Random Farms Kids Theater

★★★★★Stephen Dykoschak

Overall they teach the kids how to work together as a team. Not about who has more lines or the star.

★★★★★Janna Wohl

We’ve been part of Random Farms since my almost 16-year-old was just four years old. Over the last decade, he has participated in nearly every program: the adorable Jellybeans, Workshop, the competitive Edge program for teens, the Ambassadors, and the powerful Anti-Bullying “Just Be You” tour, just to name a few. We’ve also taken full advantage of their private voice lessons, acting coaching, and audition prep, which have been exceptional. The individualized attention and expert guidance have helped our son grow tremendously—not just as a performer, but as a confident, focused young adult who hopes to make musical theater his profession. My daughter, while not as serious about theater, has also had an incredible experience. She’s made great friends and enjoyed participating in the program in a more relaxed way. That’s the beauty of Random Farms—it offers something for everyone, whether your child is a serious performer or just wants to have fun and explore the arts. The entire organization is run beautifully—everything is intentional, kid and community centered, and built to support real growth both on stage and off. The opportunities are endless: performing, directing, working behind the scenes, connecting with the community...whatever aspect of theater intrigues your child, RF has something for him or her. I often joke that Random Farms is raising my kids—but it doesn’t feel that far from the truth. The staff is the heart of this organization: thoughtful, passionate, insanely talented, and completely invested in meeting each child where he or she is. And the shows. SO GOOD. Professional, polished, beautifully costumed, and a complete joy to watch. No more pretending to have a good time at one of your kid’s performances..you'll actually mean it when you tell them you loved it ;). Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't respond to the one star review that alleges that casting is "shady." My son has been involved in many theater programs and we always marvel at how NOT corrupt casting is at RF. What happens in that room is what gets you the role. Kids who deserve the roles get the roles. As fun as it would be to donate some money and buy yourself a lead, that is unfortunately not how it works ;) Further, RF is far from money hungry as they are a not for profit organization who routinely offer scholarships. Their mission is to make the arts accessible to everyone. ANYWAY, we are endlessly grateful for everything Random Farms has given us. For those of you who are just beginning your RF journey, we are jealous (can you tell I can feel graduation from Random Farms looming and I don’t like it?)! We love you RF and you will forever be in our hearts.

★Dara Zweiman

Sadly, Random Farms uses shady tactics including nepotism. They regularly cast friends' kids in lead roles. These kids often cannot act or sing well but are connected or friends with people who run the company. My daughter has only ever gotten minuscule parts in plays and is talented. Meanwhile, many of the people who are leads, we have come to find out, have some sort of connection to the company. Also, when it came time for auditions in the last two plays she has been in, mysteriously the kids who got cast in the leads have sent in audition tapes as opposed to auditioning live with everyone else. This is no coincidence. Its shady and deplorable. They also outright refuse to give any type of refund. They are money hungry, and shady shady shady. There are so many better kids theatre companies out there who make their decisions based on merit and talent, so look elsewhere. Its clear as day that they reward those who buy in; whether its paying the unsubsidized rate (their rates are high too; $1000 for their subsidized!!), donating outright, or using their coaches to prepare for the auditions. Unless you know them personally or are willing to buy in, your kid will not shine at random farms.

★★★★★Catherine Salas

Hello everyone! If I could give this place more than 5 stars I would. The instructors are so professional and understanding. They really know what they are doing in this place. Let me explain...my daughter is shy, and is not much of a conversation starter. In public, she is quite and calm and polite. Behind doors, she is this explosively joyful child ready to take on the world. I wanted the world to see that side of her and this theater and it's personnel have provided that. My daughter gets on stage and we see that overly charismatic child who has so much to share with the world. Thank you Random Farms for being home to my daughters heart. She loves you and will forever hold you as an amazing memory in her childhood and life. I also want to add that I see bad reviews in regards to irresponsible parents who feel entitled, and feel they're kid must go on show while having to been sick and its wrong. Let's be mindful that the personnel has to think about others too and their health as well. It's part of the policy. But other than that, don't hesitate to join! Your child will LOVE this place! They also do volunteer work for the community, which is a plus.

★★★★★Michelle VanNess

My kids have been participating in shows (Jellybeans through Workshop & Lab) for the past 6 years. It is consistently the activity they look forward to each week. I am amazed what they can put together in 10 weeks. And, the organization is awesome! You know exactly when & where you need to be for every rehearsal before you sign up. The instructors are all extremely talented, patient & so enthusiastic. They are the best!