Masterworks School of the Arts — Local services in Mooresville

To Whom It May Concern:

I am Dr. Mary A. Steltz, Kadien Darrough's maternal grandmother. I attended the recent production of Footloose, in which Kadien was cast as Chuck and Cowboy Bob. Let me begin by preaching that Footloose was an awesome movie in which I loved, until Saturday, December 17, 2022. I have several concerns about this production:

During a time when systemic racism and discrimination are causing so much havoc on society, in general, someone had the audacity to cast the only African-American participant/cast member in the play as a "loser who was trailer park trash, and a high school dropout with violent tendencies!" That is a direct quote from the preacher in the play!! If that had been changed, everything would have been fine!!

There were so many other male roles available, but you opted to let females be cast as males instead of choosing a different male role for Kadien! Another poor decision.

Now that I have had more time to think and reflect, I realize that Chuck's role was certainly intended for an African-American, which is why Kadien was chosen to do it!! Unacceptable for two reasons: Either someone premeditatively decided this role was for an African-American (based on racism or stereotypes) and/or this person making the decision for the cast could not fathom one of their own playing such a role and feared the backlash from parents for playing a role in which the character would be regarded as "less than." Well, guess what? We are highly offended and are open to considering legal action in regard to this poor decision-making which inadequately threw our child into an unfavorable light before his peers!! You just co-signed on stereotyping and racial discrimination as well as racial profiling - all illegal!! Parents have a right to know what the play is about and the roles their children are playing. This was not disclosed at anytime, or you would have known that it was unacceptable!! We are not inferior or less than; we don't live in trailer parks; and we don't drop out of high school. In fact, I have two doctorates and six master degrees - you profiled the wrong family!!

My daughter paid your $160 monthly fees from August to December 2022, only to have her child play a humiliating role - one that does not highlight who he is nor how he is being reared.

At a minimum, my daughter should be refunded the entire balance of monthly fees paid, as well as the cost of attending the degrading and dehumanizing production TWICE. She and Kadien are also owed letters of apology for entrusting the care of her son to your company, SHAME ON YOU!!

I look forward to hearing from you in regards to this important matter.

Dr. Mary...

Masterworks school of the arts is a place i was lucky enough to call home for many years. the staff there came to know me and my passions and watched as I grew into the person and performer I am today. The company has grown so much since it’s founding and I earnestly believe that the staff pride themselves on creating a fair, score-based audition system, and look after every child in their production as family, and want them to succeed within their productions. I would recommend this company to any and all families who are able to participate. I have never felt as loved as I felt within those doors, and the growth I had as a result of years of private lessons, dance classes, and theatre productions is...

As a mother of two children involved in Masterworks over the past 3 years, I cannot speak highly enough about their theater programs. We drive 45-60 minutes one way, twice a week, to bring each of our kids who happen to be in 2 different age groups this year. It is worth every minute in the car. They see each of my children as unique individuals, with God given strengths as well as areas where they can be challenged, and foster in them such a joy and love for theater. I love watching my children grow under their care, not only in their theater skills, but in confidence, friendship, and more. I am forever grateful for the Masterworks being part of my...