The summer camp for children is purely based on favorites, and they give the same children time to…read moreshine over and over again while the students who are just as talented get ensemble parts with no singing or even single lines. Some kids who are arguably worse repeatedly get cast as very important roles while actual talent takes a back seat. Awful, unfair, and horrible.

We visited on Sunday to see a performance of Mr. Popper's Penguins…read more The play and all the theater staff were wonderful. There are live captioning boards on either side of the stage. If you attend, do NOT get tickets in the literal first row. We were crunched with no leg room against the stage. The bathrooms here are tiny and not accessible. I would consider returning for a different show in the future - but would sit further back.

Working with Bren has honestly been such a rewarding experience. I went from feeling like I had no…read moretalent or skill to having the confidence to take on characters I never thought I could perform! It's amazing how she helped me discover voices I never knew I had. I really appreciate her honesty--she doesn't sugarcoat anything, which helped me understand the importance of consistency, rehearsing, and putting in real work. Even on my rough rehearsal days, she encouraged me and never gave up. I learned so much from her about script writing, acting, and the business side of the voice-over industry. She also shared valuable resources I wouldn't have found on my own. Bren made sure I had everything I needed for my studio session and truly made the experience the best it could be. For that, I can't thank her enough! I now have a professional voice-over demo reel that I'm so proud to share and use for auditions. I definitely had my "I can't believe that's me--it sounds nothing like my talking voice!" moment :) Thank you, Bren!! -Eden

Bren is a wonderful teacher who has instilled in me the confidence to take my voice talents to the…read morenext level. I learned so much valuable knowledge that will serve me well as I pursue a career in voice acting. I highly recommend Bren's services for anyone looking to explore the voice over field.

I began taking class here after a friend highly recommended the studio for on2 salsa. The dance…read moreinstructors are ALL fantastic. Serena and G, in particular, have made me grow so much as a dancer in terms of musicality, technique, and improvisation. The classes are challenging, technical, but simultaneously a total delight. The masacote community is fun, welcoming, and full of fantastic dancers and friends. I can't imagine a better studio. Go now!

I joined salsa classes at Masacote in the summer of 2018. I had never really danced in my life…read moreuntil that point, especially not salsa, but I have improved significantly and I even started going to salsa socials semi-regularly. I had to stop going for a while because of work/school, but I recently started going again and I've found these classes to be the most fulfilling type of self-care. Something that sets Masacote apart is the great community. Everyone is so friendly, from Greg at the front desk, to each of the instructors and even the students in the advanced classes. Tana, Audrey and Dave are great instructors. They are very skilled dancers but they also know how to communicate and translate that into skillful instruction. They really went/go out of their way to make sure I learn what I need to learn. They call themselves the Masa Tribe. While it was hard for me to see myself as part of something like a salsa dancing club, I see now why that name makes so much sense. I really feel I'm a part of a team every Tuesday and Thursday when I go to class, and even beyond that. I really recommend these classes to anyone who wants to learn to dance, to have fun or simply to meet wonderful people and make new friends. The location at the CAC is very nice and easily accessible. There is free parking after 5 pm. And the class prices are pretty affordable too!

What a great theater nestled in a cute little neighborhood! My daughter gifted us tickets so off…read morethe JP we went. There is on street parking and a municipal lot behind the main street business. Enter through the side door and you're in the main waiting area with plenty of historic pictures and local art. The theater upstairs and you're transported to another time. Local theater is so important. The production was good and we loved seeing local actors. Would recommend.

What a special place this is! I did not realize that this group had been in operation for 100 years…read moreuntil I attended the performance yesterday. The building is a beautiful historic building. It is also wheelchair accessible. The performance of Miss Holmes was really good. Good acting, and the set was really clever and creative. They also had snacks during intermission. Only a dollar for a bag of chips or a soda! The ticket price was also very reasonable. I can't wait to see their next play!

Tima skipped foundational steps in vocal training, completely omitting core basics like…read morediaphragmatic breathing before rushing into singing. Without these essential mechanics, singing is barely manageable. It felt like she was using our paid time to gain teaching experience rather than delivering proper instruction. To make matters worse, she abruptly quit without providing any explanation. I thought our sessions were progressing well, but I suddenly received a phone call from her supervisor instructing me not to return, with no reason given for the sudden cancellation.

I have been taking lessons at the John Payne Music Center (JPMC) for thirty years and have always…read moredeeply enjoyed it. I started at the JPMC as an adult in my thirties with no musical experience. My regular lesson with John Payne has been one of the highlights of my week for many years. Through these lessons I have learned to play the alto sax and to improvise -- something I barely dared imagine I could ever do. And, as a result of experience learning and playing the alto sax, I hear music differently than I did before -- and enjoy it even more I have loved playing in the sax choir wtih Duncan Martin and as part of an ensemble with two different teachers. All of my teachers there have been outstanding: excellent musicians and warm, caring, supportive teachers. They are very good with both adults and children -- and believe fimly that adults with no previous musical experience can learn to play, to perform and enjoy it. JPMC provides a safe environment in which you can learn alone; learn to play as part of group; and, perform! John Payne is not only an inpiring teacher a wonderful human being, but is also a superb musician who plays some of the best jazz and blues you will hear anywhere. Playing in the sax choir means you get to perform onstage with John and his professional band -- one of the peak experiences of my life! I recommend the John Payne music center to anyone who wants to learn to play jazz, blues or a wide variety of other types of music.

I just completed my second term and Katherine was amazing, once again! This term, summer, is…read morecondensed into 6 weeks, but because I am moving out of the state, Katherine did all she could to help me start and finish my painting in 3 weeks. The painting was a gift to my sister and not only did the recipient love her gift from me, I loved the gift that Katherine gave me. She helped me to understand that time is precious and if it is spent wisely, any goal could be accomplished. If you are even considering taking a painting class, I would give this school a chance. It will change your view on your own creativity and your view on what it means to teach. Katherine is a gem! She, and her school, cannot be replicated or duplicated. I am sad that I will probably not be able to find anything like them where I am moving. Oh, and the ice cream breaks in the summer aren't so bad either.

The Katherine Martin Widmer School of Painting is just an example of the many wonderful things that…read moreare right before you waiting to be discovered. I have lived in the Somerville area for years now and in that time thought about how nice it would be to have a creative space. I dabbled in the fine arts in school, but without the physical space and guidance, lost the motivation to explore further. This school has allowed me the opportunity to do so. The instructor, Katherine, is a wonderful teacher, providing just the right amount of instruction and is one of many reasons why the school has such an encouraging environment. The studio itself is lovely. It's on the third floor with lots of windows and a sky light. Usually the soft voices of Billy Holiday or Nina Simone waft through the air. In addition, the students (many of whom have been attending for years) are from all different backgrounds/ages and are a pleasure to get to know.

I am so glad that accommodating does not mean that the kids can do whatever they want. That the…read morepencil points are no longer put in the erasers! Yes I understand that they cannot watch all the kids but it was very distressing using the needed erasers!

I did a class in early November and have been reaching out to ask how to pick up my pieces and…read morethere has been no response to my voicemails and emails.

Lovely local theater in Boston! The theater was recently renovated and it looks beautiful. Seats…read moreare comfortable. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The shows are an eclectic mix, but well done. I was wowed by the stories, actors, set design.

super awesome venue! i saw "eureka day" here and had a great time. all the staff were very kind and…read morechill. i got an audio headset for accessibility and it was a very easy process, took less than 5 minutes combined pickup and return. i've only sat in orchestra but i had a great view and comfortable aisle seat!