STAGE THE CHANGE AT HAUPPAUGE

About 250 community members attended the “A Glimpse of Stage the Change Theatre as a Social Voice in Hauppauge” program, which was recently held at Hauppauge High School. The evening featured Tony-nominated Broadway Producer and Hauppauge High School Alumnus Tom Kirdahy who joined the school’s theatre students on their mission to use their creative talents to become voices of social change.

Kirdahy is currently the lead producer of Broadway’s runaway hit It’s Only a Play, and the Broadway premiere of The Visit. He previously was nominated for Tony Awards for Mothers and Sons, After Midnight, as well as his revivals of Ragtime and Master Class, on Broadway. The producer spoke about his career in the theatre as well as his parallel career as an activist and human rights defender. “Tom Kirdahy discussed everything from his origins as both a Hauppauge community member and eventually a Broadway Producer, to working with some of the theatre’s biggest names,” described Hauppauge’s Theatre Teacher Ruthie Pincus. “One of the most notable points he made concerned the idea of producing not for profit but for the artistic integrity of a show. While commerce may be important, Kirdahy produces shows based on what they have to say as opposed to what others will have to say about it.”

Stage the Change in Hauppauge was highlighted by a wide range of original performances by the school’s talented Theatre Department students who had the opportunity to share with their community the work they have been performing throughout the Hauppauge School District and beyond. Students Daniel S. Smith and Billy Recce served as the interviewers of Tom Kirdahy and “it was refreshing to see two students so poised and passionate about theatre be given an opportunity to understand the job of a professional Broadway and one man’s journey as he followed his heart and passions,” said Pincus.

“This evening was the culmination of an amazing three years working and producing as a Stage the Change player. In writing, performing and directing in this brilliantly familial group, I have learned how to better myself not only as an artist but as a person,” said Hauppauge High School Senior Billy Recce. “This evening showed me that there was more than enough opportunities to do what you love and feel passionate about beyond the confines of your high school, and that your voice does indeed matter. If you can find the strength to use it, then the world will hear.”

“Tom Kirdahy is an inspiration to not only drama students, but to all students at Hauppauge High School. We should all take a note from his work and be the best citizens we can be,” stated Senior Dan Smith.

About Stage the Change, Theatre as a Social Voice

In 2012, the students in Hauppauge Theatre Teacher Ruth Pincus’ Advanced Acting Ensemble class banded together to write and perform the “Anti-Bully Project” for the Hauppauge Middle School and others. The vignettes captured the attention of the Council for Prejudice Reduction, Tilles Center, RFK Foundation, and others, and led to the “Stage the Change, Theatre as a Social Voice” Conference, which is held annually at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. The next Stage the Change Conference will be held on November 6, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Tilles Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, please email rpincus@stagethechange.org or www.stagethechange.org

Photos by Kathy Bottner.