Mary Ward Acting/Improv

"I love being with Mary and being in her class! Over the past few years, Mary has taught me so much. I’m learning every second of class and in the most fun and exciting ways possible! I always feel I can bring my ideas and thoughts to whatever we are doing in class. Mary is receptive and collaborative, and she always makes me feel seen. I feel so happy in her class and look forward to being with Mary every week." ~~ Clara O., 7th grade, Rhinebeck

"Mary's adult improv class has become an essential break from the madness of adulting. I get to leave my work and family behind and explore parts of myself I never knew I had in me. It's better than therapy! And a lot more fun!" ~~ Craig R., Red Hook

"My three children have been taking improv classes with Mary for several years, and it's an activity they always look forward to; never dragging their feet to attend, like some other outside of school activities. They come home energized and happy! Their experience with improv has made them more comfortable performing and presenting in other areas of their lives - more so than I ever was at their age! They also love Mary's Bits of Broadway camp. It is part of the summer they always look forward to!" ~~ Jennifer B., Rhinebeck

"It’s an INSANELY fun time! It's the best kind of school I’ve ever been in!" ~~ Harry R., 6th grade, Red Hook

"I started taking acting and improv classes with Mary in 4th grade and continued all the way through high school. Having a designated time to hang out with peers and be silly and playful but also vulnerable and real allowed me to meet some of my very best friends. Those friendships are ones that have been built through trust, empathy and lots and lots of giggling. I learned skills like collaboration, creativity problem solving, and adaptability. Now that I’m in college, I still use those skills. Pretty much everything I do comes back to the basic tenets of “Yes, and”. This acceptance of what someone is offering you and the active decision to add to it feels applicable to every positive social interaction I’ve had, the kind of relationships I want to build." ~~ Oona S., Rhinebeck

"Learning the structure of improv and immersing myself in the experience is so rewarding for me. I can’t think of any other challenge that has resulted in so much self-awareness and laughter. Mary sets the stage for a great group of adults to get together and let themselves go with respect and encouragement for each other. Super fun!" ~~ Cary K., Barrytown

“I really want to be an actor when I grow up, and I love being in true acting and improv classes with Mary. I’ve made new friends, too. My favorite improv so far is Hitchhiker, but I love all of it. Mary also organized a field trip for us to see The Outsiders on Broadway last spring and it was my first Broadway musical. It was awesome and I’m definitely hooked on all of it!” ~~ Kailyn K., 8th grade, Red Hook

"We’ve been taking improv classes and camps with Mary Ward for several years now and really enjoy it! It’s one of our favorite after school activities and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. We definitely recommend these classes/camps for anyone who wants to learn more about acting or just wants to find a fun new activity with other people who share the same interest in performing!" ~~ Skye and Janey D., 7th grade, Rhinebeck