Reviews
Here's what people are saying about George's dramatic work ...
• Theatre Professionals • Churches & Ministries
• Educators & Parents • Corporate Clients
From Theatre Professionals
“George displayed an eagerness to create work that was both challenging and of artistic significance. ... He proved to be a competent leader with a strong vision and an earnest desire to create meaningful theatre.”
Scott Campbell, Associate Producer • Pacific Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
“I was most impressed with the production ... the actors were delightful and well-suited for their roles.”
Sarah-Jean Watson, Theatre Critic
The Other Press, Vancouver, BC, Canada
"It is quite apparent that you are capable of defining character and building dramatic tension [in your writing]. It is heartening to find a writer of faith who is not afraid to tackle serious issues in a believable manner in order to explore the validity of that faith."
Lee Walker, Literary Manager • A. D. Players, Houston, TX
"George ... has an imagination that can't be described easily or put in a box—in other words, he's able to make associations and create images that are a lot more than predictable. ... His play Crucifix is a mature piece, a sort of metaphyiscal crime; a murder mystery with a truly literary bent."
Dr. Gillette Elvgren, Professor of Theatre Arts • Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
“I think Christmas Presence is a great piece of writing [with] a wonderful, unexpected poignancy. ... The ending actually made me choke up.”
Tom Long, Artistic Director • Friends of The Groom Theatre Company, Cincinnati, OH
From Churches & Ministries
"George is a visionary leader whose enthusiasm for the craft [of theatre] is contagious. I personally found it a privilege to work with someone possessing such gifts and energy. He consistently strives to push the envelope of excellence, engaging his audience with meaningful and challenging work."
Scott Sterner, Arts Director • Parkview Church, Iowa City, IA
"George writes the way people talk, and his characters think! He’s clever and insightful, and his material is multi-dimensional, wonderfully performable and entertaining. We’re going to hear from him in a big way."
Lin Sexton, Director of Worship Arts • First Baptist Church, Modesto, CA
"George is a delightful teacher and insightful writer. His no-apologies approach to writing and his love of theatre is evident, and he is a great promoter of artistic excellence. His practical and honest personality is something I appreciate as he seeks to balance creativity with a sense of reality. I recommend his teaching and writing highly!"
Kim Messer, Creative Consultant and Writer • Former Editor, Lillenas Drama Resources
"From the original concept to the actual event, I was incredibly impressed with George's ideas, writing, casting, directing, and designing. The experience showed me ... that George has come into his own as an artist."
Jason Russ, Pastor of Worship and the Arts • Scottsdale Baptist Church, Scottsdale, AZ
“I thought last night’s presentation was wonderful. I would describe it as startling, compelling, convicting, revealing ... ”
Unsolicited comments from an audience member • Church of the Open Door, Elyria, OH
“People loved the play! It was very creative and thought provoking; it connected people to the heart of God. ... I just wanted other churches to know what a huge hit it was for us [to feature Christmas Presence] in 2007.”
Robert Pitman, Lead Pastor • The Highland Vineyard Church, Louisville, KY
“I wholeheartedly recommend this drama to churches and organizations ... [The cast’s] professionalism and dedication to the arts provided a fresh and appealing performance that was not only enjoyed by those who watched it, but also conveyed a compelling and evangelical perspective on the Nativity story.”
David E. Graetz, Chief of Chaplain Services • VA Medical Center, Louisville, KY
"The play was a wonderfully fresh take on the classic story of the birth of Christ. Funny and well-written, it remained true to the spirit of Christmas while providing our staff and residents with a new appreciation for a story that we all know and love. ... we highly recommend [Christmas Presence] to all."
Christen Foxx, Volunteer Coordinator • Wayside Christian Mission, Louisville, KY
“The Nativity play was really good and very creative ... It should be viewed by other churches throughout [Louisville]. We pray that your ministry will prosper and grow in the future.”
Rev. J. D. Bell, Senior Pastor • Bethel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
“Please accept my sincere thanks for the outstanding job you have done as the director of the new drama ministry at Calvary Memorial Church. Your work has impacted the congregation in a variety of new and exciting ways. It is a comfort for me to be able to rely upon you and know that this ministry is in extremely capable hands.”
Larry Korbus, Pastor of Outreach and Communications • Calvary Memorial Church, Oak Park, IL
“I have used George Halitzka as a speaker for years in a variety of settings. His message is always clear and powerful. George is an excellent communicator who paints a picture with every story! Your group will never forget his topic or style. I give him at least two thumbs up!”
Tim Guenther, Pastor of Student Ministries (Retired) • Scottsdale Bible Church, Scottsdale, AZ
“Captivating, funny, and sincere were just some of the words I heard to describe George's performance at The heART of Christmas. I am very thankful to have that kind of talent in our community of faith. ... George has the ability to produce, direct, organize, and act, all the while entertaining a wide range of ages.”
Chris Cary, Creative Arts Pastor • Life Church, Coralville, IA
"George Halitzka is a fine Christian with a great testimony. His enthusiasm is contagious as he shares the myriad ways God has worked in his life. His talents and gifts naturally appeal to youth and young adults, but his message relates to all ages. I highly recommend him."
Everett Robertson, Former Assistant Professor of Communications and Director of Theatre
Carson Newman College, Jefferson City, TN
"God has gifted George with dramatic talents that are captivating. He is wonderful to work with and has a personality that you will love. He is a gifted writer, director, and teacher with a lot of experience in his craft. ... In the classroom, I noticed students paying close attention to what he was teaching. He made his classes an enjoyable learning experience and got everyone involved."
Bobby Everett, Drama Coordinator • Mississippi Christian Performing Arts Festival, Jackson, MS
"It is my pleasure to recommend ... George Halitzka as a dramatist and teacher. George has helped us in Kentucky with our two State [Creative Arts] Festivals, teaching five workshops. The comments I have received from attendees have been excellent. He is very thorough in his teaching. ... It is a pleasure for me to work with a professional like George. He knows what is needed in and for the church in the area of creative ministries, and is willing to teach on any level ... I would highly recommend him."
G. Tom Smoot, Creatuve Ministries Consultant • Kentucky Baptist Convention, Louisville, KY
"God has blessed and gifted George in a unique way. He is truly a spellbinding teacher and performer with a dynamic personality. Yet his humbleness and Christlike attitude show through in all he does. He was an asset to Curtain Call in 2007, and we are looking forward to having him back with us in [the future]."
Sylvia Sweeley, Faculty Coordinator • Curtain Call Creative Arts Conference, North Carolina
From Educators and Parents
“George is an exemplary producer and director of dramatic programs for students. In the 25 years I have supervised the Summer Enrichment Programs in the Iowa City Community School District, I have worked with only a few people with more dedication to creative activities with children than George.”
Marian Coleman, Equity and Summer School Director (retired)
Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City, IA
"George Halitzka is a big hit! His energetic style, stage presence, and sense of humor make for one exciting, audience-involved program. What immediately impressed me was how George got the children involved the moment his program began. ... He then told familiar stories such as The Three Little Pigs and Jack and the Beanstalk, but involved the audience, having them act out the stories. The kids loved "hamming" it up for the stage! ... More impressive, however, is how George easily segues into more serious, profound storytelling. In particular, he told the true story of having been bullied as a child. This is a message today's youth need to hear and George delivers it in a quiet yet meaningful way. I would recommend George Halitzka to anyone wanting a unique, dynamic storytelling program!"
Peter Howard, Children's Librarian • Louisville Free Public Library (Okolona Branch), Louisville, KY
"[George] did an outstanding job working with 30 kids with lots of energy and enthusiasm ... I liked his very creative ideas on comic improv that he demonstrated to the audience, and the engaging way he had with kids to get them involved ... The strategies he employed for teaching children about performing for others and telling stories was dead-on."
Katherine Habley, Children's Librarian • Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City, IA
"We had the pleasure of [hosting one of George's] programs at our summer CEP program at Shacklette Elementary School. ... George managed to entertain over 75 children with a game show that had everyone laughing and having a great time. I highly recommend his program to anyone who works with children. Keep up the great work, George—we love you and so did our children!"
Sherrie Ashcraft & Shelby Eldridge, Site Directors • YMCA CEP Program, Louisville, KY
"Thank you for coming to our camp last week ... You and your wife were great! You captured and held the kids' attention, got them to participate, and [helped them] to think about some important issues."
Ursela Lacer, Executive Director • Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation/ Camp Discovery, Louisville, KY
"We just finished performing your play Happily Ever After. My students had [a] fun time and ... your play was great. The middle school audience, the elementary audience, and the parent audience all loved their performances."
Elizabeth Osbern, Theatre Educator • Hickory Hills Middle School, Springfield, MO
"The play was a great success. Thanks. The students loved it, the parents loved it, and the director loved it. We had so much fun with your script!"
Pat Dion, Theatre Educator • Tianjin International School, Tianjin, China
"George's energy and enthusiasm are particularly worth noting. His classes were well-attended and our program grew because of his reputation."
Joyce Carroll, Arts Program Supervisor • Iowa City Recreation Department, Iowa City, IA
"The kids loved the activities you did with them and they learned so much about acting ... It was a lot of fun! We hope you visit us again next year!"
Rachel Von Lienen and Liz Szeszycki, Summer Camp Coordinators
Iowa City Recreation Department, Iowa City, IA
"Juvie was a huge success, because the community got to see theatre at its finest ... George strives to achieve greatness, never shortchanging his vision."
Wendy Dull, Theatre Educator • Southview High School, Lorain, OH
• "It is easy to see why my daughter was thrilled to take your class and why she was so sorry it ended. ... Thanks again for all you did for the students and for making [my daughter] so happy."
• "I'd like to thank you for the great showcase of the Comedy Improv class ... my daughter took the class and really loved it. You are doing an amazing job! Thank you."
• "The play was really good. [My son] always enjoys working with you. He is hoping you will be there next year, too."
• "I appreciate what you have done with [my daughter]. It is the highlight of her week. Thanks for your work!"
Unsolicited comments from parents • Iowa City area, IA
From Corporate Clients
“I was impressed with George’s enthusiasm and creativity ... I knew immediately that he was the person for the job. He wrote a script that captured our staff’s personalities and well-known idiosyncrasies ... the end result was a roaring success! More than six months later, employees are still quoting lines from the play.”
Maud dela Porte, President • LifeCare Ambulance, Inc., Elyria, OH
“George performed ... at our event this year in front of 1000 people. He showed immense enthusiasm and entertained the crowd that included young children, college students and adults with hilarious dancing techniques that they all enjoyed. He is a dedicated indivual who gives 110 percent to his work. [George can] bring energy to a wide range of people.”
Natalie Radtke, Entertainment Director • University of Iowa Dance Marathon, Iowa City, IA
• "The murder mystery was really fun. I have never been to anything like that, and it was very entertaining."
• "Great entertainment. Brought everyone together at each table in a team effort. Gave us a chance to see some of our co-workers in a new way!"
• "I am impressed with how good our department employees are at acting!"
• "Clever and fun. Well done."
• "I thought the entertainment was a blast, and I had a good time."
Comments from audience members at the "Murder Most Foul" event
University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology, Iowa City, IA
References are available upon request—please contact George.