History of the Building Fund

 

MASQUE AND MIME & PERFORMING ARTS BUILDING FUND HISTORY

 

The Masque and Mime Society of Roy C. Ketcham High School was founded by Delores Bové of the English/Theatre Department in 1964-65.  After her retirement and death, the management of the organization was taken over in 1983-84 by Rosemary Evaul and Jim Steinmeyer, also of the English/Theatre Department.  The organization continued its fine tradition of providing educational theatre and performances for the community.

 

 While celebrating the 35th anniversary of this organization in 2000, the alumni established a Building Fund to add improvements and new equipment to the theatre.  A Sponsor-a-Seat program was begun, whereby people bought brass plates on the seats or on a plaque in the rear of the theatre, for $100 and $50 respectively.  In addition, with the help of the Performing Arts Department, more Fund Raisers were held, including Clothing Drives, Flea Markets, special performances and concerts, candy sales, Valentine-O-Grams,  and others.  Over the 5 year span, we have purchased and installed carpeting in the theatre, special risers for the concerts, special chairs for concerts, a new sound system and new lighting board.  All these additions and improvements account for almost $40, 000.  None of this would have been possible without the continued support of community members.

 

Now that we are approaching the 40th anniversary, we wish it known that the Sponsor-a-Seat program is ongoing. If you wish to purchase a seat, get a form at the rear of the theatre near the lighting booth.  These make great graduation gifts!  Also, instead of throwing out old clothes, when cleaning out your closets, give us your usable, clean  clothing to our annual Clothing Drive that we hold in September.  Donations may be put in garbage bags and brought to the stage for storage over the summer.  We accept all wearable clothing, belts, pocket books, shoes, sheets, blankets, spreads; no heavy winter coats or boots, as the clothing goes to Third World countries.  Call our Voice Mail, if you have questions: 845-298-5100, X156#, or e-mail MnM40th@aol.com .  You can also visit our website at www.teacherweb.com/NY/Ketcham/MasqueandMime/index.html.