I'm really surprised to see some of the negative reviews because my daughter and several of her friends have been in Standing Ovation productions for around 7 years. Throughout this time I have never seen or heard any negative responses from the children or their families. Sometimes I sit in on rehearsals and I've always been impressed with how the participants remain focused on the projects at hand. Seeing a large group of children concentrating on their work and not "messing around" while rehearsing is impressive to me. I really appreciate the work ethic of the participants, especially since this is a behavior that you don't see much of among modern children these days. For years my child has eagerly and regularly attended Standing Ovation productions. For the past couple of years she has also been an assistant, working with the younger people. This has been a valuable experience for her and she also continues to participate in productions with her peer group. There's a certain amount of self discipline that is necessary to pursue the performing arts. That self discipline is something my daughter developed largely through Standing Ovations. This troupe may not be right for every child and family, but I am extremely happy with the way I've seen Barrett work with my daughter and her friends. His rehearsals are always open to visitors and I give him 5 stars across the board. read more

My boss' daughter is a student of Barrett, and I was so incredibly impressed with his production of "Sheer Luck Holmes." The kids were having so much fun when performing while also learning so much about theater. My boss was brought to tears when she saw how much work everyone involved put into the production. The performance was intimate and felt like such a special event. Her daughter also works for Barrett helping the younger kids get ready for productions, and she loves it. I personally have met Barrett on a couple of occasions, and you can really tell how much he loves what he does. These kids are so lucky to have him and experience such passion. He is appropriately "hard" on the kids, but they're all life lessons they should be learning anyway. I hope I get to see many more of his plays! read more

I was surprised by the negative comments about Barrett/Standing Ovations on here. My daughter just entered elementary school this year, and we were interested in trying out drama. On that first day, although my daughter was a little hesitant, Barrett was funny, engaging, and inclusive of all the children in the class. At the same time, he had good control of the group (despite the varying ages from as young as 5 to 13 and large size of the group of maybe 15-20 kids). Because my daughter was so young, I was initially concerned about how well she would do in such a big mixed group of kids. But every week, she told me how much fun she had, all the things she learned, and the friends she made. Each encounter I have had with Barrett has been professional and warm. Yes, sometimes he's loud (but what drama teacher isn't, especially in a large group of gregarious, energetic kids?). Sometimes he has to be stern, but in my experience, he hasn't done it needlessly. Instead, I've observed that he emphasizes teamwork among the kids--letting them know if one person doesn't pull their weight, it affects the whole production. That's reality in life, and that's a skill I want my child to learn. My experience has been that he works with the kids to build their confidence and my daughter has definitely gained so much from Barrett and his group. read more

My 10 years old son has begun acting in France as we believed in this art as a wonderful developments in complimentary of the academic school. He was just ok not really convinced but he did it like " ok my parents wants me to try that, i'm gonna playing the game". Then we moved to US california and we wanted to continue the process with Barrett. After the 1st show "Parry hotter" he decided himself to multiply the show.The second Year was made by practicing two show with an intense schedule and with smile and motivation. Thank you Barrett. read more

We love Standing Ovations!! My daughter has been with Barrett for eight years and we've never had anything less than a positive experience. The mash-up of pop culture with original music and stories brings a freshness not often seen in children's theater. Barrett provides positive support and aims to provide an environment where kids can learn responsibility and teamwork while having fun! read more

Indianapolis Temple of gloom!! Another wonderful production by Barrett. This is great for kids who love to act & a great introduction to theatre. This is my daughter's 4th year & she still loves it. I love that it guides her towards being responsible & independent while having fun, she's always happy to go, never a "can I skip today", even though her class is on a Friday after school. What I love most is how seriously the kids take themselves & own the show, hustling & scramming to put it all together, no matter how big or small their part, they're all in it together. Barrett is focused & a good acting coach the kids get him & seem to love him. read more

My daughters started with Barrett/ Standing Ovations this year as part of their after school program. They were quickly engaged and looking forward to their class every week. Barrett is professional, fun and creative and kids love working with him. We'll continue to go to his productions! read more

You're the best - so glad we found you, We were recommended to you by a friend. We're very appreciative of exactly who you are and how you operate, and excited about my son's future with your theatre company. He's having a great time and learning a lot from you guys. read more

Our family has had wonderful experiences with Barrett and his tribe for the past 3 years. Mr. Lindsay Steiner has very high expectations for students wishing to pursue the arts and he delivers outstanding performances. If your kid doesn't know his/her lines, he will call him/her out - that doesn't seem like too much to ask. Barrett puts his heart and soul into his performances and teaches dedication and responsibility. I honestly feel that being part of Standing Ovations has changed my son's life and it has made him enjoy his elementary school experience more than he would otherwise. read more

Our daughter has attended Standing Ovations for 4 years now and we have seen her blossom from a very shy kid to one that is so much more outgoing and easily handles new environments. Her confidence-in all walks of life has really shown through since joining Barrett's camp/classes. She loves the whole experience leading up to the performance. Having fun while learning discipline and flexibility to handle every curveball along the way without flinching. These skills work on stage and work in the classroom and soccer field too. We highly recommend Standing Ovations!! read more

M family had a similar experience to those described. I am understating the situation to say that Barrett was very unprofessional and quite mean to the young children. My daughters attended the rehearsals and never said anything about how awful he was until I watched the dress rehearsal. I was shocked seeing that someone as unkind and hot tempered was working with children. I asked my little girls about it afterward, and they said that is how he usually is. I decided to not send my children back for the last performance as I felt very uncomfortable with his behavior, and their friends told them that Barrett was furious that they weren't there. I thought this was an exaggeration, but a few weeks later my husband ran into Barrett in public with our children and Barrett started yelling at and threatening my husband in front of our little girls. They were terrified. When we see him at school they hide behind me. I can't say strongly enough that I do not recommend this camp. read more

Very impressed, and it was so much fun to watch. We were in awe of these great kids and director. A big plate of praise for Lemony Snickerdoodle! read more

Barrett is such a good teacher and I adore his plays. It seems some parents are upset that he expects more of his students. Everyone involved with his program becomes such a better actor and team player. Keep it up, Barrett! read more

My kids and I went to see some of their friends in a 'Standing Ovations' performance...we were so impressed by the humor and talent of the children (and Barrett) that they enrolled in their after school program in the fall. His plays are satirical, witty, and incredibly entertaining!! Barrett is extremely passionate and is a gifted teacher. He has an admirable ability at encouraging children to build their self-confidence and challenging them to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. His theater exercises and games have a strong focus on creativity, teamwork, inclusion, perseverance, and compassion...with just the right amount of silliness and humor to keep it fun and engaging. Both of my children were fairly shy and quiet kids...My first grade daughters first performance was pretty classic- it was her first time on a stage and she was super nervous...but she totally pulled it off and was very proud of her accomplishment. The next time she performed- she was sassy and confident and totally owned it. Incredible. This confidence has spread to her social interactions/ overall self-confidence off the stage as well. My 4th grade son's experience was an epic transformation. He ended up being so incredibly comfortable on stage that he has been in every play since and has taken on the larger roles. He thrives on the energy of the crowd and has discovered he is a natural entertainer. I honestly feel if he had not had this experience- he would never have become as confident at exploring his creative expressions as he is now...truly a priceless experience and I am forever grateful to Barrett!! read more

My 2 sons have been in Barrett's Standing Ovations program for the past several years and have had an outstanding experience each time! The pride and enthusiasm is so palpable when you see the productions--it's so clear what strong bonds Barrett and his junior coaches have helped the kids to form and what a lovely community feeling there is. My kids have learned and grown so much through participating in Standing Ovations. Barrett puts his heart and soul into writing the scripts, overseeing creative choreography, composing catchy songs. The kids love being part of something so imaginative and fun. Barrett cares so much about the kids' development and learning. He brings homemade snacks for the kids each week to practice, makes fun show-themed drinks for the audience at the performances, each actor has a lovely custom-fitted costume for the performance so they look and feel the part. And as a working parent, I really appreciate the email updates he sends to parents each week and his clear communications about dates & details for the performance. It's all very well organized. We hadn't done much theater before but other friends who have tried numerous programs say how excited they were when they found Standing Ovations and how special and differentiated this program is thanks to all the personal energy that Barrett pours into it! read more

Our daughter had a wonderful experience and can't wait to be a part of another production. Barrett and his staff do a fantastic job at teaching the kids drama and essential life skills including responsibility, accountability, and team work. They put together a fantastic show and not just because the actors are cute kids. It is genuinely great entertainment. read more

Our daughters have just finished their third production with Barrett/Standing Ovations and I can't say enough positive things about him and their experience. Friday afternoon rehearsals are the highlight of their week (and, if i'm honest, the weekly email to parents is something I look forward to as well). EVERY child guaranteed a speaking part - think about that... For my painfully shy 5th grader who desperately loves to sing and perform (and has an amazing ability for memorisation) this is a dream come true. Equally for my raucous ADHD 2nd grader with delayed reading ability it is the perfect setting to push her out of her comfort zone but play to her strengths of great rhythm and general humour. This is children's theatre at its best - proper theatre with high expectations run by a director with just the right combination of tough love and compassion. read more

My 7 year old just completed Barrett's program and I am appalled by his behavior. My daughter noted throughout how strict Barrett was was and a few comments he said here and there struck me as odd. I was aghast when I watched the end of rehearsals and heard what he was saying. It was downright rude and plain mean - calling out individuals for being nervous or missing their marks. These comments were made in front of parents so I am now terrified as to what my daughter witnessed him say when parents weren't around. This level of mean is something no child should be exposed to. I have grave concerns of his abilities to work with children. His behavior completely undermines the lessons of kindness and inclusion we strive to instill in our children, particular at the elementary school level. The play he wrote is wildly inappropriate for kids and features his "sense of humor" hinging on a flavor of meanness. The attempt to pander to adult humor leaves the kids performing a play they don't understand or get any of the humor. It is uncomfortable to watch. There are so many other quality theater programs in the area. Please do not expose your children to this horrid demonstration of meanness and unkindness. read more

My 11-year-old daughter has participated in three 3-week summer camp sessions at Standing Ovations and loves it, a feeling shared by all her friends in the program. She has done several local theater groups over the years and we like Standing Ovations the most. We've never seen her so joyfully self-motivated to practice lines and learn songs for any other program she's been in. Barrett Lindsay-Steiner writes the plays and many of the songs himself, and they're incredibly creative. Many of them are variations on or combinations of popular books or plays (like "Green Eggs and Hamilton," combining Hamilton with Dr. Seuss), but with plenty of new dialogue. Unlike most other theaters, where productions have only a limited number of high-profile characters and most students end up with minor roles, Barrett gives each student as much as they can handle. If a student learns all their lines and is eager for more, he'll write new lines for them. Highly recommended. read more

Barrett is an amazingly passionate, creative and driven teacher. the results that he produces with his groups are truly magical. He is able to take a huge group of children with various abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and ages and create impressive program that challenges the children in a supportive environment. read more

This is my daughter's first year doing a play with Standing Ovations. We have done plays with other companies and I have to say that Standing Ovations, with Barrett and his crew, are absolutely the best! The play that my daughter is well-written and super fun, the music is great and the staff is so so well-organized. It is a perfect mix of expecting a lot from the students but making it fun. It has been an amazing positive experience for my daughter. Her singing has improved (she projects now, which she never had the confidence to do before) and she can't stop talking about different scenes and musical numbers. The other thing that I like about this company is that they are very good at providing information to parents and have been very responsive when I have had questions. I am very pleased with this class and will absolutely sign up both of my kids for the next session. We are hooked! read more

My son has been participating in the Standing Ovations After School Programs and Summer Camps for the past three years, and he LOVES IT! He started as a shy, young, 1st grader who had never been on stage or sung a song in front of anyone other than family.... I wasn't sure what made him think "drama" was the the thing for him because it really didn't seem to be a likely fit. But he is now finishing the fourth grade as an extremely confident and outgoing young actor, and I give a lot of credit to this student drama program! He has learned to collaborate with kids of all ages and varieties, his sense of accomplishment and responsibility has grown along with every role, and his self-confidence has sky-rocketed. He has truly found his niche, and we're so pleased that we had the opportunity for Standing Ovations, Barrett, AC and their student helpers to foster and support this maturing process. Their level of commitment and dedication are apparent in every day they welcome the kids into their theater family. My son is unlikely to actually find himself on his beloved "Broadway", but he is completely happy on the stage with Standing Ovations each time he steps onto it, and this passion and sense of community are what mean the most! read more

This was a message I sent to the camp director and he refused to discuss it with me or to give me even a partial refund. I'll let you be the judge of whether this is where you want to send your kids or spend your money: Barrett, I wanted to express my disappointment at your unprofessional behavior toward me and my child. I called you after the first day of camp today to ask if I could get a refund. You immediately began criticizing my child as being unmotivated to join in the camp and refusing to volunteer to take part. I tried several times to explain why I wanted a refund but you talked over me and cut me off repeatedly so that I was unable to convey the reasons for my request. When I explained that I was not getting to complete a sentence and could not express myself, you told me you were very busy. I asked if we could talk at a later time, and you said no. When I tried then to explain why i was asking for a refund, you hung up on me. This is very unprofessional, and I am shocked this is how you treat the parent of a camper. There were several reasons I wanted to remove my son from your camp. Because you would not listen on the telephone, I am writing them here, and I hope you will consider my request for a refund. You made my son feel very uncomfortable. You greeted him by asking if he was the child with food allergies. When he said he was, you said, "so if I touch peanuts and touch your face demons will come out?" What adult would ask a child or anyone else with food allergies such an insensitive question? I think if I posted that on the various allergy groups I belong to, parents would be outraged and you would hear from them. Then you said, "Oh you're the child who doesn't want to come to camp." That, again, made my child feel uncomfortable. And that isn't what I told you. I said he was worried he would be be too old for the camp. Which, it turns out, he was. I did not imagine that is how you would greet a child, to make him feel even more ill at ease. It was as if you were mocking him. When my husband dropped off our son he immediately called and asked if I knew the camp was mostly little kids. I had not known that. On your site you talk about a teen camp and a younger kids camp. I thought you had a nice number of both sets of children. My husband said there were very few teens. My son confirmed this, and it made him feel like the camp was very babyish and not for him. He also does not like singing and dancing, which I conveyed ahead of time to you. And yet when he said he wasn't interested in the "American Idol" game because it was focused on singing, you seized on that as an example of his unwillingness to participate. In fact, My son said he raised his hand repeatedly and volunteered to do improv and did so and got some laughs from the campers. So he was not the disengaged child you painted to me. He also said you were not in the room most of the day, so you could not possibly have known what he did and did not participate in. If the camp had equal parts teens and kids, he would feel more comfortable, but both he and my husband said there seemed to be more than 100 little kids and about a half dozen teens. I can understand why a 15-year-old child would feel out of place in this environment. And, finally, when the day ended, My son said you told him to "stand up straight because you look like an ape." What adult tells a child he looks like an ape? He came home very dispirited. So had you listened to me on the phone, you would have understood that there were a number of reasons I had called to ask for a refund. You personally made my child feel uncomfortable at camp. You made him feel you didn't understand his life-threatening allergies and were mocking him. You greeted him by dissing him for questioning if he were too old for the camp. You said he looked like an ape. On top of that, the camp is clearly filled with - and geared toward -younger children. This is not represented on your website. For all of these reasons, I would like to respectfully ask you for a refund. I usually review my children's camps on Yelp, and I think parents considering your camp would be shocked to hear how you treated a camper and his parent. Those whose children have food allergies would be even more incensed. Please consider my request. Best, Sheila read more

My kids started Standing Ovations after we attended a "Parry Hotter" show that their friends acted in. We all found it very funny and we were impressed by the original songs and the caliber of the program as all of the kids knew their lines and were well versed and clearly enjoyed acting! (My kids had been in a couple of other productions with these friends and, while fun, they were pretty weak productions for the audience.) We were excited when Standing Ovations came to their school the next year with an after school option and both my son, then a 1st grader and my 4th grade daughter, wanted to be involved. Barrett does teach the kids to be team players and to be responsible in learning their lines. I am sharing this because my son, who was pretty young at the time, had a very fun line playing Super Mario. About a half hour before the show, he became very nervous; he was sweating and had a stomach ache. Barrett took him aside with me,and away from the room, sat down with us and gave my son such compassion. He encouraged him that he must really care about the play to be feeling this way and helped him to breath through it. He thanked my son for caring so much and obviously wanting to do his best by everyone. Barrett reframed my son's fear and reminded him of the great job he'd been doing, reassuring him that he was confident that when he was ready, my son would do a great job again in the show. He easily took 15 minutes with us. And my son left ready to do his best...it was great! Barrett does have high expectations; I want that for my children...other adults who want them to be present, engaged and reliable. My family and friends have enjoyed the shows and the kids have enjoyed impressing their audience. We've all enjoyed learning and singing the catchy songs in our car! The kids have been in a few shows now and they have fun. My daughter, now in middle school, has moved away from wanting to act, in part, because of the lines and school expectations and decided to help with crew. I do think that Barrett's expectations are fair and not that different than what is expected for playing an instrument or a sport. And I think they play and laugh more here! But it's frustrating to all of the kids when it comes time for the rehearsals and kids don't know their lines after so many weeks! It leads to those who have learned them missing their cues; it's a wonderful lesson in our reliance on one another. Perhaps if your child already has other activities and school, think about the commitments and pressure when they have too many. Maybe the kids may be trying to do too much? Thanks, Standing Ovations, we applaud you, Barrett and AC. read more

We just finished Parry Hotter and the Wand of Randomness, and I have to say, Barrett Lindsay-Steiner brought out a side of my son I've never seen before! It was wonderful to see my son on stage with confidence and invoking humor (and with an English accent!). It was truly wonderful to see all the kids on stage flourish! read more

I love Standing Ovations! It has built so much confidence and responsibility for my children to be in their plays. I am used to seeing drama programs for children that are pretty rinky dink, and Barrett really does a great pushing the kids with his positive attitude and getting them to all rise to the occasion to make a great children's play. Every person that has ever come to a show is amazed at what he can do with a multi-age set of elementary school children. I would recommend Standing Ovations to any parent with a child. They will love it and not regret doing it! read more

My son has been in several of Standing Ovations plays and always had an amazing experience! It has boosted his self-confidence and presentation skills. He's part of a team with a variety of kids of different ages and together they produce a wonderful show! And at the end I get to laugh til I cry while watching my son and his friends having a fabulous time together. read more

We sent our kids to Standing Ovations for the first time this year and I don't think I've ever seen both of my kids as engaged in the activities and prep for the play as I have during this camp. The joy of watching them embrace and enjoy theater, of Barrett's joy in teaching and working with them are incredible. Both of my daughters and my wife and I came away with a great appreciation for the camp and the creativity it inspires. read more

As a parent I used to think there was nothing more rewarding than watching my children do something they love. Then my kids started doing shows with Standing Ovations, and I realized what's more rewarding than watching your kids do something they love, is watching them create lasting friendships WHILE doing something they love. Standing Ovations isn't just about putting on entertaining shows (with amazing costumes). It's about building community, developing confidence, celebrating uniqueness, and finding acceptance. Though my kids are now old enough to entertain themselves throughout the summer, they'd rather be at Standing Ovations Summer Camp. When summer's over, they want to continue the fun in the teen shows. read more

My son has been performing every year with Barrett, the director of Standing Ovations, for 8 years, since he was 7 years old. Barrett really helps my son feel comfortable and accepted. He and his team meets each child where they are at. And the camps are a ton of fun too! As a parent I have found Barrett to be down to earth and approachable, as well as insightful and patient. Best of all, Barrett is a working artist who tailors his original plays for his youth players, combining pop culture and classic theatrical style. Not only does my son have a blast, he is receiving a theatrical education while being challenged to grow as a person. read more

Barrett is absolutely wonderful. He has a magical way with children and he brings out the best in them. He has taken my two very cautious and quiet children and instilled so much confidence in them. Some people don't appreciate the time, energy, and expense that Barrett and his team use in just one of his amazing performances. Barrett takes his productions seriously and so yes, he expects the kids to do so as well. He rightfully asks that they (and their parents) respect his art and he holds these kids to high standards. The result is that he gets children to put on fantastic shows while teaching them to respect each other. I cannot speak highly enough of Barrett and the Standing Ovations program. read more

My three children have been doing standing ovations for many years. The self confidence they have gained has translated both on and off stage. read more

Barrett Lindsay-Steiner and his team are simply the best at Theatre, Drama, working with kids and the entire production process. He transforms kids, especially the shy/ADD type. Both my son's have trouble sitting still, paying attention, following directions and being gentlemen. After working with Barrett, they have evolved into their best selves. I have seen this happen over and over with my children's peers too. I can't recommend this program enough, sign your children UP! I hope every child has the opportunity to be a star in one of his witty and hilarious plays. Nana has come to many of the plays and she was overwhelmed with the level these young children are able to perform, she is an avid theatre person and doesn't compliment, unless it is deserved. Well done Standing Ovations, keep up the good work. read more

The owner/operator of this program is extremely unprofessional and should not be a mentor to young children. Unfortunately I was not suprised to hear Sheila's experience, as this was my experience exactly. He kicked an 8 year old girl out of his recreational play one after 2 months of weekly practices. If not for the help and support of the local recreation center the approx $430 charge would have been my financial Loss along with the emotional distress and suffering this program cause my young impressionable 8 year old. The local rec center coordinator was as suprised and disappointed in Barrett's decision to kick an 8 year old out of the play THEY offered a full-refund immediatly. The local rec center description of the play read " No experience required; everyone is guaranteed a speaking role and tons of fun. Class culminates in a fully staged and costumed production the week of December 5. Written and Directed by Barrett Lindsay-Steiner. A toe-tapping, gum-chewing, pie-throwing premiere!" leading me to think this was an afterschool recreational activity. The program is run with over 40 kids with one adult Barrett. This ratio would not be acceptable/legal ratio if it were not labeled a "camp" as regulations around camps are quite lax. On more than one occassion my daughter would express fear of the owner/operator- she would be punished for not knowing her lines, and he on one occasion told a little girl, who was nervous and crying during rehersals, "that he did not care if she cried". He would threaten them for not knowing there lines. On one occasion he told another little girl who was crying that he did not care whether or not she was crying. Children as young as 5 are in this program and therefore exposed an inappropriate level of harsh, cold discipline. " Kicking an 8 year old out of the play is unacceptable, especially in an after-school program through a "RECREATION" center. Kathryn's experience was extremely unenjoyable, culminating in a very upsetting ending. Again a RECREATION class for Little kids and kicking out an 8 year old - is a little overkill. My daughter has been working for months on this play and is devastated. read more

Barrett's Standing Ovations is the best theater performance venue for young actors and actresses, both children and teens. He has an outstanding record of hundreds of students who enroll for multiple years (like us), many of whom have gone to theater careers on Broadway and the like. He is a soft spoken, gentle and thoughtful leader who empowers the children and teens and the campers find him fun, cool and friendly. My daughters participated in his camps with 8 years in between and the quality is still superior! He is very good at accommodating to different learning needs, family crises, personal emergencies and will help you first rather than worry about charging you. He is discreet, responsive and kind and the students walk out with great public speaking skills and new friends. We love his summer camps as well his school year program and I recommend him enthusiastically especially if you are the kind of parent who worries about their kids deep down. read more

Our two kids just performed their second play under Barrett's direction; Parry Hotter and the Wand of Randomness. Simply fantastic! We are still cracking inside jokes that only those that have seen the show will understand. Barrett's love for the performing arts and the success of his actors are palpable. These kids weren't just reading lines in a monotone voice, they were acting! The thespians gained valuable experience with scenes of all types: comedy, drama, suspense, action, and music! Our kids loved going to rehearsal every week and are looking forward to working with him again next year as they take on larger rolls! There is something about the performing arts that simply cannot be taught in a classroom. When I asked my oldest what she liked about theater, she relpied, "Being able to express feelings better, improve my focus, and being able to make other people happy." Thanks Barrett! read more