Farewell to the Stage: Ms. LaCourse Takes Her Final Bow with the Hoosic Valley Elementary School Play.
In honor of her incredible contribution to our theater community, Mr. Pemburn and Mrs. Patti Delano have crafted a heartfelt tribute, capturing the essence of Mrs. Lacourse’s impact. Although, Eileen has stepped down from the play, we are very grateful for her knowledge and dedication to the 6th grade math program!
Eileen started this program for our students 18 years ago. It started as a simple few scene plays that she mostly put together. After much interest from young students it grew into what became at many times, a sell out production. I, Patti Delano, worked as her Technical Director for about 13 of those 18 years. It was truly an experience that brought students, parents, teachers and our community together for two nights in the early week of June.
Eileen had a drive to create a stage full of life, sound and beauty. We would start early in the school year by announcing the performance. We then would meet in her classroom or the music room for the auditions of main roles, supporting roles and even understudy roles for the main characters. There were many long hours put into selections of all parts. In the end the cast worked hard and were dedicated to the world of theater that Eileen created for them.
Eileen had a drive that made you want to stand next to her and push yourself as well. I know the students felt it and at times, I certainly did as well. When she wanted a tornado for the Wizard of Oz, you had better find a way to create a realistic tornado. For Little Mermaid when the stage needed to look like it was underwater, we brought the illusion of water to life. Through her love and dedication to all the productions we found a way to see her vision and make it a reality.
There were times that the students were challenged to step out of their comfort zone to bring their character to life. Eileen never lacked the ability to create a larger than life character. She would demonstrate her intentions that were usually loud and exaggerated and cause laughter from our students, but she never felt embarrassed or apologetic for her antics. What it brought was an unwavering encouragement to try a little harder and a bond between her and her actors. Eileen knew and was thankful for all the parents and other community members who would help with designing and creating the scenery, props, make-up, hair designs, costumes and all the extra work that goes into making a production look seamless. By providing these productions to the Hoosic Valley stage those involved could feel the pride and excitement from the audience, giving them a complete sense of accomplishment and joy.
As Technical Director I always witnessed how the students created bonds with each other. They would build each other up. They would look out for another and bring out their personal best in each other. By the end of each production I was able to appreciate how so many of those young actors walked away with a new found confidence that they didn’t have when they walked into the music room to sing and act in front of teachers and peers. Eileen did that for them.
The hours may have been long, the months may have blended together from early January to early June, but the final performances were always amazing and the work was worth every second to watch those kids shine. Ms. LaCourse provided many students with a love of theater, acting, singing, dancing and yes even learning the technical and backstage chores that go with creating a live performance. Eileen will be missed as director and I am truly grateful for all the time I had standing next to her and finding my own creativity through her belief in me.
The lights may be out and the stage may be quiet but thank you Eileen for giving voice to characters that without you may not otherwise have had a voice.
View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vCIjYVmePo