“We all loved the NCT Teaching Artists’ contagious positivity, warmth, joy & acceptance in everything we did together! Thanks so much and please keep up your important work of igniting youth's artistic passions in our community!”

"In drama class, I learned that I am capable."

"[The drama students] learned to be comfortable playing, cooperating, making mistakes, and being creative with others. This will be helpful in all aspects of their lives because it strengthens their empathy and confidence."

"In drama class, I learned how to communicate in English and play together."

"One particular student was very resistant to participating at the beginning of the program and demonstrated difficulty in regulating emotions; he would spend the sessions laying on the floor or sitting quietly in the corner. Over time, he would participate in small segments most often when character creation was involved. By the end of the program he was participating the entire time and had transitioned from speaking for his puppet to having the puppet ‘do the speaking.'"

"The artists always ask students what their preferences are, which makes them more invested in the overall goal of the partnership. Students across all Sites look forward to working with NCT, as it is their favorite partner."