Jennifer Hughes and Sam Salamone were hired at Ballston Spa Middle School at the same time about 10 years ago, and when Salamone mentioned to her that he’d like to start a drama club, she offered to lend a hand.
He had been involved in theatre, so I knew that he knew ‘what; to do, so I offered to help him, said Hughes.
There had been a successful theatre program at the middle school before, but at least a few years passed without one before Launching Pad was created.
`The name Launching Pad was coined by Fran DelSignore, the chorus teacher and fine arts coordinator hired a little after Sam and me,` said Hughes. `We always thought of the middle school program as a feeder program for the already successful high school troupe. The middle school literally became a launching pad for the theatre program in the high school.`
Hughes said as the years passed, Launching Pad grew (going from a cast of 30 to the current group of 75, and a set crew of 10 to one of 75) and became more distinguished, known for its quality productions.
`Although many students get their start in the theatre by participating in Launching Pad, the quality of the performances are by no means undeveloped or simple. The program is designed to teach students and foster their individual talents,` said Hughes.
Joseph Shaver joined Launching Pad eight years ago and is currently in the process of directing his seventh show with the troupe, `Beauty and the Beast` which will debut in January. He said the shows are high quality, especially for middle schoolers who may have no previous acting experience, and that standard encourages students to give it their all.
`We get as professional as we can. We have a very experienced tech director who does sound; he’s been doing it his whole life at places like the Egg and Proctors. The set designer and lighting designer works at SUNY Albany and does Broadway-style sets,` said Shaver. `We expect a lot for a middle school production.`
To celebrate a decade of drama, Launching Pad is holding a 10th Anniversary gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge. Tickets are $30 and includes dinner that features a carving station, pasta station and chocolate fountain. Local businesses have provided items and gift certificates for the silent auction and teachers from the district have contributed artwork, jewelry and quilts. Proceeds will go toward purchasing materials for sets and costumes.
`We were looking for fun way to celebrate 10 years. We thought since it’s the week before Thanksgiving, getting everyone together during holiday time was a good way to do it,` said Shaver. `We wanted kids to perform but wanted to do something different than just use the stage and auditorium. This seemed like a fun way to do that.`
Part of the night’s entertainment will come from Launching Pad alumni now in high school who will perform songs of their choosing, with a couple current Launching Pad members mixed in.
`The kids in the high school love to come back. We call it part of the Launching Pad family; once you’re part of it, you’re always part of it,` said Shaver, who added many former members help with makeup, hair and costumes.
Shaver said the connection students make with one another during their time with Launching Pad has become one of its greatest assets and is a big reason why he continues to stay involved.
`A lot of the middle schoolers don’t have a place where they feel they can belong and I think theatre opens up to so many different kids; we have athletic kids, book smart kids, every walk of life is part of it and somewhow they all get along and are in it for the same thing,` said Shaver. `It’s neat to see everyone get together and fit in and be part of a family.`
Hughes said even the older students hold on to memories of the place where they got their first taste of acting.
`When I see former Launching Pad students, what they want more than anything is to reminisce and talk about their experiences and memories in Launching Pad. For most students, they are among the fondest memories they have of middle school,` said Hughes. `To say that Launching Pad is a ‘club’ would be a huge misconception. To be involved in Launching Pad is to be part of something special and whether you plan for it or not, each production takes on a life of its own and you find yourself drawn to the ‘drama’ of it all.`
Shaver said each batch of Launching Pad students strive to produce a show that’s even better than the previous.
`Kids know over the years from growing up watching [shows] that we expect quality and they rise to that occasion. They want to produce something better than the year before. It’s always a challenge and they always have that itch to do better,` said Shaver.
The Ballston Spa Elks Lodge is at 10 Hamilton St. To make reservations, email [email protected] or call 884-7200 ext. 4305. Launching Pad’s founders were teachers Jen Hughes, Sam Salamone, Fran DelSignore and retired Principal Dr. Helen Stuetzel.
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