Clarkstown Summer Theatre History Page

Before we show our previous performance clips and rehearsal footage a brief..... HISTORY OF SUMMER THEATRE

Who could have known the impact that the seed of an idea could have. The suggestion for a summer theatre program involving high school students was made in 1973 by Luther Howard, then principal of Clarkstown High School South. His idea with help from the PTA, has grown and borne fruit of many varieties that have nourished local students, the community, and the county.

This program encourages young adults to increase their self confidence and heighten their self esteem. They work as a team and learn about all areas of theater... lighting, sound, set construction, acting, choreography, singing and orchestration. Each component, cast, crew and orchestra, works together with our paid professional staff to put on the show.

All of these wonderful experiences would not be possible without a very dedicated volunteer CSTF Board of Trustees. Adult and student board members work throughout the year on committies such as, Reading, Personnel, and Fundraising. During the summer the committees work on Costumes, Props, Tickets, and Boutique, just to name a few. Their reward is in seeing the registrants gaining experience in theatre and also having lots of fun.

Alumni of the program can be found in Clarkstown and other communities in Rockland , in cities across the country, and in many foreign ports. Many have written to CSTF, telling of their special memories of the program and their current activities. Reading through these comments, certain themes crop up repeatedly: friendship, teamwork, family, & personal growth.

Some of the alumni are currently, or have been involved in careers related to the entertainment fields as writers, producers, technicians, performers, and musicians, as part of the theater, television, movies, and records. For some, the theater has become an avocation. The remaining alumni have pursued different endeavors', they are making an impact on our country in other ways- as teachers, therapists, business people, and professionals.

Luther Howard, and all those who have spent their time, talent, and money supporting the youngsters in CSTF, have shared in a wisdom so eloquently stated by Dolly Levi from our 1992 production of "Hello Dolly", when she quotes her late husband, Ephraim, "Money is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow!".

All that could be possible because of the giving and sharing that have taken place during the past 34 years. May Clarkstown Summer Theatre Festival continue to be the launching pad into the future for the youth of our community for the next thirty five years and beyond.