"I had the most enjoyable experience at San Diego’s Lyceum Theatre. On that night, I saw a performance of RENT, presented by ACT - San Diego.

For starters, I have to admit that RENT is not a show I thought I needed to see more than once. However, on Saturday evening, I was completely enamored by your production. From the scenic design and elements, to the performances and musicality of the show to Tiffany Jane’s choreography and Leigh Scarritt’s direction, to the band, which I believe to have been comprised of young people too (from what I could see).

As a local producer, I have seen numerous shows featuring young adults, but I have NEVER seen a young cast deliver a piece of mature theatre like I did on Saturday. It was clear from the very beginning that Leigh’s very capable hands had messaged the piece so beautiful that at times I even forgot I was watching kids. What still reverberates around in my head is the fact that even the most tender and dramatic moments came across as being honest. And forget about the voices, which were truly amazing... Especially the women’s.

Kudos to all of you for uplifting San Diego’s talented young community and for bringing worthwhile theatre to the San Diego stage. Keep them coming!"

Anthony Bollotta
President
Bollotta Entertainment

"Saw RENT directed by Leigh Scarrit and choreographed by Leigh's daughter Tiffany. I could have been sitting at a Broadway show for all I knew: I was lost in the play. It took me to another world-to my own childhood and teen and young adult years. It was inspired and cared for like a child and every single performer, technician and musician gave their full attention and concentration and heart and soul to the evening. The standing room only audience was aglow with the light that shines when art comes through young people. And when that art happens to be a play that could seem too risky to some to engage in - it is even more powerful. If this script had been written and performed by youth when I was a kid- I would have been spared much suffering and loneliness. I would have been inspired and enlivened. Thank you Act-San Diego for taking the risk. Thank You Leigh Scarrit for breathing your talent and love of art and young folk into the text, the actors, the singers and the choreographer, who you literally gave life to. Keep it up- Act up!"

Gail Feldman
Former artistic director Women's REP and Diversionary Theater

"As a veteran working professional in the entertainment industry and very involved in local theatre here in San Diego, I must bang the drum LOUDLY for ACT - San Diego, I have worked with many professional top name entertainers in the various fields of concert and corporate productions, as well as stage, TV, film, and other youth theatre companies here and LA. This is the most polished and professional group of young actors to work with; they are dedicated and committed to presenting the most entertaining theatre experience for all. The company is so very fortunate to have Leigh Scarritt driving the train. She is just so amazing to work with and to watch her process and tweak this show to make it that much better adds to the enthusiasm of working with this group. Leigh also inspires and challenges the production team to raise the bar to compliment the actors. Leigh trusts her production team to deliver without production values upstaging the actors. Her input and insight is so right on. I am fascinated watching her process. She is also an incredible talent on her own right. I am so jazzed to be part of this production team and to be working with these incredibly talented and gifted young actors. ACT – San Diego’s production of this show will set the standard for future youth productions of RENT - School Edition."

CM

Thank you so very much for the generosity of spirit and kindness of heart you showed to us today. The amazing seats and the amazing performances and show made our day!

I'm sure you're very proud of your considerable accomplishment and the staggering professionalism with which the proceedings were carried out. So good to know you!

Ruff Yeager
Artistic Director Vox Nova Theatre
Playwright, Actor

Joanne Couvrette
Executive Director San Diego Master Chorale

Lisa Cavanaugh, Parent

A very blessed mother

Mary Jane Hoffinger, Parent

Peter Hoban, Performer

Derrick Gaffney, Performer

"ACT - San Diego's RENT-School Edition was not only the best youth theatre production I have ever seen, it surpassed most professional shows as well. The attention to detail from the leads to the ensemble members in the back row was obvious. Leigh Scarritt is a genius at bringing out the very best in young actors and staging a production that is unflinching in its commitment to professionalism and quality. The board members of ACT - San Diego are hands-on and, as caring parents too, are always looking out for the kids in addition to working tirelessly to produce a truly high quality show. RENT - School Edition has been an experience that my son and our entire family will never forget. Truly remarkable!"

Heidi Maretz, Parent

"The experience I had with ACT - San Diego during RENT - School Edition was the most amazing experience of my life. RENT was the first show I've ever done and it was just amazing to be a part of such a phenomenal show. I made some really great friends and had one of the best summers of my life."

Leah Fung, Performer

"Bravo, congratulations and thank you.  RENT - School Edition was a most amazing production. The staging, the talent and the obvious passion of the actors was incredible. This was truly a Broadway quality performance. Kudos to Leigh Scarritt and all of the ACT team."

Judy & John Silbert, Parents

"I must say, this has been the best work I've ever done. It is also the most professional company that I have ever worked with. The thing that I am particularly impressed with in ACT is that you learn about your craft and how to make it better through doing a show. Miss Leigh is not completely worried about the final product until tech, which gives her time to work with us to learn about our character and our technique and development. At other companies, you have to pay extra for classes and camps, etc. and then maybe even a production fee. That doesn't happen with ACT. At the end of the process, there is a reward, and that's the best reward of all - the final product of the show and the turnout. It brings joy to me to know how much I've grown with this company. I can see doors to my future opening up in front of me, and with this company's help, I'm prepared and on my game, ready for whatever's going to come out of the door. Thank you ACT - San Diego and Miss Leigh for helping me pave another road to brilliant things!"

Dylan Hoffinger, Performer

"As a young performer, I am so glad to be a part of ACT - San Diego. You are always surrounded by the most talented smiling faces, from the cast and crew, to the families involved with ACT. Everyone is always so great and such a pleasure to work with. When you are with ACT "All is Well."

Kaitlyn Baker, Performer

"Your Saturday (8/15/09) matinee performance of RENT was touching and inspiring. It's hard to believe that the actors are high school students. Their acting and singing was Broadway caliber. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and Leigh Scarritt for bringing such quality theatre to San Diego."

Lainie Davidson, Patron

"You have gone beyond the scope of a "job well done". What I saw tonight was a complete transformation of a beginning performance company into a definite staple of entertainment in the near future. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown by ACT - San Diego is not a production for the family of the company alone to see. It is a brilliantly arranged classic that should be enjoyed by all.

You know you are witnessing something special when you are watching such young performers without viewing them as actors, but seeing them as the characters they are portraying. I actually saw the "Peanuts Gang" on stage tonight. And I smiled from the moment the music began to the moment... well, I'm still smiling, mostly from the reminder of innocence that Charles Schultz envisioned when he created "Peanuts" (which was passed on seamlessly by ACT - San Diego), but partially from the shock of the unexpected expertise of harmony and rhythm of such a young cast. You would expect with a cast this young to have a lot of "cute" mistakes commonly associated with children's shows. On the contrary, each of these children are professionals with a gift.

The direction and production of tonight's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown was spectacular, and I am excited to watch it again from a different seat with a different view. There was so much going on during so many moments that one viewing just isn't enough. And besides, it doesn't hurt to have another night full of an all around feeling of goodness.

Thank you for the future long term memories."

JW

"First of all, thank you so much for assisting us with putting together this experience. The students had an absolutely amazing time! For many students, this was their first experience of watching a full production of a performing arts event. Believe it or not, for many of our students this was their first time downtown as well. Each and every student and adult left the theater completely excited. In addition, listening to the students talk about the event on Monday morning during our morning assembly brought great joy to me."

"My students really loved it. It was a wonderful (and new) experience for them, thank you!"

"My students are still talking about it!"

Principal and Teachers, Golden Ave. School

"...all of us at Rady Children's are grateful for special people like you who go the extra mile to show that you care for the children of our community.  We are delighted to be able to offer these complimentary tickets to our patients and families.  The play will certainly provide a welcome break during treatment and give them the opportunity to spend quality time together at a fun night at the theatre."

David B. Gillig,
Senior Vice President and Executive Director Rady Children's Hospital

"Our daughter is thrilled to be a part of ACT- San Diego. We have found ACT to have all the qualities you want in a theater company. Everything from how fair and organized the auditions are run, to rehearsals that are run with great efficiency. We feel that ACT really strives to be the best thing out there for youth theatre. While pushing them to be the best they can be it is done in a professional loving environment. The kids are expected to be amazing and they are! Our family is so grateful to have this five star theatre company available to kids in San Diego. Come and see one of their amazing productions you will be a fan too of ACT - San Diego!"

Beth Mercer, Parent

"ACT- San Diego is a theatre company that has many great attributes to go along with the talent in their shows. Unlike many popular theatre companies, ACT- San Diego is not intimidating and ultra-competitive. As such, it provides a wonderful forum for both seasoned young actors, as well as those looking for a place to begin pursuing their theatre ambitions. ACT- San Diego is a company that provides a very family friendly environment to actors of all ages. Working with Leigh Scarritt provides the best direction possible for each scene in a show. She will not stop until the “work” is brilliant. This is what separates ACT- San Diego from other companies and allows actors a place where they can expect a challenge and rise to it."

Matt Maretz, Performer
Winner of 2008 National Youth Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Radames in AIDA

"ACT - San Diego is an absolutely marvelous company.  My daughter participated this past summer in both the senior and junior productions of High School Musical.  I watched this timid 10 year old blossom into a veteran thespian in a very short period of time guided by Director Leigh Scarritt and Choreographer Rayme Sciaroni.  The board of directors is a dedicated group of professionals that made such great decisions from conception through to performance.  I highly recommend to all parents to get their children involved with ACT - San Diego.  The rewards are absolutely phenomenal."

Philip Eugene Cox, Parent

"We are proud to say that both are children are in the current production of ACT - San Diego. Our kids have been with at least 5 other youth theatre companies over the years and Act is truly at the top of the list. The professional way that all the kids and families are treated makes it the best environment around for youth theatre in San Diego. The board of directors makes sure that they pick the best staff possible. We are privileged to have Leigh Scarritt as the director of the current production. Leigh’s expertise and amazing skills will make this current show the best in San Diego youth theatre! We feel blessed to be part of ACT - San Diego."

Parent

"I would just like to tell you what a joy it is being a part of this particular ”High School Musical" experience.    Having been involved in several other plays in the San Diego area we are so impressed with the level of Professionalism and talent that is being imparted to these children lucky enough to being involved with this production. 
 
From the auditions right on into the rehearsal experience everyone is informed thoroughly what is expected of them and what they are to do and then everyone just gets to it! Leaving little time for idle comments, complaints or interruptions, which far too often interrupts one third of all rehearsal time and energy.

Leigh Scarritt brings a level of Professionalism so needed in our Theatre experience.  With her high regard for our children and her extremely positive attitude and her way of imparted that to the children is amazing and will raise the level of enthusiasm all these kids will bring to this production.  We are all blessed and grateful to be a part of it all."   

Tiffany Skiles, Parent

"This is my second year with ACT San Diego, and I have loved how professional the company and board always treats the cast and crew, and as an aspiring young actress, I am honored to be working with someone as talented as Leigh Scarritt as our director. She truly treats us professionally and always strides towards "personal excellence", which I have always believed is a great way to get kids like myself to show off their talent to the best of our ability. I hope to do many more musicals with this wonderful company in the future!"

Torrey Mercer, Performer -
1st Place Winner Del Mar TV Idol

"Unbelievable! High School Musical is the "GREASE" of 2008. Much better than the movie, with a crazy talented cast and directed by San Diego's finest, Leigh Scarritt. This is one spectacular production for all ages-including the parents. Don't miss it!"

Karen Knapp, Parent

"With Leigh Scarritt as director, and Rayme Sciaroni as choreographer/musical director, and an oober fun and talented cast, you really can't go wrong."

Sarah Knapp, Performer -
Featured soloist with the San Diego Radio Awards, The Magical Symphony Youth Orchestra, and as a “Star of the Future” for BRAVO San Diego. Performed duet with Legendary Songwriter & 3 time Academy Award Winner, Ray Evans.

Dalena Cozakos, Performer

C. Tharp, Parent