BW Community Arts School, Berea | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

Lots of these reviews seem to have been from when this was Olmsted performing arts. Opa was like a family and I was sad to see how BW tore it apart. There are some nice things still but nothing like it used to be. Yes, I’m still part of the school, but I’m currently in one activity and may have to drop out of it due to anxiety (even tho it’s something I’m passionate about). I used to take about 5 classes at a time at OPA. I miss the theater productions and gymnastics. The plays were my whole childhood in 2nd-5th grade (I’m now in 8th), and the gymnastics was so fun. I was never the best at it but still enjoyed it because of the encouraging coach and how it wasn’t competitive. I took so so many other classes too and most of them don’t even exist anymore. BW got rid of everything that made OPA fun. I will also never forget how they got rid of so many AMAZING teachers because they didn’t have a degree in the subject. My vocal coach at the time even went to BW but didn’t have “the right degree”. I understand they wanted to make themselves look more professional because they are a university, but it makes it feel so much more strict. I would be much more encouraged to take more classes if it wasn’t so professional feeling. I want to have a hobby, not center my life around these things. I have horrible anxiety and can barley stand doing 1 on 1 lessons, let alone group classes. I really want to learn and get better at my hobbies in the arts, but I can’t due to the environment. I miss the happy playful environment of Olmsted Performing Arts.

Can’t believe we’ve been going here for years and I haven’t written a review yet! This place is amazing. My daughter started out in the first available class for her age group and has been progressing year after year. She started as a shy girl who was nervous to preform in a crowd of 6 parents to a confident dancer who just performed in a crowd of 1,200 people and I think a large part of that is due to the instruction at BWCAS. Miss Heather is AMAZING and the teachers are as well. Every so often you get a chance to sit in on class and see just how much they put into each class. I feel that my daughter is safe while in their care and I never worry when I drop her off. Definitely worth checking out if you have a creative child, as there are classes for everything. ??

My daughter (6 at the time) participated in a Theater Class here with teachers Lauren and Julia. She had such a great time and looked forward to attending each week. It was not in our neighborhood but I found it to be worth the drive. There was a final performance at the end that I really enjoyed. The teachers did a great job of teaching the kids, keeping them entertained and occupied, and preparing them for their performance (“How to Eat Like a Child”) The teachers were well organized and pleasant, and they created a very warm and inviting atmosphere for the kids each week. I hope to come back again in the future for another class.