Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth - Bellingham, Washington

Michelle Z.

The BAAY theater has wonderful programs for kids. My kids have LOVED the movies and plays they have been a part of there. The instructors do a wonderful job of making sure every child gets a part in every performance, and has a chance for their voice to be heard. The positive and empowering teaching approach brings out confidence even in kids that tend to be shy. I love the encouraging feedback that is given to each child during every rehearsal, getting them excited for the performance. The movies and plays are very creative, unique and fun! I feel like they go above and beyond at BAAY to create wonderful opportunities for kids.

Jennifer F.

We love BAAY theater! The teachers and staff are great with kids and teens. My kids always love being a part of the show, from big to small rolls. Their efforts during the pandemic were incredible! From online classes, to theater at Larrabee park, they did such a creative, and fantastic job. My favorite thing about BAAY is their inclusion, they offer scholarships so all kids can participate. Thanks to Lisa, Evan, and Juliette, you are all changing kids (and parents) lives! We as a community are so grateful!

Susan H.

We love BAAY! We have been proud BAAY parents, supporters and audience members for years now. Our kids have benefited so much from the opportunity to participate in BAAY's programming, both at the theater downtown and also in their elementary schools through EduArts. BAAY is more than just a theater or an arts program, it's a community of students and caring adults who help kids find their voices and express themselves in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Our kids have been encouraged to take risks, try new things, and be part of a collaborative team - and they feel a true sense of belonging at BAAY. We are so lucky to have a place like BAAY in our community!

Megan M.

My daughter has been taking drama and singing classes at Baay for the past 3 years, including during the pandemic shut-down. Since she started I have seen her confidence grow, her love for the arts expand, and her creativity flourish! Additionally she has learned teamwork and that all roles are important. Classes conclude with sharing appreciations and positive feedback to others. Not only does my daughter love attending Baay but our family and friends have shared lots of laughs at the performances as well as watching the creative "movie" compilations that were made during the pandemic shut-down. My daughter is thrilled to now be attending Baay in-person again and is excited for the next performance. The staff are excellent with the kids and are responsive to questions. They are experienced and passionate about arts education. My family is so grateful for Baay and it is one of our favorite things in Bellingham. 5 stars highly recommend!!!

samantha K.

We love BAAY! Our daughter has been in 4 or 5 shows virtual and in person and loves it. She has learned how to work as a member of a team, and that means no matter what told she gets, she is just as important.
I have loved all the directors she has had. They show kindness and support and a love for each and every kids individuality.
I love that the shows are fun and unique and always a joy to watch.

Michelle R.

We love BAAY! My son started out doing the elementary EduArts program and has performed in several shows over the years at BAAY (most recently Fiddler On The Roof at Larrabee summer camp). He is now a senior and has the lead role in his high school play. He attributes his success to all of the skills he gained at BAAY and the wonderful staff. He also met his 2 best friends at BAAY. They all go to different schools, so would've never met otherwise. I have personally seen so many kids blossom and gain confidence over the years. BAAY is a wonderful addition to the Bellingham community and we are so thankful they're here!

Lynn T. K.

Yes, BAAY puts on some fun, and sometimes crazy, shows. But the real essence of BAAY is kids and community.

My son's first part included 3 words. And, he was so far stage right that he didn't even make the video. But, he had a blast and WANTED to do more. His confidence grew. He started making friends, advocating for himself, and doing better in school. He asked his teacher at Happy Valley to let him wear costumes while delivering book reports in front of class. Suddenly, he wouldn't STOP reading and writing reviews. When struggling with life, he often channeled a character from a play, or used tips and tricks he learned at BAAY. Eventually, our shy, quirky kid put in the hard work and got a few lead parts. But it was never really about the play.

Our daughter participated in a few plays, but really loved dance team. Then she started working with Lisa and the Pixies. She just loved those littles and watching how they learned. She's now at college studying elementary education.

Luckily, it wasn't JUST about the kids. As parents, we were invited to participate as volunteers and on the board. BAAY was our family and we all grew together. Honestly, I don't know what we would have done without BAAY in our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Marid H.

BAAY has played a powerful, positive role in my girl’s lives for over ten years. BAAY has always been a place where everyone feels welcome and valued. Children are accepted as they are, recognized for their unique contributions, and gently guided to blossom in totally unexpected ways. They learn respect and discipline and how to work as a team, enjoying the process as they each contribute their part to produce an end product that they can all be proud of. The staff are dedicated to providing a high quality of acting, singing, and costume-making instruction and the dance choreography is exceptional! Over the years, I have observed the staff in ongoing collaboration to optimize their services with the resources available to them. I will be forever grateful for the skills and confidence my girls gained from BAAY and the wonderful memories and accomplishments for which they will always be proud.