Michael Gatzendorfer: Director/Program Coordinator
Melissa Glastetter: Producer/Program Coordinator
Description:
The goal of the BARC Youth Theatre Program is to give every student the opportunity to participate in a true theatrical experience, no matter what their experience level may be. Our program is directed by Michael Gatzendorfer- the program’s founder. Mike is the Senior Education Programs Manager at Proctors in Schenectady, and he has also directed numerous productions for SLOC. He has spent the last 20 years working with students of all ages, helping them explore & appreciate every aspect of theater.
This program is for students entering 4th grade through to June graduates. It runs from May through August. Registration opens in early March and closes mid April. Auditions are held at the end of April, and rehearsals are afterschool on Mondays & Wednesdays in May & June, with a more extended schedule in July & August. The production is the second and third weekend in August. The cost of this program is $90 per student for cast members and $45 per student for crew members, with a multi family member discount applied for more than two siblings registering.
Registration Information 2020
The Summer 2020 production of Matilda has been canceled. If you have registered previously, please be on the lookout for an email from our registration site (Sports Signup) with refund options. If you’d like to help support the BARC Youth Theatre Program, read below.
“Just because you find that life’s not fair it doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it.” – Matilda
Let me start by saying I hope this email finds you healthy and doing well in this difficult time. My thoughts and hopes for a brighter tomorrow are with you all. “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world!” – Matilda
I would like nothing more than to be writing to you that we are going to proceed with our production of Matilda this summer but alas we all know that is not going to happen. With your health and safety in mind we had no choice but to cancel. Please know that this was an incredibly difficult decision to make and we appreciate your patience and understanding. “I have been to Chokey!” – Matilda
Until we can be together again I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that we do still have a few opportunities to support our program. I have received some messages from people normally involved asking “what are we suppose to do now, without BARC this summer?” Well here are a few things that should be fun, uplifting and ensure that we will still have an amazing program to look forward to next year! This is in no way required. Your participation is voluntary but greatly appreciated if you do chose to join in the fun. “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot!” – Matilda
First, Hoffman Helping Hands is supporting our program again this year with car wash certificates. We will receive 20% of each purchase. Exterior wash and Exterior/Interior wash (at certain locations) will be offered. Fathers Day is coming! Students are graduating and may be getting cars that need washing! Wednesdays come around at least once a week 🙂 All good reasons to have a Hoffman Car Wash Certificate (or 2 or 3) ready for giving! The Hoffman’s Helping Hands BYT fundraiser runs from June 5th – December 5, 2020. Please feel free to SHARE THIS LINK WITH EVERYONE!! This is not limited to just BYT participants! Anyone can purchase using the link below. “You Gotta Be Loud!” – Matilda
CLICK HERE to purchase your certificates today and SUPPORT BARC YOUTH THEATRE 2020
Coming up on June 14th, Paint N Gogh has agreed to help us out with another event this year. Due to current restrictions this will be a Take and Paint/Virtual Lesson fundraiser. When you sign up for the event you will receive a link to sign in to the virtual event/lesson through Google Meet. The event will take place on Sunday June 14th from 2pm-4pm. You will pick up your prepackaged supplies at Paint N Gogh located 114 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa. Kit pick up will be Friday 6/12 and Saturday 6/13 from 11-2pm. If these times do not work for you other arrangements can be made by contacting Heather directly at 518-878-6869. The original painting was to be a Matilda souvenir painting but given the fact that Matilda has been cancelled we have change the artwork to reflect the 518 rainbow movement and a positive/motivational message from Matilda in support of the show that should have been. Cost is $35-$38 depending on which Kit you choose. $14 of each Kit sold goes directly back into our program!! That’s amazing and we can’t thank Paint N Gogh enough for making this event possible. This fundraiser is helping our program and a community business stay alive and well! Now that sounds just like something Matilda would do! Again, Please feel free to SHARE THIS LINK WITH EVERYONE!! This is not limited to just BYT participants! Anyone can purchase using the link below. “You shouldn’t let a little thing like “little” stop you!” – Matilda
CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket today and SUPPORT BARC YOUTH THEATRE 2020
In the works: I am still waiting to hear back from the Elks Lodge regarding a possible Paint n Sip event like we had last year. We are waiting on restrictions and guidelines from the CDC to be sure we can make it happen. After the response we got last year my fingers are crossed that we will be able to do it again. It was such a fun night and such a great way to get to know each other and support our program at the same time. I will keep you up to date on this fundraiser as soon as I get any further information. “Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty!” – Matilda
I want to thank you all for just being here, listening and considering support of our program and our kids. We are all missing them and the theatre so much right now. Who would have ever imagined this would be our lives and times? Hopefully being able to do something positive, supporting each other and the things that mean the most to us will make a difference for ourselves our future. Hang in there and know that we are all here for you and working together to make a difference.
“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Matilda
Here’s to good thoughts,
Melissa Glastetter, Producer, BARC Youth Theatre
