“Gifted educators as well as artists, Klassen-Landis and Zerphy connect with students both on stage and in the classroom—a rare combination in our ever more specialized world. They care about process as well as product, about the spontaneity where learning and fun intersect. Most of all, they care about children. Children’s Voices Theatre’s performances and residencies are inspiring jumping-off places for every child with an imagination, whether motivated or disinclined to write. I wish these guys were around when I was first learning to skip rope with the muse!”
—CP Boswell, Executive Director, Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon, New Hampshire

“Good message that can’t be overemphasized: Let’s all be writers. Allow everyone’s voice.”
—Piper Pond Scalabrin, School Nurse, Grantham Elementary School, Grantham, New Hampshire

“My students loved re-enacting pieces back in the classroom as I read them.”
—Ginny White, teacher, Hartland Elementary School, Hartland, Vermont

“The dramatizations of the children's writing really put the pizzazz into the words. Students enjoyed the performance very much. You could see in their faces how the words came to life for them. Teachers remarked at how well done and helpful the study guide was, too. I used your story starting technique of imagining yourself as an animal to write from that perspective—My students now use that strategy on their own to come up with ideas to write about.”
—Anne Bouchard, teacher, School Street School, Lebanon, New Hampshire

“The harmonica sequence was a great way to get children to see and hear that they can discover new talents. You introduced us to mime, poetry, chanting and storytelling—various forms of expression that you made exciting and “cool.” You gave credit to children authors by name and home state, which made these media more accessible to your audience. All of this you did in an enjoying and entertaining way.”
—Sarah Morgan, Grantham Elementary School, Grantham, New Hampshire

“Michael and Marv have created a show (It’s Fun to Write) that is diverse and engaging. It was intriguing and so much fun to see the kids get so excited to rush off and write their own poems and stories after seeing other kids’ writing come to life on stage. The show introduces to them the concept that performance comes from written words, which begin in the imagination. Imagination to page to stage!”
—Sabrina Brown, Executive Director, Pentangle Council on the Arts, Woodstock, Vermont

“Marv brings to an audience, through his poetry, an energy and originality that appeals to all ages. He leaves the listener wanting to hear more and do more with words and rhythm and rhyme. I highly recommend Marv as a performer and poet who can meet an audience where they are and draw them into a memorable experience with his poetry.”
—Jan Landes, librarian, Hinkletown Mennonite School, Hinkletown, Pennsylvania

Dear Michael: Thank you for coming to D.J. Bakie School again to work your magic with the students and staff. Our goals include the celebration of diversity and the commitment to provide opportunities for every child to develop diverse talents. Your residency in our school has made a substantial contribution to keeping this commitment.... The students who learned to perform have made great strides in development of their poise and ability to use movement to communicate.... The integration of literacy and the arts was paramount in the fable taught to students for the performance.... Sprinkled through all of your work with core group and classroom students, as well as the staff, is an element of magic and surprise, fun and delight.
—Dr. Joyce B. Hughes, Principal, D.J. Bakie School, Kingston, New Hampshire

“Today I thought it was marvelous. Marv has a great personality. He has a great voice when he reads.”
—Diary entry from a third grade student, Quechee, Vermont

“Integrating the Vermont Standards with your creative approach to the teaching of poetry was terrific.... Your ease with the children was inspiring.... For inspiration, professionalism, and flexibility in scheduling, thank you for your skills. We were all touched as learners and teachers.”
—Judi Simon-Boutin, Enrichment Coordinator, Hartland Elementary School, Hartland, Vermont

It is my sincere pleasure to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of theatre/mime artist Michael Zerphy.... His diverse programs have consistently received excellent evaluations from presenting organizations and appeal to audiences of all ages. Michael is particularly skilled at doing residencies, which include workshops, lecture-demonstrations, classes as well as performances, in schools and communities.... His versatility, professionalism, artistic integrity, and wonderful, outgoing personality have made him popular with presenters.
—Judy Rigmont, Community Arts Coordinator, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, Concord, New Hampshire

“Marv’s strong suits are enthusiasm, flexibility, and the positive message: ‘You can do it!’”
—Sylvia Provost, Excel Coordinator, Woodstock Elementary School, Woodstock, Vermont