The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received July 4, 2024.
If you’ve driven on Routes 154 or 81 in the past five years, chances are you’ve heard of Blue Fire Stage Company. Their colorful yard signs pop up throughout the year announcing their most recent project. Yet this beloved nonprofit organization is in danger of losing its home – two rooms on the bottom floor of the former Haddam Elementary School – based on the town’s proposal to sell the building to a private developer.
Blue Fire has brought a variety of theatrical productions to the HK community since 2019 and become part of the fabric of our towns in the process. Higganum resident Alicia Harriman states, “My daughter has been performing with BFSC for three years. They have not only supported her musical growth, but also worked diligently to nurture her self-confidence and build her self-esteem. BFSC is an integral part of the HK community and a welcoming home for all ‘theater kids.’”
BFSC is especially proud of their Apprenticeship program that pairs aspiring youth or adults with a theater professional in their area of interest. Many of their apprentices have been students who then take on leadership roles in their school productions.
Matthias Carroll, a set construction apprentice last fall, reflects on his experience: “From the beginning I felt like my opinion was valued and like my help made a real difference. I was almost immediately trusted to do small projects on my own… I really felt like I had met a group I fit with. This feeling continued as some friends I met in BFSC introduced me to the drama club at school and allowed me to continue doing the behind the scenes work that I love.”
BFSC reaches out to local senior and assisted living facilities to perform and offers them group discounts for shows. During the quarantine, the group caroled for senior citizens who were shut in through the holiday season. Nancy Armstrong, resident of Masonicare at Chester Village, shared, “At Christmas last year the residents were treated to a wonderful concert of holiday songs by the Blue Fire singers. All were invited to join in and we did with gusto! The residents were still praising the event for days later.”
Twice, BFSC members have volunteered their time and talents for the Haddam Historical Society’s Jailhouse Tours. They have sponsored the HKMS Color Run and this past spring, they donated to HKMS to cover the cost for two scholarship tickets for a class trip to see Hadestown at the Shubert Theater.
Despite all that BFSC has contributed to the HK community, our town is in danger of losing this valuable organization. If the building is sold under the Rak proposal, their current rooms will become senior housing. While the plans include two rooms as community space, this will not be enough to keep this organization in business.
Rebecca Degnan, BFSC President, says, “Performance space is the least of our worries. We need dedicated, year-round space to rehearse, build sets, hold workshops, store equipment and build community. We can perform anywhere. But we need a home.” Owen Voegtli, a student at HKMS, reflects on this. “Blue Fire has taught me many things, not just about theater but about my community…I have made many long-lasting friendships and had many fun performances. Losing our home at HES would remove the soul and spirit of a significant part of the HK community.”
What do the board and community of BFSC hope will happen as a result of the July 23, 2024 referendum? Above all else, BFSC hopes people will vote no, so they can continue to operate in their rooms at HES. They would love to see HES become a thriving community center, including town offices and the senior center, as countless others have requested.
If the building is sold, they hope to be part of conversations so that a space can continue to be dedicated to them in the building. If all else fails, they hope to find another space in our community that they can afford so they can continue their mission to enhance our community through the arts.
Emma Castiglioni, a rising ninth grader at HKHS, sums up the sentiments felt by the large and passionate community that has been cultivated by Blue Fire. “BFSC has been a place where I’ve been able to have many amazing experiences… BFSC has always provided an accepting and safe space within our community. I hope it continues to for years to come.”
Rebecca Degnan, Haddam
