Marybeth Dever

“I first met Becky in January 2016 when my then 12 year old son was in rehearsals for the Matilda First National Tour. She was introduced to us as one of his guardians but quickly became the smiling , calming face we looked forward to greeting us during those crazy rehearsal days. The combination of her own professional experiences in “the business”, her personal experiences as a mom, and then again as a mom to a performer makes her an invaluable resource to other performers negotiating their own path, but perhaps even more so to parents being dragged down that path by their performing children.  We are so grateful to continue to have Becky in our lives a year later, home from tour, and still negotiating a path with a great resource only an email away.”

— Marybeth Dever

Meg Zourvolis

“Playing the Friar’s Club with the Broadway Kids under the direction of Becky Baird was a total blast!  The entire experience was thoroughly professional, full of talent, and fun!”

— Meg Zourvolis

Lauren Hirsh

“I have had the pleasure of working with Becky on several professional projects and I can’t say enough good things. Becky has a unique perspective having been on both sides of the table. She understands the needs of child actors both as a professional artist and as a mom. Her past experience as a director, child guardian, producer, mentor, and teacher make her exceptionally qualified to work with children of all ages on vastly different projects. Her kindness and warmth make children feel welcome and excited to learn. Having worked with Becky professionally, I can confidently recommend sending your child to her to expand their knowledge of theater and the arts.”

— Lauren Hirsh

Ali Viterbi

“As my longest and most supportive mentor, Becky Cherlin Baird inspired me to pursue a life in the theater. As an actor, she encouraged me to believe in myself and overcome my fears and habits. As a vocal coach, she reminded me to focus on the storytelling and pushed me to challenge myself as a performer. But most importantly, Becky inspired me to pursue a professional career in the arts. As a 16-year-old high school student, Becky discovered that I was a closet playwright and helped bring my first play to the stage. She hired a dramaturg, found a cast, designed a production aesthetic, and believed in my voice and talent. Thanks to Becky Cherlin Baird, I am now a professionally-produced playwright, and I am forever grateful for her mentorship and guidance.”

— Ali Viterbi

Even More Testimonials!

“Becky was the Child Guardian and assisted with helping the kids rehearse the show, clean notes and be available at a moments notice. Becky is known as the “Pied Piper” of kids in San Diego and they seem to have followed her across the country to NYC, or she them! Becky was always ten steps ahead of what needed to be done. The kids were safe and the parents felt extremely comfortable with their children in her hands and per my request, kept their distance without concern.”

— James Lapine, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner
Into the Woods, Falsettos

“I first met Becky when she worked with La Jolla Playhouse during our production of Little Miss Sunshine in 2011. She was the child wrangler for the 6 children in our production. All of them and their parents were very happy with Becky. They loved having her around and felt their children were very well cared for on and off stage. The LJPH production staff and creative team knew they could count on the kids being where they needed to be. Becky made sure they had their school hours complete, rehearsal times organized and stayed in touch with the parents throughout the day. She was available to the parents at a moment’s notice and they knew they could reach her with any concerns or questions at anytime. As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to find someone you can trust with your children – Becky was that person. In San Diego, Becky has also been part of the professional theatre scene for years. She founded the well respected J*Company Youth theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla and worked within the southern California arts community for decades. She has earned tremendous respect from the families and philanthropists in our theatre and arts community.”

— Dana Harrell, Disney

“As a child actress working in the professional theater industry, you spend a majority of your downtime with your appointed guardian. Having Becky as a guardian made the demanding process of putting up a production all the more fun. With a contagious smile, she always knew how to lighten the mood yet was effective in making sure every task was completed in the best way possible. Over the years I have worked with many guardians, but my long lasting bond with Becky is like no other! Over 6 years after completing our production together, I continue to witness her hard work and dedication to helping children grow and reach their full potential!”

— Georgi James
Broadway's Billy Elliott and Annie

“I met Becky 6 years ago while my daughter was doing an out of town production. She was introduced as my daughter’s guardian but quickly became so much more. The familiarity of home and family were miles away as I was living across the country alone trying to navigate my new surroundings. Her professionalism, theatrical experience and nurturing qualities quickly put me at ease.

These traits make her a perfect fit for this business. Becky has the best attitude and it is impossible not to smile when you are around her. We are so lucky to have met and worked with her!”

— Melissa Schnappauff, Broadway Parent

“It will come as no surprise to anyone who has worked with Becky that so many of her students have gone on to have successful careers in the arts. Becky came into rehearsal everyday with a Playbill tote bag and a huge smile on her face. Her excitement and passion for the work we were doing was infectious. And though we were kids performing in a youth theater, working with Becky at J*Company was not kids play, it was the real deal. Becky always entered the room having done her homework and expected us to have done ours. I remember in fifth grade we were rehearsing a number called “Dancing Liberty” in the musical “Hello, Tomorrow” and it became clear that most of us hadn’t memorized the lyrics to the song. Becky could see right through our trick of mouthing the word “watermelon” over and over again when we didn’t know the words. She stopped the song and lined us up in two rows and had us each step forward one at a time and sing the next lyric from the song. Those who didn’t know it were not allowed to rehearse the number that afternoon. It was a powerful moment and its significance became more clear with time - Becky wasn’t just rehearsing us for a show, she was rehearsing us for a career in the theater. She was teaching us a valuable lesson - show up with passion, prepared, and ready to play. And, because of her, I do.”

— Micah Frank, Broadway Associate

“Never have I met someone with so much passion for kids realizing their best selves through theater, someone so full of energy, some one so respectful and tuned in to my child and her goals.

Becky is a gem and I can think of no person I’d rather trust my child to than her...truly...she is a delight and an utter professional.

I have recommended her to countless people who - because of the success my daughter had in youth theatre -have asked my opinion as to who might help their child get started or improve in their acting careers.

She is one of a kind in her energy, her ability to empower kids with confidence and know how, her appropriateness in terms of song and monologue selection and her understanding of what it takes to have successful and happy actors and singers....who stay kids through it all!”

— Molly Corbin, author/parent

“Stage performing has helped our son and daughter grow up to be hard-working, collaborative, caring young adults; and Becky Cherlin Baird was the person who gave them the solid foundation for success in this area. Over 14 years ago, Becky was the first teacher/director that our kids had the privilege to work with. She started them down the road of success through perseverance and hard work, and it has paid off for them both. Becky’s infectious positive energy infuses everything she does, and she encourages all those around her — students and parents alike — to “go for it”.  Thanks to Becky’s inspiration, both our daughter and son fell in love with musical theatre. They have developed their skills over the years and have had several leading roles in musicals and plays. Both of our children are finishing up college now, each with a double major — Theater with English and Computer Science with Music — and Becky has continued to encourage and challenge them to achieve new heights. Thank you, Becky!!”

— Perla and Jeff (and Danny and Becca), parents

Amy and Kylie Kennard

“Becky Baird has been an inspiration to my daughter and has provided her with huge opportunities of growth.  We have been involved with several cabaret style fundraising events with her, as well as a full length youth production.  These events have spanned from southern California to New York, and have always been a pleasure to be a part of.  As a parent, I have been thrilled with Becky’s detailed communication, inspirational way of challenging and encouraging kids at the same time, as well as professional production pieces that are a result of her careful and creative direction.  I also appreciate that she is always motivating kids to use their talents for more than just performance.  The causes she helps to support have inspired my own daughter to see far past the joy of singing and consider what other areas of life she might really make an impact in.”

— Amy Kennard

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many youth directors, but Becky has quickly become one of my favorites because of her upbeat spirit. I have never seen Becky appear frustrated, yet she always pushes her students to work to the best of their ability and puts together an amazing experience!”

— Kylie Kennard

Micah Frank

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has worked with Becky that so many of her students have gone on to have successful careers in the arts. Becky came into rehearsal everyday with a Playbill tote bag and a huge smile on her face. Her excitement and passion for the work we were doing was infectious. And though we were kids performing in a youth theater, working with Becky at J*Company was not kids play, it was the real deal. Becky always entered the room having done her homework and expected us to have done ours. I remember in fifth grade we were rehearsing a number called "Dancing Liberty" in the musical "Hello, Tomorrow" and it became clear that most of us hadn't memorized the lyrics to the song. Becky could see right through our trick of mouthing the word "watermelon" over and over again when we didn't know the words. She stopped the song and lined us up in two rows and had us each step forward one at a time and sing the next lyric from the song. Those who didn't know it were not allowed to rehearse the number that afternoon. It was a powerful moment and its significance became more clear with time - Becky wasn't just rehearsing us for a show, she was rehearsing us for a career in the theater. She was teaching us a valuable lesson - show up with passion, prepared, and ready to play. And, because of her, I do.