Testimonials

What Our Alumni Say

Actor ('Yellowstone', 'Chicago P.D.')

"Working on plays with Odyssey as a young theatre artist was hugely formative for me - I made friends, developed confidence and learned how to act. Without opportunities like those provided by Odyssey it’s safe to say I wouldn’t be an actor today."

ESL Teacher , Bali, Indonesia

" Odyssey Theatre wasn't just a stage for me, but a launching pad for life. After graduating with an International Relations/PoliSci/Spanish degree, the first real job I found was as Technical Director at a non-profit theatre were I used skills I learned (programming, focusing lights, managing tech crews and working with performers) from Odyssey workshops. Thank you Karla for helping me find my confidence to fearlessly go out into the world. "

Freelance Lighting Designer and Draftsperson

"Odyssey Theatre for the Young of Art was where it all began for me! Without Karla Steffens and her team, I wouldn't have known that Lighting Design existed, let alone be able to start a career in the craft! I now live in New York City and regularly work for clients like NBC! "

Grace Moran- Secondary Drama Teacher, Queens College, Palma, Mallorca

"I would certainly not be the person I am today were it not for the community that Karla Steffens has built through Odyssey Theatre. It is rare to find a space so welcoming of everyone; where students from the ages of 5 to 85 are seen, heard, respected, and above all wholeheartedly trusted to put together a show for their friends and family. Yes, the program develops theatre skills, but it also intrinsically fosters curiosity, collaboration, and our desire to lean in and really listen and empathize with stories of the heart. "

Krob Family, Mount Vernon

" Our kids have benefited greatly from years of involvement with Odyssey Theatre with Karla. This is a program built with an “all are welcomed” and “all are supported” culture that encourages, anyone who has an interest, to give theatre a try. Our kids returned year after year because this is a safe space to create and build skills without the pressure of a set outcome. Each show is unique and completely what the kids make it to be! "

Jefferson White

Odyssey Theatre is a safe, loving environment where my children learned to be brave and confident where my daughter's love of theatre started and has grown into a desire to continue theatre post high school."

Kristen Robinson

Odyssey theatre is a great educational program that encouraged me to express myself through theatre."

Korah Jo Robinson

Odyssey is all about learning: learning stage directions, learning lines, learning to speak so people can hear you, learning to listen. As an adult actor in the holiday shows, I love that adults and children are learning together. We are all listening to the same director and depending on each other as equals. Odyssey has been one of my very favorite learning experiences. I've been involved in many shows and learn something new every time. I would have loved being involved in Odyssey as a child!"

Amy White

Karla and Odyssey Theatre have had a great impact on my family for generations. I participate, and my children and my grandchildren have been a part of this safe, fun and educational experience. It's purely magical!"

Kim Benesh