Quotable Quotes
Teachers
Librarians
Media
Kids
Parents
These are actual quotes. To protect people's right to privacy, full names have been removed. Quotes are provided as a reference for those interested in booking shows or for media looking for quotes to include in advance articles.
Teachers / Educators Say:
"Listening skills were enhanced. You kept the children involved and so in tune to what was being conversed." ~T. C., 1st Grade Teacher, Mathis Elementary Hayti, Missouri
"...thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. My second and third grade combination class will try writing our own poetry now. Thanks for a great program." ~J.G., Teacher, Sipherd School, Modesto, California
"On behalf of St. Mary's Rehabilitation Center for Children I would like to thank you for your wonderful performance. Our children truly enjoyed the wonderful tall tales. We would like to thank you for your time and energy." ~F.B., Ossining, New Jersey
"Lots of laughs and giggles radiated from the crowd of students as the performance unfolded. The Gozas taught our children different genres of poetry through very active presentations and theatrical movements, while also incorporating American Sign Language."~Williamsport School District, Community News, Pennsylvania
"It was fabulous, Super, easily understood. The students were very attentive." ~S.R., 1st Grade Teacher, Mathis Elementary Hayti, Missouri
"What a FABULOUS program you put together!! The 2nd and 3rd graders at Island Park School were enthralled with your performance. I know they will be wanting to try writing their own poems after experiencing those done by other kids. Making the language active is such a wonderful way to bring about the appreciation of poetry. All three of you did that and much more. I loved the way you introduced them to difference kinds of poetry as well. Thank you for all of your hard work and bringing about a program rich with language, learning and fun." ~M .M., Mercer Island Librarian, Washington
"It was a wonderful way to show the students that books can come to life." ~V. C., K Teacher, Mathis Elementary Hayti, Missouri
"The stories that were acted out at our school were new to our students. They were actively involved with the presentation. Thanks for offering some cultural activities in this area." ~S. K., 1st Grade Teacher, Mathis Elementary Hayti, Missouri
"Wonderful! Thank you for such a great presentation! It is exactly what our kids need. A delightful enrichment!" ~R. A., K Teacher, Mathis Elementary Hayti, Missouri
"I was glad to see that you were able to make poetry fun. The upper grades are a tough audience but you impressed them." ~V. N., 6th Grade Teacher, Reno, Nevada
"...your show totally opened Mary up to poetry for the first time in her life. I'd tried to introduce her to it before to no avail. Then, lo and behold, she wrote a book of five poems the other day, two of which we just submitted to you!! She's thrilled! I can't thank you enough." ~L. F., homeschooling mom, Pasadena, California
"Everyone, students, parents, teachers . . . everyone enjoyed your show so much last year." ~T. K., Home and School, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
"Very lively, entertaining and animated. Kept the children's attention." ~C. H., Kindergarten Teacher, Muir, Michigan
"I love your show. I was just going to peek in for a minute and ended up staying for the whole thing." ~teacher, Gilbert, Arizona
"I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful performances in our two schools. The teachers and students are still buzzing about how great it was." ~P. B., Assembly Coordinator, Crawsfordville, Indiana
"Your performance last year was such a hit and enjoyed by all who attended that we are all looking forward to your performance again this year." ~C. E., Family Night Coordinator, Chicago Ridge, Illinois
"What a great show! So original. I love the way you based it around the children's poetry. It lets them see how special their work is. It helps them to set their goals." ~L. R., 3rd grade teacher, Piermont, New Jersey
"Very participatory. Great use of everyday items for props - gave me some great ideas. Children truly enjoyed the program!"~L. L., 4th grade teacher, Sayre, Pennsylvania
". . . enhanced their education. It even enlightened me with some of the details mentioned in the skits. Many times actions speak louder than words. Great job!" ~Mr. J., 4th grade teacher, Trenton, New Jersey
"The program gave the students an exciting introduction to tall tales. There was even some American History taught in an interesting format." ~R. F., 3rd grade teacher, Muir, Michigan
"A wonderful job presenting a lot of information in a way that students will remember! I liked the use of the U.S. map. Excellent assembly!!" ~K. M., 1st grade teacher, Muir, Michigan
"You had the undivided attention of students and teachers alike." ~J. B., 5th grade teacher, Snyder Elementary, Sayre, Pennsylvania
"Your family is the perfect team! Students especially responded to the participation of young Zephyr, and the fact that all the poems were composed by young people. Thanks for a great program." ~K. G., North Bend, Washington
"Thanks for a fun week of assemblies!" ~J. W., D.C. Scores, Washington D.C.
Teachers
Librarians
Media
Kids
Parents
Librarians Say:
"Professional, on-time, efficient set-up, easy to work with! This group (mother, father and son) really appeals to the elementary crowd; they incorporate dance, tumbling/gymnastics, song, slapstick, etc. in their poetry performance - and all the poetry they perform is original by kids 6-14!!"~J. L., Children's Librarian, Snoqualmie, Washington
"How relatively rare it is to find performers who will bring poetry alive to children. I thought the performers all interacted well with the audience. They solicited feedback comments from the children without patronizing or "playing down". Their interpretations of children's poetry really resonated with the group as a whole! I was glad to see the program was signed too. I am amazed that Kimberly fit her whole body through a tennis racquet." ~F. D., Children's Librarian, Bellevue, Washington
"Looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful craziness!" ~P. N., Youth Services Librarian, Hannibal, Missouri
"Once again you have delivered outstanding performances that were enjoyed by us all. "~ R. B., G. R., J. C., Librarians, Reno, Nevada
"Our patrons loved the program; many of them came into our library the following week to let us know how creative and original the program was." ~K. N., Indian Trails Library, Wheeling, Illinois
"What a great show! Very fast-moving, and the kids really enjoyed it." ~L. B., Children's Librarian, Woodmont Library, Washington
"The Act!vated Storytellers are a wonderful touring trio! You can expect educational, entertaining and professional shows from the Gozas." ~K. N., Youth Services Librarian, Jonesboro, Arkansas
"Captured the imaginations of everyone - no matter what the age." ~S.E., Children's Librarian, Pleasanton, California
"Your animated movements, expressions and humor kept everyone involved throughout. It was wonderful to see children participate in performing, and your use of sign language was a special treat as well." ~K. B., Librarian, Monterey, California
"Great fun for children and adults to watch. The volunteer actors loved sharing the spotlight and hamming it up. I admire your ability to amuse the audience on multiple levels. Your high energy style of storytelling, combined with American Sign Language and streamlined costumes and props was highly entertaining." ~C. D. H., Youth Services Librarian, Roseville, California
"The children loved it and the parents voted it BEST SHOW OF THE SUMMER." ~R. H., Children's Librarian, San Carlos, California
"What a great show! Very fast-moving, and the kids really enjoyed it." ~L. B., Children's Librarian, Woodmont Library, Washington
"An exciting, entertaining, funny, action-packed, creative, innovative (the list is endless) performance. The show was a big hit. We had great feedback afterwards. You folks are so amazingly creative. We are all looking forward to having you back in Coos Bay in April." ~P. F., Children's Librarian, Coos Bay, Oregon
"It was great to see a family who traveled together, sharing everything. They were amazing! All three were talented and amazing." ~K. H., Librarian, Skykomish, Washington
"What a great show! Very fast-moving, and the kids really enjoyed it. THANK YOU for encouraging them to check out poetry books at the library and to write their own poems. Cool that you use kids' poems." ~L. B., Children's Librarian, Woodmont Library, Washington
"A wonderful program. The performance was exciting and fun. The children truly enjoyed the show." ~ I. A., Senior Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library
"Your stories were entertaining and informative and the audience was delighted with your theatrical renditions. Thank you for a very professional and well done production. It was a pleasure working with you and we would like to engage your talents at our library again." ~E. M., Elmhurst Public Library, Illinois
"The Act!vated Storytellers are unique in the tremendously inventive techniques they use in putting a story or a poem across to an audience. When Kimberly threads her whole body through the oval of a tennis racket it is visual comedy worthy of Lucille Ball herself." ~T. T., Youth Services Librarian, Rancho Cordova, California
"A true highlight of our Summer Reading Program! Everyone had such a great time at your show - from the babies to the parents." ~L. I., Librarian, Jacksonville, Illinois
"Thank you for your continual deliverance of captivating entertainment. It is always a pleasure to be in your audience witnessing all of your amazing talents and high spirits." ~ R. B., G. R., J. C., Librarians, Reno, Nevada
"Your show was high energy and lots of fun, and professional even though the audience was large, you kept them actively involved all the way." ~C. V., Children's Librarian, Des Moines, Washington
"If I were a child, I think it could have turned me on to poetry (I already like it as an adult). Especially appreciated your using a poem written by one of the students!" ~C. V., Children's Librarian, Des Moines, Washington
"We received nothing but plosive comments. Everyone really enjoyed it and was astounded by the energy! It was terrific that they told patrons the Dewey numbers of poetry at the end so patrons could find poetry to check out! Having this program in the library itself, rather than in the meeting room was a real success." ~S. S., Children's Librarian, Sammamish, Washington
Teachers
Librarians
Media
Kids
Parents
The Media Says:
"Entertaining tales with a message - without getting too preachy. . . . physical comedy that would put Jim Carrey to shame." ~Portales News -Tribune, New Mexico
"Hailed as one of the most entertaining traveling theatrical families. They encourage families to learn through reading, playing and having fun together." ~The Jonesboro Sun, Arkansas
"TheAct!vated Storytellers have reinvented the art of storytelling." ~The Las Cruces Journal, New Mexico
"colorful stories for school children" ~Houston Chronicle
"Hilarious, imaginative, touching, witty and wise." ~The Reno Gazette Journal, Nevada
"More fun with poetry than anyone should be allowed." ~The Famous Poets Quarterly (Professional Poets Magazine)
Teachers
Librarians
Media
Kids
Parents
Kids Say:
"Hi, I'm one of the students from East Prairie school in Skokie Illinois I just wanted to tell you that i really enjoyed your show... and it's quite entertaining!!! You were awesome! You are very creative and I never know what will happen next. Zephyr, you are very talented. It was very exciting to watch you. You were really funny. I liked when your mom went through the racket! I didn't think she would get out! Your dad was very funny also." ~S.P., Skokie, Illinois
"We really enjoyed the show and thought you were very creative. Your athletic abilities were amazing. We hope you come back again." ~The 5th grade class from Rush Elementary
"Being able to participate as stars was our favorite part!" ~7 and 9 year olds, Ripon, California
"I just loved your show. I especially liked the show about the little girl and her grandfather. And I like the part where Paul Bunyan is a baby. I think that it was very funny. Especially when he dressed up like a baby. But out of everything I really liked the sign language." ~4th grade student, Sayre, Pennsylvania
Teachers
Librarians
Media
Kids
Parents
Parents Say:
"The broomstick tricks were wonderful. Please do come again to our town!" ~R.N., Santa Clara, California
"Family participation! Hearing the great laughter of the kids in the audience. Even made my son's aching neck feel better (laughter is the best medicine!) ~L. K., Reno, Nevada
"Enjoyed the lesson learned from the stories." ~J. E., San Jose, California
"The large storybook and the silly animation were our favorite parts." ~A. C., Reno, Nevada
"Enjoyed the variety of the stories and the original scripts. The kids liked the slapstick parts." ~D.A., Sparks, Nevada
"Favorite parts: The enthusiasm of the troupe and the "book" set. My 15-year-old liked the whole thing. And my 11-year-old liked the American Sign Language." ~The J. Family, Olean, New Jersey
"We loved everything - the intro, the giant book . . ." ~J. E., Moro, Illinois
"The geography and seeing my daughter perform were my favorite parts! "~A. W., Meadville, Pennsylvania
"It was so great that you used sign language!" ~M. C., Trumbull, Connecticut
"Good wholesome fun. The kids loved being a part of the show! "~K. D., Bethalto, Illinois
"We enjoyed everything- the jokes, the stories, the funny moves and stunts." ~The L. Family, Meadville, Pennsylvania
"Especially enjoyed the historical perspective of the Chinese-American Story (The Iron Dragon)" ~M. Y., Framingham, Massachusetts
"very animated, large visuals, moves along with no gaps, well coordinated" ~M. J., Ledyard, Connecticut
"We enjoyed the acting, enthusiasm and all of the fun props. We laughed and loved it!" ~L. H., Gales Ferry, Connecticut
"We enjoyed how you got everyone involved and interacting." ~Connor Antony, Salem, Massachusetts
"I attended your show tonight with my 5 yr. old daughter and my 85 year old mother! We had a wonderful time and purchased a tape. Thank you for bringing your talent and business to our library. Our country needs more of this type of entertainment and I applaud you." ~B. N., Wellesley, Massachusetts
"Both my four-year-old and myself enjoyed your show.. the sign language was wonderful" ~parent, Santa Cruz, California
"Thank you again for such a wonderful show (we saw it twice while you were in the area--Ledyard and Jewett City, Connecticut) and for such a great tape!" ~L. R., Ledyard, Connecticut
"Action oriented, fast paced, entertaining and informative." ~ A.M., Harrisonburg, Virginia
"Liked the part when the Indian Maiden tried to get into the cave. (a tennis racket)" ~ A. C., San Leandro, California
"Lively! Always moving, appropriate for you children through adults!" ~ J. A., Sparks, Nevada
"It's animation. Keeps your attention. Very unique." ~Y. B., Stockton, California
"We loved your show and talked about it afterwards and laughed. Wish I had a kookla !!! That skit was my favorite. (The story of Vasalisa) And I liked the witch telling the truth in a Tourette's kind of way, hilarious!! It was good that you used Russian words in your script and explained the meaning and also the sign language. You guys are fabulous!!!" ~G. C., and daughters, Rogers, Arkansas
"We are very excited about your upcoming visit to Reno. We have seen you perform here twice before, and play your "Out of the Bag" tape lots! ~The A. Family in Reno, Nevada
"Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much my Dad (88), my granddaughter, Annie, (7), and I (ageless), enjoyed your performance yesterday. My Dad grew up in a family with deaf parents and really enjoyed the signing. Thank you for a great hour of entertainment and education." ~L. G., Park Ridge, Illinois
"I'll *never* forget your wonderful show. My grandson and I attended here in OKC a couple of years ago! We LOVE you guys!" ~Mrs. J. M., Oklahoma City, OK
"Very entertaining for all ages." ~L. M., Albuquerque, New Mexico
"Enjoyed the education of history and the interaction." ~J. F., Albuquerque, New Mexico
"Good Communication skills, you kept the audience interested. The children enjoyed all of it. ~M. L., Albuquerque, New Mexico
"Fun for adults too!" ~K. S., Pine Bluff, Arkansas
"The sign language was very helpful for the children who are acquiring the English language."~O. R., Whittier, California
"My daughter has been waiting a year for you all to come back and perform. She is soooo excited!" ~parent, Jonesboro, Arkansas
"The show is fast moving - very animated." ~The R. Family, South Lake Tahoe, California
"The physicality and the visuals in the show were our favorite part" ~J. C., Altadena, California
"My favorite part is the creative visual representations of topics interesting to children." ~Janice Byer, Sierra Madre, California
"The children's favorite part was the poem the audience created." ~B. A., Sacramento, California
"The poems and the group members were very entertaining. Come back more often!" ~T. C., Rancho Cordova, California
"I loved the large book and all the movement." ~Mother of a 7 month old, Missouri
"It was fun watching all of the kids get into the story." ~RM, New Florence, Missouri
"The variety, the creative use of language and the "acting" out were most enjoyable." ~C. H., Pasadena, California
"The volunteer participation and the story telling were awesome!" ~N. A., San Jose, California
"I enjoyed the intelligent, subtle humor of the stories." ~A. W., Pasadena, California
"We loved finding about your lifestyle, watching the physical movement and the mom going through the tennis racket!" ~R. G. C., Toluca Lake, California
"The cast of Mom, Dad and Son - very cool idea!" ~P.M., San Jose, California
"We liked the educational theme and the kids getting to join in." ~H. K., Kansas City, Missouri
"Our favorite parts were the interaction with children and great humor, also the pantomime and physical comedy." ~J. S., Corapolis, Pennsylvania
"We liked the comedy: like when the bird jumped on the man and took his bag with the money in it." ~E. W., Franklin Park, Illinois
"Their wit and good information, such as incorporating the clarification of myths about minority groups, presented in a fun way." ~S. T., Roscoe, Illinois
"The children laughed so much - had a great time! It was funny and educational and we liked the sign language. Thank you!" ~D.A., Des Plaines, Illinois
"It was very creative, energetic and educational." ~M. M., Elmhurst, Illinois
"Excellent presentation! The children loved the audience participation. Keep up the good work!" ~S. L., Sacramento, California
"Innovative and imaginative!" ~C. J., Mansfield, Massachusetts
"Enjoyed the quick moving pace and different poetic elements presented in the "Act!vated Poetry" show." ~M. M., Coos Bay, Oregon
"It was great! Lots of energy, the kids (age 7 and 9) loved participating" ~T. I., San Jose, California
"The way you played with words and knowledge, and the way you worked together as a family are great. Keep it up!" ~A. P., Santa Clara, California"
