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| WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JELLYBEAN |
"The Jellybean Conspiracy has been one of the most important projects of my life. This
was so different from just doing another play. What an excellent idea... I hope it just
grows and grows."
--Jill Jones (Richmond High School)
Culture of Kindness is spreading in our school and in our community.... The lessons kind
words from people wherever I go in town. The Conspiracy lives on. I believe that a
Culture of Kindness is spreading in our school and in our community.... The lessons
learned ... will outlive the memories of our production. The power of this project can
make miracles happen and I have proof."
--Dan Heath (Wellington High School)
"This has been an incredible experience for me and my students. After the
performances were over, two wonderful things happened in our school: (i) Students who
had seen the play as audience members requested permission to sit with the Special
Education students at lunch, (ii) 25 Juniors and Seniors to serve as Teaching Assistants
in the Adaptive Physical Education classes. In 2001, there were 6. This represents a
400% increase from last year. The reason is--Jellybean.
For me, this is proof enough of the profound and lasting impact of Jellybean on our
students. The Show gives students with and without disabilities an opportunity to share
common experiences so that conversation and friendship become more natural. After
being in Jellybean together, the students have something exciting to talk with each
other about."
--Randy Jackson (North Kansas City High School).
This program has been a success both educationally and artistically . It has touched
me--and so many in my school and community. I plan to encourage several of my
Jellybeans to be part of our theatre programs throughout their high school career and
in life. Our production of the Jellybean Conspiracy Show also received two nominations
for awards at the 2004 Cappies Award ceremonies.
--Joel Short (Belton High School)
"The Jellybean Conspiracy is a special directorial experience. Anxieties about working
with an actor with special needs quickly vanish and by closing night your interactions
with Tom feel normal and natural. As you learn to work with Tom you realize how much
this show and Tom are teaching you. It isn’t just another high school production; the
show will make an impact on everyone involved, forever. "
--Margaret McClatchey (Shawnee Mission North)
"I knew this would be a life-altering experience for my students and an incredible
opportunity to educate and enrich people’s lives. What I never gave a moment’s thought
to was my own life and how it would affect me. Through the Show I have met some of
the most beautiful Jellybeans. They are so full of positive energy and love and
enthusiasm for life that it leaves me in wonder because I never realized how much they
have to give."
--Hollie Becker (DeSoto High School)
"When I set out on this project I could never have imagined all that I was about to
learn. Our special ed. students are a wonderful group of students who have so much love
to share. It was a great experience getting to know some of them and becoming friends
with them. I encourage others to get involved in the Jellybean Conspiracy . Once you
do, you'll never look at things the same way again."
--Micah Hensley (Lees Summit High School)
"There have been numerous positive outcomes of the Jellybean Conspiracy program at
Campus High School. As a result of their exposure to theatre through Jellybean, three
students from special education have enrolled in tech theatre classes for Fall ’04. At
the year end Thespian Troupe Awards, Kim Frey, the special needs student who played
Tam, was awarded a varsity letter in theatre. Her parents said it was one of her most
precious memories of high school. ARC of Sedgwick County honored the thespian troupe
with a Community Service award in honor of the contribution they made to improving
the lives of people with disabilities in Wichita area. The response to the Show was so
positive that the Company was invited to present an additional Show during school hours
for several classes.
--Gregg McGlynn (Campus High School)
"Jellybean has had a lasting effect on Derby in many ways. I notice it affecting choice
of language (very positive!), the way the interaction between students during lunch has
changed (John is no longer an invisible guy helping clean up at lunch) and I find myself
more conscious of adults with special needs in our community. It doesn't take much to
smile and speak, yet it is obvious the difference it can make in a person's day,
especially mine."
--Kathy Sikes (Derby High School)
"The good work you started at Winnetonka with Jellybean is alive and well. I know the
show made a lasting impact on everyone involved. We are working hard to keep that
flame alive.
--Sheri Coffman Winnetonka High School)
"We are very inspired by Jellybean and believe this play allowed our community to see
the dream of each individual’s abilities. Thank you for guiding us in this endeavor."
--Rob Gleason (Holt High School)
"The Jellybean experience is a gift that keeps on giving --- it just continues to touch so
many lives!"
---Kate Lindsay Salina South
“An incredible story with and even bigger heart.”
--- Gregg Holtschneider, Marshfield,
Special Education Teachers
This has been a great chance for my special ed class to show their abilities and not just
their disabilities.
--Carie Van de Creek (Salina South)
We are very inspired by Jellybean and believe this play allowed our community to see
the dream of each individual’s abilities. Thank you for guiding us in this endeavor.
-- Kecia Cartrecht (Holt )
Jellybean has given many students a chance to shine and share their unique abilities.
Students who never fit in have found that they do fit in. Jellybean has been a
wonderful Experience—it has made teaching fun—and I can honestly say "I’m proud to
be a Jellybean."
-- Karen Kral (Mt Vernon High School)
Company Members
"Thank you so much for introducing us to this amazing project. I am so proud to be able
to say that I am part of the Conspiracy. This has been an experience I will always
carry with me."
-- Whitney Miller, Richmond
"The Jellybean has been one of the most touching events of my life. It made me realize
that there are many "jellybeans" in this world and that they are not all the same. (Jeff
Pooler) has shown me lots I didn’t know; it has truly been a privilege to be part of his
life."
--Rebekah Barr, Wellington
"I believe that the Jellybean Conspiracy was more than a play; it was a life-changing
event. I wish people could understand exactly all the emotions that went into this play
and all the friends we have met.... I honestly believe that Jellybean has made the entire
cast better people."
--Daneille Beaber, North Kansas City
Jellybean Conspiracy has meant really a lot to me. After all, I am a person with a
disability. Its not like I hate being deaf; I do usually love it because its a part of who
I am. I have faced challenges every day and have always been able to overcome them.
But I don’t ever remember seeing a play about disabilities so I was glad to be involved.
This play has introduced me to many new friendships--and acting, which I have loved
since I was a little girl.
---Randi Mize, Belton
This experience was wonderful. I knew only a couple of the students in the Special
Education classes before this program and show, and now? Well, I feel more
comfortable approaching Ms Boeding’s students and now I know we have things in
common. Thank you for allowing me come to a realization of my surroundings and the
people who make up those surroundings. I would love to volunteer and help with the
program.
--Lana Thomas Blue Valley Northwest
Through my experience with Jellybean I learned we should treat every person as an
equal, no matter what they look like or where they come from. I enjoyed meeting
Daxton Miller , a person with disabilities who loves to play tennis, and Kym Frey, our
"Tammy." They are very special people not because of their disabilities but because of
the gifts they have to share. This play has changed me for the better."
--Arin Anzo, Campus High School
Jellybean was a fantastic play; the experience was just great. As I said in the school
paper, most plays, when they are done, you walk away thinking, well that was fun, and
then all you have are pictures and other things to remember it by. But with Jellybean
you walk away with something that will stick with you for the rest of your life--
knowledge. Ever since I have done that play I have just been more aware of people with
special needs.
-- Alex Farrington, Blue Valley West
"Thank you for bringing the Jellybean Conspiracy to my school. It has truly been an
eye-opening experience. I have gotten to know so many special individuals, such as
Mike, through this program. I believe the message of this play is critical for life and I
gladly support this project. Thanks for giving us this opportunity."
---Blake Andrews (Holt Wentzville)
I think having kids with disabilities in the Show was beneficial for all. Their fellow
students will get the pleasure of hearing the audience’s cheers while the audience will
see that even though they’re different, they’re just as able and willing to perform for
the world."
--Robert Wighs, (Salina South)
Community Leaders
"Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful vision for students."
--Dr Andy Tompkins
Commissioner for Education, Kansas
It is my hope that in days to come Dr Martin can package the Jellybean Conspiracy as
it becomes available to communities across the United States.
--Don Meyer, Seattle, Washington
National Director of Sibshop
Author of Views from our Shoes
I wanted to let you know how dearly we enjoyed the Jellybean Show last night at North
Kansas City High School. It was so well done and so appropriate for my work and my
daily world. I really think, next time, I am going to buy tickets for my entire staff (at
Children’s Mercy Hospital) to come together and experience the play."
--Michelle Kilo MD,
Department of
Childrens Mercy Hospital
Congratulations on the quality of the project and on the way it is already helping people
who are in the production or who are witnessing it. I am really, really excited about the
prospect of partnering in the future."
--Paula Winans
Director of Education
Kansas City Lyric Opera
I would enthusiastically recommend the Jellybean Conspiracy as a vehicle for
promoting student awareness of the need for tolerance and acceptance of special needs
students. I was impressed by the simplicity and power of the message presented by our
students as they presented the play... Please include me on your list of people willing to
promote this project to help schools better educate students on this important issue."
--Dr Jim Robins
Superintendent of Schools
Richmond, Missouri
"We were impressed how the work moved the kids who worked on the production and
the audience. I think there is great potential here to help increase the awareness of
professionals working in government related to the needs of people with disabilities and
would like to discuss how we can all work together to make it happen."
--Fred Homan
Associate Regional Director
Office of Adult Services
US Department of Labor--Region 5
I want to extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation for your production of
Jellybean Conspiracy. We were truly inspired by this courageous and entertaining play.
The discussion session after the play brought out how much it meant to those who
worked in the play and those who were spectators. What a powerful and enjoyable way
to promote kindness and acceptance in the community.
--Mike Coughlin,
President and CEO,
ScriptPro
The Jellybean Conspiracy was fantastic! It was one of the most moving experiences of
my professional career. I would be happy to serve as a reference for anyone
considering the play.
--Jerry Keimig
Director of Special Services
Lee's Summit R-7 School District
Lee's Summit MO 64063