I'm so glad I got to meet so many AMAZING people. Everyone is talented and so incredibly nice as well. A special shout out to all the staff that made this trip a success too! You guys were so kind and open that I never felt homesick because I always felt at home." 

- Mireya Magallon (Wisconsin)

"Thank you to Jeff Whiting for creating such a beautiful program and giving me such words of wisdom that will forever resonate in my life and heart."

– Emely Cuestas (Florida)

"I had an Incredible time and it was such a treat to get to work with so many talented students, graduates, and professionals already in the business. I cannot thank every one of you enough for the impression Open Jar has left on me."

- Sandy Young-Cellilo

"This week changed my life. You have all changed my life, all of you, and these are memories I will cherish forever and ever. Thanks for making this week the best. I am forever grateful."

- Benjamin McIlvain (Tennessee)

"Walking into the meet and greet, I had this really strong feeling of 'these are my people' and the rest of the week just confirmed that feeling. I am so glad I got to work with so many wonderful and talented people."

- Molly Kempfer (Wisconsin)

"I just watched our performance from the showcase and was truly flooded with emotion and teared up a bit. Open Jar was an experience I could never forget with so many unbelievably talented people that I will forever cherish in my heart. Thank you to the Open Jar staff for preparing such a wonderful week and fostering such a beautiful community of people together making this past week truly unforgettable." 

- Laura-Louise Rice (South Carolina)

"Being less experienced, I was seriously wondering how I was going to fit into a crowd of several soon-to-be Broadway stars, but all of you showed me nothing but support, acceptance, and love and I am forever grateful for you as my new Open Jar family. I feel privileged to have grown alongside you all and that has made this past week unforgettable."

- Rohini Gupta (Canada)

"One of the best experiences of my life was just barely shared this last week with you all. Things like going to shows, walking the streets, listening and watching everyone will be forever imprinted in my mind. Thanks for making these few days the most memorable days of my life so far. And thanks to all of the chaperones, interns and leaders for making this amazing program. I honestly learned so much and can't wait to use what I've learned into the show I am in right now!"

- Boston Curnow (Utah)

"I wanted to thank all the program directors, managers, interns, and chaperones for all the guidance and teaching they have provided for the past week. I would also like to thank all the friends I made among the students. I personally needed a positive experience such as this and I will NEVER forget it nor the people that I have had the honor of learning from and performing with on stage with."

- Eli Prather (Ohio)

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you and all of your wonderful staff and for soulfully inspiring Teddy Edgar to reach past himself to a point where he can leap freely into the world of actively contributing to other people's lives. Your open jar philosophy of reaching passionately into one's own creative individuality to the furthest extent to touch that one soul of an audience is obviously a thought process that comes from the depths of your own spirit and love. Your personal stories that you shared had a profound effect on me and most of all my Godson Teddy. I was that one listener in the audience that was moved by your words and most of all by your vision to create a family atmosphere of generosity about caring for one another and giving back. I am a better person because I met you and so is Teddy. Stay strong in your vision no matter what, Teddy has endured his own obstacles in his life and has come out of it with a true love to inspire others. Again a true pleasure meeting you and I will always think of you as a friend for what you did for Teddy.  

- Dean Curry (Godfather of student Teddy Edgar)

"Hey everyone! I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you to everyone for a spectacular experience at Open Jar!!! It was one of the best weeks of my life and I'm so glad I met you all. Everyone was super nice and fun! Thank you to the entire Open Jar staff for making this week possible, it was an amazing learning experience that I will forever remember. I now have essential tools that I will always use and build off of. I hope to see you all in the near future and make sure to stay in touch!"

- Danielle Roach

"Open Jar was by far the best experience of my entire life. I learned so much throughout the week and made friends for life. I don't just consider all of you my friends but you're all my brothers and sisters and I will never forget a single one of you. I'm so happy to say that I had the honor to come to NYC and work with Jeff Whiting and Broadway professionals. Thank you so so so much Jeff, Open Jar, and everyone else who gave me this opportunity and taught me this week. I will never forget all that you've done for me! I love you all with all my heart."

- Ashley Quinn

"My sincerest thanks for allowing me to be a part of Open Jar. The weeks spent with the Open Jar crew fed my creative spirit in a way I've never known. To walk away feeling both encouraged and challenged is a beautiful balance that most will never experience. I'm not sure words could ever express how much this has meant to me... and how I will use it not only to better myself, but to encourage and pass along to others along the way."

- Daniel Kirkley

"I was so afraid to get to New York and realize that maybe this isn't for me and that I don't belong or that I'm not good enough for all of this...but I'm about to board my plane and all I can think about is how amazing it is going to be to work with you all some day and how amazing this week was...you are all so amazing and talented and seeing the progress everyone's made in only a week is on of the most inspiring things I've seen in a long time...Thank you for such an amazing week and for knowing I've got a family to back me up whenever I get down you're all amazing and I will never ever forget that we can do anything...that we are limitless."

- Sarah Ashley Bary

"Thank you so much for the opportunity of a life time this week. I have learned so much. I know I have gown as a person and a performer. The friends I made this week are so amazing and I know they will do great things. So thank you to everyone for the best week of my life. Cya on Broadway!"

- Mackenzie Bruen

"When I look back on this week, I will remember it as the best week of my life.  My life was radically changed by the opportunity to be "grasped" by all at Open Jar - the talent, the passion and the friendships. I couldn't have been given a greater gift as I begin shaping and projecting my career. I now know that I will be pursuing a life in the industry because I will not be happier anywhere else, and I completely owe this revelation to The Open Jar Institute."

- Adam Snyder

"Thank you to the teachers, leaders, interns, and guest artists for everything they have taught me this week, because it is something I will never forget. This week changed my life for so many different reasons, and I feel so fortunate to have met and grown with you all."

- Quinn Doyle (Florida)

"I just got home a few hours ago, and it finally hit me.  The best week of my life is over.  You guys changed me.  I have grown so much, not only as a performer, but as a person.  Thank you!"

- Victor Lovato

"I can't even explain what Open Jar meant to me.  It has been the best week of my life.  Not only do I feel as if I have grown so much as a performer, but I gained friendships that will last me forever."

- Dakota Williams

"It has been an incredible week getting to know all of you wonderfully talented people! Thank you for touching my heart with your talent, dedication and your friendship." 

- Caroline Kirk (North Carolina)

"Thank you Open Jar for the experience of a lifetime! I feel so much more confident in myself!"

- Josie Morgan

"WOW!  That's all I can say.  Open Jar was amazing.  I've never been so moved in all of my life. Open Jar taught me the true meaning of passion behind acting.  I took down my "walls" and found my calling in life.  This whole experience was just so amazing and out of this world!  Thank you!"

- Lauren Westhill