IMPORTANT! PETER SKLAR'S BEGINNING'S WORKSHOP!
daylynw
and I was no less than appalled. I've been a chaperone at the
beginnings workshop twice and I was shocked by the accusations that
this girl was throwing at Mr. Sklar. Her statements that the cabins
were "infested with spiders and either freezing cold or extremely hot"
are ridiculous. No, there isn't any central air and heat in the
middle of the woods and yes there are bugs, but the cabins were kept
very clean and as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. The
food wasn't in the least bit rotten and there was always plenty to
eat. I'm an exceptionally picky eater and I really enjoyed the food
and I'm now on a more so organic/vegetarian diet and feeling better
and healthier than I ever have before. I was personally insulated at
the allegations that the chaperones "didn't care" because I know for a
fact that they do. My first and foremost concern during the workshop
was where my girls were and how they were doing. I, as well as the
other chaperones, was always available to talk or just be there for
someone. The classes were all great. I learned a lot about acting
and about myself. The whole experience is liberating and full of self
discovery. I loved every minute of each day and was always looking
forward to what I would learn next. But mostly, I was disgusted by
the allegations that Peter sexually harassed this girl and four
others. I have had the opportunity to observe Peter as he interacted
with the children, and I never saw anything that would make me
remotely believe that he was possible of some of the things this girl
was accusing him of. It is completely out of his character! He is
always very aware of how the kids are feeling and would never do
ANYTHING that would make any ONE of those children uncomfortable or
frightened.
I had nothing but good experiences come from the beginnings workshop.
I've become a better person and a better performer. The experience
that I've gained from this truly amazing program. I'm more centered
in my religion, in my emotions, and in my future. I would highly
recommend this program to anyone no questions asked.
Peter D
from the same person. The writing style, grammar, sentence construction,
and choice of words don't lie. That then makes me wonder is it an ad. If
it isn't, is it an attempt to discredit someone by making it appear that
at least two others hold different opinions, not that it matters really?
Yeah, I'm a cynic. :-)
--
daylynw wrote in message
<4105289.02112...@posting.google.com>...
<big snippage>
Ed Jay
>Call me cynical, but these two apparently "unsolicited" opinions are
>from the same person. The writing style, grammar, sentence construction,
>and choice of words don't lie. That then makes me wonder is it an ad. If
>it isn't, is it an attempt to discredit someone by making it appear that
>at least two others hold different opinions, not that it matters really?
Makes it appear as though he has more than one supporter. But, wait...until
Sklar inadvertently signs his name to one of them. :-) Whoops...didn't
mean to pop a smiley. Sorry. :-(
>
>Yeah, I'm a cynic. :-)
Or someone who's trying to quit smoking.
‹(•¿•)›
Ed Jay (No X to reply)
tortu...@aol.com
28, 2002
I hold a Bachelors Degree from Shimer College, and am currently
working as an actress in New York. I attended the Beginnings Workshop
referred to by SinginDiva 17,as a chaperone. It was my fifth year
attending as a chaperone, and I also attended as a student prior to
that. Knowing Mr. Sklar for such a long period of time and also being
part of the Beginnings experience for so long makes accusations such
as the Diva's seem funny in a very disturbing way.
At that particular session I do remember another girl
making some sort of ‘harassment" complaint about Mr. Sklar and that
the issue was dealt with by the staff in a very sensitive, informal
hearing, with much caring for the girl who made the claim. With
Mr.Sklar absent, she was invited to describe fully the nature of her
complaint, and admitted only that she felt "uncomfortable' with Mr.
Sklar because he reminded her of her father, who she apparently hated.
The students in my cabin were very concerned about this hearing, and
Mr. Sklar, along with several chaperones and staff people-
including myself- took time out after a meal to listen to their fears.
It was a great talk and the girls seemed happy. By the way, the girl
who made the complaint was not sent home , nor did she request to
leave, as the Diva claims. In fact, when asked if she wanted to leave,
she insisted that she wanted to stay and complete the workshop..
After the workshop ended, this girl then called Mr. Sklar
and apologized for her complaint, admitting she had been "confused" by
a friend, (perhaps the Diva?). She gave permission to Mr. Sklar to
tape record this phone conversation, which I later heard for myself.
In the conversation, she asked Mr. Sklar if he would allow her to
return to the workshop again!
Considering the widespread knowledge among students of the
caring, sensitive and thorough way in which that girl's complaints
were handled at the workshop, I'm sure the Diva knew that if she had
made her accusations at the workshop itself, she would have been
responded to immediately. The claim in her letter that she came
forward but that no one would take her seriously, is preposterous.
As someone who has worked so long for Beginnings and Mr. Sklar I must
also add that the Diva's misrepresentation of the workshop environment
makes me think she could be a very good fiction writer. The food at
the workshop is almost dairy-free, and vegetarian except for fish and
eggs. It is quite tasty. All of the chaperones are trained to
encourage the students to eat a healthy portion of all dishes served,
which amounts to eating a balanced healthy meal. We are also trained
that if anything is unsatisfactory about the meal, size of servings,
taste, or quality, we are to notify the Head Chaperone or
Head Assistant immediately so as to make sure the meal is as
satisfying as possible.
Never in all my years of being a chaperone or a student have I
let my students eat unfresh or "crappy" food. Never. Some students
are not used to eating foods which lack the amount of sugar, salt and
dairy they are used to, but I would say that only one or two meals in
all my time of being at the workshop have been untasty, but they have
never been below high quality standards.
The Diva's fabrication about uncaring chaperones deeply hurts. The
chaperones I have worked with have been over-caring most of the time.
We train for hours beforehand and meet at least once a day during the
workshop with Mr. Sklar and the Head Chaperone, just to make sure
every student is healthy and happy!! What, uncaring?! Maybe Diva was
at a different workshop, because what she describes is nothing like
the one I was at. -Sara V. MontBlanc
Mikkalai
Re: IMPORTANT! PETER SKLAR'S BEGINNING'S WORKSHOP!
I moved the topic out of the subject line so that my post was not dismissed
as part of this thread.
Does there something similar exist in the ballroom world?
It was in my youth times.
But today and here, in America, I hear only about high hourly rates of
balloroom teachers.
<<
This comment by "singinDiva 17" about the chaperones is the one that
perhaps most befuddles me. Chaperones at Beginnings are not paid. They
come to chaperone at Beginnings because of their desire to work with
and help shape the lives of young people. I give up precious time in
my work and audition schedule each summer to be a part of Beginnings
so that I may share what I have learned with the young people I
chaperone. Yes, taking classes, which chaperones do, is fun and
educational; but for me it is not enough to compensate for the loss of
work, and the myriad of toils and troubles I go through clearing my
schedule for the nine days of the workshop. However, the impact I have
on my students IS worth more than all that, which is why, year after
year, I return to Beginnings. It is for the students. It has been my
experience that every chaperone at Beginnings comes from a similar
position. The reason we are chaperones with Beginnings is to be
mentors for young people. So the possibility of chaperones "being more
wrapped up in themselves than the [students]" is nil.
>>
;mikkalai
''''
katheri...@gmail.com
I was molested by Peter Sklar. I reported it to the police in 2002. Please read my story on the attached thread.
katheri...@gmail.com
I was molested by Peter Sklar. Please read my story posted above.
katheri...@gmail.com
https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/rec.arts.theatre.musicals/Lf23HFB5vH4