We’re moving to Florida in a few weeks, and, one of the biggest regrets I have about moving is seriously that my daughter won’t be able to be a part of BYV anymore!
My oldest daughter, now a 21 year old Musical Theatre major, has been involved in great theatre since she was 5, as has my youngest daughter, Riley, 12. Through their experiences (and my limited experiences directing and in theatre), I recognize quality theatre experiences, and when I heard about BYV, I was intrigued. It’s mission (to help the actors create their own work and empower them to tap into their own creativity) was fantastic, as was its leader, Carmel, who I know as a extremely talented, passionate, professional, experienced, and caring person. It sounded like a great mix to me, and it was! I was thrilled that Riley auditioned and was involved last year!
Riley was enthused about the experience daily from the beginning. It’s truly a different one than I’ve seen elsewhere, even with all of the fabulous theatre experiences both daughters have had, and it’s valuable. Riley and rest of the company were given the freedom and support to find their own voices and to explore and fully utilize their talents. They were challenged in the most positive way possible to stretch themselves. At the end, they showcased their creation, a production, and it was beautiful and heartfelt, but this experience is about so much more than a production. It’s also worth much more than the check from BYV that Riley excitedly held up at the end, which was a great gesture full of purposeful meaning (as everything associated with BYV is deliberate)—that these teens with their ideas and talents are valuable enough to be treated as professionals.
I wish Riley could be involved in BYV again! We’ll miss it and hope that it continues to grow. How can it not? It’s a fabulous, positive experience. Thank you, Carmel, and BYV!
Jen Corrigan
A wonderful production filled with heart and soul. The balance of humor and gravitas was perfect. And the music produced by the cast was first rate. The director's ability to draw realism from the performers in such a short amount of time is to be applauded. Altogether an amazing piece of work!
Holly Augenstein
This is an amazing organization. I'm excited for youth to have this opportunity to process what's important to them and create performance art. Columbus is lucky to have Carmel Avegnon Sanders vision and leadership. I can't wait to see what they grow into.
Melissa Kelley
It was fantastic to see young people bringing their thoughts together to create such a wonderful product! I'm happy to see an organization giving youth a voice, pun intended, and inspiring them to push past their limits. I am excited to see what is next.
Victoria Boone
Very impressive to see such wonderful youth engaged in the creative process. Their enthusiasm and talent are very evident and you can tell what a bonding experience this was. Well done!
Cynthia Nemitz Hall
This project grows from a beautiful vision of teaching and empowering youth, and the results are moving and inspiring. I'm excited for next summer!
Brendan Kelley
Amazing theatre project with a purpose and beautiful message of love, hope, and unity.
Jon Berrien
Powerful message, very thought provoking, real and honest. Loved every moment.
Christie Cookson