s confidence as an artistic interpreter blossom during her time at Unity Stage, but she also received a wonderful introduction to culturally relevant works. The staff at Unity Stage has high expectations for the young actors while also providing a fun and nurturing atmosphere.  We will be forever grateful that Clara discovered her love for theater at Unity Stage! 

Unity Stage has been a true artistic launching pad for my children.  They have honed their singing, acting, and dancing skills, and have developed what I hope will be a life-long love of musical theater.  Through the rehearsal process, they have sharpened their focus, memorization, and teamwork skills. And really, there’s no better feeling than seeing your kid shine on stage. It is such a gift for parents and children!

We are so grateful to have Unity Stage in Jackson heights! Unity has inspired and nurtured a love of musical theater in my child and her friends. It’s a great community of hard working, talented kids  (led by the hard working and talented Sofia, Andrea, and Josh.) The final shows always blow us away, and the actors look forward to the weekly rehearsals too. Thank you Unity!