Testimonials

“Anthony is a beloved member of our school community. Without fail, every year innerACT Theatre brings enthusiastic content-based integrated drama lessons to our students. Students at our school absolutely love when it's their turn to have their drama residency sessions. From their involvement in the interactive curriculum-based drama lessons, students simultaneously learn content and theatrical skills that impact them beyond the classroom setting. Students are able to practice being team players, gain self-confidence, explore their creativity, and HAVE FUN! innerACT Theatre is a true gem and a valued addition to any school!”

— Marly Parker
Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School, Waterbury, CT

“It was an honor and a privilege to work with Anthony DePoto in my 6th grade classroom this year.  From day one he engaged my classes with his charm and wit. It is important in teaching to have your students buy into the subjects we are selling and my students were sold from the word hello.  His ability to bring our social studies curriculum alive with the craft of scriptwriting and performance art was well beyond my expectations. With his guidance, my students were able to create and perform wonderful pieces of their own design which we used to evaluate their understanding of the material being taught. I highly recommend his talents and look forward to the day when we can collaborate again. Bravo Mr. DePoto!”

— Michael Young
Ashford School, Ashford, CT

Our experience with innerACT Theatre has been nothing short of delightful. Anthony and Joey teach improvisation classes to both our Middle School and High School students. Not only are they punctual, and communicative, but most importantly, they really connect with our students. Anthony and Joey maintain an open, yet focused classroom atmosphere that allows the kids to freely explore scenes and storytelling exercises. Even those students who are not directly interested in theatre come away from their classes with improved confidence and social skills. We highly recommend innerACT to any program looking to offer theatre classes.

— Shea Coughlin
Education Without Walls, New Milford, CT

Anthony has been working with my children for the past 3 years. I have also had the pleasure of working with him coordinating classes for groups of children, and my husband has worked with him on sound and lighting for productions. Our entire family loves working with Anthony! He brings enthusiasm and professionalism to everything he does. Somehow he manages to keep a group of active energetic kids on task, productive, and happy. The kids love him! He is fun and supportive, and makes classes and productions exciting, rather than nerve wracking. I've seen kids succeed in a stage production who were terrified of the idea of performing for an audience - and the confidence they gained was immeasurable. Anthony's classes are amazing, I highly recommend them!

— Jenny Merchant
Workspace Education, Bethel, CT

“I am a 5th grade teacher who has had the privilege of work with Anthony and innerACT Theater for 3 years now. InnerACT comes to my classroom and and implements workshops combining curriculum and standards with theatre, acting, and expression. innerACT allows students to apply what they learn in reading, writing, science, and math in a theatrical manner. The program creatively incorporates using students’ bodies, imagination, and oral language skills to both demonstrate understanding of concepts, but also develops self-confidence in areas such as performance and public speaking. InnerAct provides students with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while developing communication, collaborative, higher-order thinking, and self-confidence skills. InnerAct uses techniques that promote team building and ensemble work. This theatre education cultivates personal interaction and helps children present themselves in a well-rounded, confident manner, while meeting educational expectations.

I have observed significant change in my students throughout the implementation of the innerACT workshops. Just last week the students had to publish a biography report and share out in front of the entire class. I noticed an incredible increase of confidence - students were not as nervous to speak publicly and used some of innerACT strategies to make their presentations more engaging. Some students even acted out some of the moments in their biography subject’s life! I also have noticed a change in the way my students handle conflict. Instead of confrontation, many of my students are able to express their thoughts and feelings much more clearly than ever before. I can attribute this to the activities practiced during the workshops that reinforce verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

I would highly recommend this program to any and all teachers who are looking for a fun and engaging way to support curricular expectations. Anthony is a pleasure to work with and makes the workshops as simple as possible. He will send you his plans and ideas well in advance and does not require any extra work from the teacher other than participation in the workshops. This is an excellent program and should be a staple in all schools!”

— Mallory, Waterbury, CT