We joined the PATABS family two years ago this month. After seeing one of their theatrical productions my then 14-year-old insisted on auditioning for the next musical. He had never sang or acted before -- and was terrified of public speaking. He found an amazing home for his creative interests -- and has since participated in four shows and even taken some dance classes. His 8-year-old sister joined the following season, and just this past winter his brother picked up the theater bug too. Plus, I have had the chance to revive my high school love of theater and now participate. This is one of the most accepting and supportive environments, both in terms of the staff and the support from the other students. It is truly a family and I see genuine caring and concern for each of my children. Ive watched my kids talent and confidence grow -- they are learning so many skills that will be assets for them throughout their life.

PATABS is a gem in the community. They teach acting, voice, dance, fitness and more offering educational classes and workshops. They do not charge costume fees, nor set fees. Families work together to create all of the sets and get to know their fellow parents. They perform both in black Box settings as well as on the Stage at the eichelberger performing arts center and the majestic! The variety of programming and classes is outstanding and age appropriate. Furthermore, the kids are taught to work hard and respect each other to work as a team in their productions. We fully recommend this Company as an asset to the community and our Children.

PATABS is a wonderful dance community that fosters a love of dance, theater, instrumental lessons, and friendships. The older students mentor the younger students. It is amazing to see the leadership skills that are fostered through these opportunities. My nine year old loves spending time with the younger students and looks up to the older students. The younger girls go support the older girls in their school plays and vice versa. Extra practices are provided during several weekends throughout the season for free and there is no costume fee. It is a family based studio where each student is treated like family. Miss Brittany encourages community activities, and provides the students the opportunity to share their talents at community events. What I love most about the studio is that they support me even though I am not a so called “Dance Mom”. They understand busy lives and schedules, and help each other. Miss Brittany is very organized and sends out emails and newsletters to keep you informed. My daughter has been part of this dance family for four years, and I have never experienced a more supportive community. I am thankful for the amazing opportunities they provide, and the life lessons they teach.

Contrary to what some other ones on here may post, I have had nothing but a wonderful and positive experience with Brittany Stevens and PATABS. Many things that someone else posted here are true; yes you pay for classes; yes you pay for a video; no you can’t sit in on rehearsals and watch; and yes your 6year old does have limited stage time. They are 6 years old! I have been involved with professional theatre for over 35 years and and thrilled to join this company. Brittany does a wonderful job at teaching the children a professional yet FUN and NURTURING performing environment. There are no egos or unnecessary drama. From the first moment I walked into her studio, my first impression was that everyone was happy. There are lots of of children (and adults) of all ages and she does her best to give hem all a chance and to be the best they can. This may not be the right environment for everyone and if it isn’t, then politely go away and do not bash the studio, the leadership or the participants. PATABS has helped to fill a huge void for performing arts in Hanover. And the best part is, the final product is a wonderful show that audiences love and most participants thoroughly enjoy themselves. BRAVA to PATABS and to Brittany Stevens for keeping the performing arts alive in Hanover. I encourage everyone to go see one of their shows! It is a well rounded package and great entertainment for the entire family!Chuck Lambert

My experience is that it is a waste of money. Its $38 a month for a few months and then the show. Theres a practice every week, so you assume their learning a good bit. To pay about $200 in the end, and have weekly practices, then to only be a 3 minute (at max) part of a 2 hour show is ridiculous! You also have to pay however much money for a video of the show before hand, so I now wasted money on that as well. I paid however much to watch 3 minutes of my child. You cant see their costume before hand, cant watch practices or rehearsals, can never get pictures with their child in their outfit, cant video tape the show. Its a huge scam for money!! For about four months, weekly practice, you expect to see something of your child, more than a 3 minute show. Dont spend the money, go somewhere else. Maybe its better for older groups, my child is 6 so I will only speak on that age group that ive experienced. You also sign up for the once a week practice, yet your mandated to help with props, whether thats building, transporting, tearing down and more on other days. So, make sure you have extra time (or no life as they expect) for that as well since its mandatory for every family. Lastly, they had the show on Mothers day! They just expect families to have no other obligations or plans for the holiday. Zero consideration.

If you want a place that allows your child to learn and grow in the arts then look no further! PATABS is it!! Musical theater programs for all ages, dance programs for all ages, vocal instruction, piano lessons, you name it and they have it. Tuition is more than fair and NO COSTUME FEES!!! Any dance mom can tell you how much costumes cost and I am so thankful we dont have that additional expense. Communication is amazing. Everything can be found in weekly news letters as well as emails to the parents AND multiple in person meetings each semester. I LOVE how much the parents are involved in the productions. Helping to create and build the sets makes me feel like Im involved in my childs learning. Watching how much these kids learn in such a short time always amazes me. The staff is amazing and always goes above and beyond for every single student!As for the negative review... honestly I dont get it. Our experience with PATABS has been the complete opposite. So opposite that we even left a dance studio we were with to come to this amazing place as they have so much more to offer at a fraction of the price I imagine the parent that wrote that review never participated in all of the things available to parents and they have no previous knowledge on dance/theater programs..... My daughter is 7 but has been with PATABS since she was 5/6. She spent the last show on stage about 80% of the time! Every child is different and learns at a different pace.

PATABS is a wonderful program that teaches much more than dance. My daughter has been performing with this studio for 5 years and it has always been a wonderful experience.To the mom who wrote the bad review after the recital. Here’s what you need to know: the amount of time on stage for a level one student that is only enrolled in one class is usually only one number. It takes an entire semester for them to learn those steps and to learn how to behave on stage. And even then most little kids don’t master the routine or sometimes freeze while on stage. The more classes your child takes the better they will become and the more stage time they will receive. No dance studio has open rehearsals for parents to watch. It’s distracting for the students to have parents there and disrupts the class. Most dance studios have to follow strict copy right laws and licensing agreements especially to use Disney themes so that’s why parents aren’t permitted to take video or pictures during a performance not to mention how distracting it is for the people around you. The videos are professional and don’t cost a lot. Same goes for photos of the students in their costumes. We have priced other studios and PATABS is reasonably priced and doesn’t charge a costume fee like other studios. They are also very lienant on attire and hair requirements. I volunteered to help for this past recital and we had a girl show up without her tights or leotard on and without anyone even brushing her hair. Other studios wouldn’t have even accepted a student like that but our group has kind and generous parents that act like a village to prep for shows. I think you need to think about your negative reaction and find the good that comes from being part of an amazing group. It’s supposed to be fun but it sounds like you are missing the great friendships and fun that your daughter is having.PATABS is an amazing group of talented and wonderful teaches paired with some great parents to make professional shows happen.

We joined the PATABS family almost 5 years ago. When we first started, our oldest just started Kindergarten and was terrified of anything new, after many attempts at other programs. When she began going to PATABS, Mrs. Brittany and the staff, along with the caring students, took our daughter under their wing and she now doesnt want to be anywhere else. She takes a combination of dance, musical theater, and voice classes now! Since then, our 2 others daughters have been involved in the various programs that are offered at the studio since they were 3. All girls feel welcome there and cant wait to show us what they have learned once they come home. Our girls have learned so much more than just dance and theater skills. They have also learned about dedication, teamwork, and empathy. PATABS has also brought very close friendships for our girls that we are so grateful for! As parents, we enjoy helping with set-building and prop-making. We have gotten to know and have become friends with many studio families these past 5 years and that is one more reason that PATABS has such a family feel.