see what people are saying about us!

Amelia - Age 13

  • We first heard about DCSPA through a friend—who had heard Garth Kravits announcing a summer camp on the radio. With no summer plans yet in place, we decided to give it a try. We registered our two daughters before truly knowing what the workshop was about… and when we told them, they cried. They protested. They were convinced this “theater camp” would ruin their free summer.

    But something remarkable happened.

    By the final day of the DCSPA summer theater workshop, those same tears returned—this time because they didn’t want it to end. In just a matter of hours, DCSPA transformed from what they believed would be the worst thing imaginable into the very best experience they had ever had. Now, they count the days until the workshop begins again.

    The DCSPA has created something truly special—an extraordinary sense of community that extends far beyond the children and embraces entire families. It is a place where every child belongs, where they are welcomed, nurtured, and supported exactly as they are. Garth and Julia, along with the entire teaching staff, approach each child from a place of strength, scaffolding their growth with intention, love, and deep respect. Every voice matters. Every child feels seen, heard, confident, and validated.

    This is not just a summer camp. The DCSPA experience lives on throughout the year. Garth and Julia carry these children in their hearts long after the summer ends—creating opportunities to reconnect, participate in events, support the Catskills community, and advocate tirelessly for equitable access to the arts. Their commitment ensures that every child and family who longs for creative expression has the chance to experience it.

    DCSPA didn’t just give our daughters a summer to remember. It gave them confidence, belonging, and a community they now call home.

    With love and deepest appreciation,

    Fatima & Carlos

  • The Delaware County School of Performing Arts has brought something truly special to our community—  a space for kids to explore their creativity, build confidence, and discover the joy of performing. 

    For children who aren’t drawn to the outdoors or athletics, (like my child) opportunities like this are invaluable. 

    Julia and Garth have poured their hearts, energy, and resources into making this school a reality, and it shows in everything they do. 

    Thank you both! 

    My daughter has been part of this family for several years, and I am so grateful for the experiences she’s had—classes, rehearsals, shows, meeting actors behind the scenes, trips to Broadway theatre- which inspires and broadens their horizons in so many ways! 

    I have tagged along to a few shows, and I can't tell you the goosebumps I get watching the kids looking at live theatre- I've seen them cry, laugh, sing, stand up in their seats; it's magical!

    As they prepare (hopefully by spring) to move into their new space in Arkville, NY- they will have more classes, more shows, and more opportunities for kids to express themselves creatively. 

    They need our community's support! 

    This school isn’t just teaching the arts—it’s giving our children a place to belong, to grow, and to dream BIG! 

    One of the best parts, Is they offer scholarships to make sure every child has the chance to participate, no kid left out and they work tirelessly to secure donations to keep this program thriving. 

    Our community’s support is crucial in helping DCSPA continue providing these incredible opportunities for our kids.

    I couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be part of DCSPA that values the arts and the amazing work they’re doing for our children! 

    Kristie Hull

  • Our son Tanner has been involved with the Delaware County School of Performing Arts since he was 11 years old and is now 13. What began as participation in the summer theater workshop has grown into something truly meaningful for him and for our family.

    Tanner absolutely loves the program. It has played a huge role in helping him come out of his shell, build confidence, and feel comfortable expressing himself in ways that didn’t come naturally before. The environment is welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive, and the instructors create a space where kids feel supported while still being challenged to grow.

    Beyond the technical skills he’s learned, the sense of community and belonging has been just as important. We genuinely look forward to picking him up from every program he participates in, because he comes out full of positive energy, excitement, and pride in what he’s accomplished.

    We are incredibly grateful for the programs offered by the Delaware County School of Performing Arts and for the dedication of the staff who make these experiences possible for students and families in our community.

    — Joe & Autumn Donnelly, parents

Sofia - age 8

  • We absolutely loved the summer theater workshop and can’t say enough good things about the experience Ruby and Wolf had. The program fostered creativity, collaboration, and speaking in front of a crowd, and encouraged the kids to think in new ways and work across age groups.

    We especially appreciated how the workshop gently pushed them out of their comfort zones and into new experiences, while still being supportive and fun. It drew on their creative wells and gave them confidence to try things they might not otherwise attempt. We would wholeheartedly recommend this program to any family looking for something both enriching and joyful for their kids.

    -Karen Paul