History of Scitamard
"You need three things in theatre -
The play, the actors, and the audience and each must give something."
-Michael S. Burnett
Scitamard was founded at Gloversville High School in 1955 by Jean Morris. Scitamard is "dramatics" spelled backwards. Scitamard Dramatics Society has been going ever since. Every year now, they produce at least two shows. In the fall, usually the week before Thanksgiving, they do a straight play. In the spring, they do a musical. In 1957, the group won an award at Siena College for their entrance in a dramatics' competition in which they preformed The Happy Journey. In its earlier years, the club used to do a Christmas skit every year, as well as sponsor the Prize Speaking Contest. In 1961, Ellen Bernstein won first prize; Blanche Alter, second; and Judith Scribner, third in that Prize Speaking Contest. In 1962 the winners from first to third were: Karol R. Suval, Linda Shwartz and Stephanie DeSimone. In 1963, the winners were: Joyce Mizrahi, Linda Scribner and Patricia Clemente. In 1967, the club had a playwriting contest. Thomas Greer won the contest and his play Epiph, Epaph, Epum was performed that year. In 1993, during Anything Goes they had a small fire. The old wires above the stage sparked, but there was no danger because the circuit breaker went out. The students acted naturally and pulled the fire alarm, the firemen came and thirty minutes later they were able to finish the show. Chris Edwards was the last person to work that light board, and also the first to work the new light board. Scitamard currently has a Dramatic Directors Scholarship Fund which goes to a student serious about continuing their career in the performing arts after high school graduation.
Scitamard's dramatic productions provide students with an outlet for their talents as well as a chance to learn more about every aspect of the theatre arts, including lighting make-up and publicity. Also, members become part of a very special "family" that encourages further participation.