“One of the most cherished experiences of my life would have to be singing to a patient at Saratoga Retirement and seeing her crying tears of joy. That is what theater is all about.” — Gabriella Crolla, Cast & Crew Member

“In my five years with GIFT, I developed skills like problem solving, team-building, and was able to use my creativity in theatre and beyond. Performing with GIFT also put into perspective how much joy theatre brings, no matter where it’s performed.” — Reina Subramanian, Board & Cast Member

“Once, as I was singing Memory, an audience member [resident] started singing along with me. It’s nice to know that our performances can make people happy enough to sing… you know they’re having a good time, which warms your heart.” — Kaitlyn Barnet, Cast Member

“GIFT grew my love for theatre in ways I didn’t know it could. I realized that theatre does not have to be a selfish art form, and it is, in fact, one that brings people joy, comfort, and peace.” — Rose Madsen, Board & Cast Member

“I love GIFT because it’s such a unique and fulfilling experience. Personally, I love bringing joy into the lives of others— and to do so through my passion for theater is something I’m so grateful to have gotten to experience. I hope everyone gets to experience the magic of GIFT at some point in their lives!” — Payton Jones, Board & Cast Member

“Performing for GIFT for the first time made me realize how much I was missing a strong sense of community. Not only in the sense of my cast mates but also (and more so) the knowledge that what I’m doing is making a difference in the lives of the people we perform for.” — Nicole Jivotovski, Board & Cast Member

“Performing with GIFT helped me develop the confidence I needed to grow as a performer and as a person. In an amazing community of passionate people, I was able to help bring joy to more faces than I ever could have imagined.” — Ryan Lehto, Board & Cast Member

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I’ve seen every one of your shows. Please come again soon.” — Resident at Saratoga Retirement Community

“Can I have a picture with the princess?” — Child at Saratoga Sub-Acute Children’s Hospital

“It means a great deal to me…It means more than words can express.” — Resident at Channing House

“Thank you so much. Don’t ever pass me by if you’re coming to rooms singing.” — Resident at Los Gatos Meadows

“If this is the wonderful director who visited us at Channing House recently…. I love what you are doing. You are incredible and your actors are too!” — Resident at Channing House

“GIFT Theater performed several Christmas carols for residents at our senior living facility. They brought a smile to all of our faces. We greatly appreciate that the group was also able to perform for our bed bound residents. It truly made their day!” — Alejandra B., Activity Director, Campbell Village Assisted Living

“The residents loved the special performance of Bye Bye Birdie by Giving Individuals Fabulous Theater. The high schoolers did such an amazing job, and it was a treat for the residents to interact after the performance in our screening room. They are already asking them to return next month for their next show, and we are looking forward to it.” — Belmont Village Senior Living San Jose on their Facebook page

“This is really something different… we haven’t had anyhing like this before. The residents gave you rave reviews.” — Activities Director at Channing House