Many of the students in SSTFY have returned from previous years. For others, such as Sarah Primmer who has the lead of Rosie DeLeon, it's a first-time experience. Adult members also tend to be alumni of SSTFY who want to give back to the organization, which has been around for 39 years.

Dan Grandin, who has the role of Harry McAfee, has been in SSTFY for six years. He has been the president of the Youth Board Committee for the past two years. Dan became interested in acting in the eighth grade when he tried out for his high school play "on a whim" and got a lead role. He was also encouraged by his mother, Nancy Grandin, to give SSTFY a try. Like many of the youths in SSTFY, Dan enjoys the organization for the learning experience and the social benefits it offers.

Members meet throughout the year- not just in the summer for rehearsals- and put together dances, parties, semi-formals, picnics, and other activities. Dan is now a sophomore at UConn, and he said, "I'd come back no matter what."

Devin Murphy, who has the lead role of Albert Peterson, is now enjoying his fourth summer with SSTFY. He became interested in the organization through some of his friends, but had always enjoyed acting previous to joining SSTFY. He and Primmer even had roles together in "Footloose." Primmer has also enjoyed acting outside of SSTFY, but she said that she grew up going to their shows.

Many young members in SSTFY aren't there just for the acting. There is a plenty of action to be found behind the scenes of "Bye Bye Birdie." Rachel Slotnick, who is the back stage representative of the Youth Board, is now a four-year member of SSTFY, and has spent every year back stage. She became interested in the organization after hearing about it from another member, and learning about it at the Simsbury High School Activities Fair. Slotnick has enjoyed working back stage so much that she plans on having a career in set design. This summer Slotnick has been working with 30 to 40 other people behind the scenes of "Bye Bye Birdie."

According to Nancy Grandin, President of the SSTFY Adult Board Committee and 16 year alumni, there are numerous criteria to meet and technicalities to deal with even before rehearsals for a play can start. She said that it takes about a full year to prepare for a show. The reading committee began their selection process for the play last August. Grandin also mentioned that the show they pick cannot be currently be on Broadway or on tour, and must have enough roles for everyone who wants to be a part of the play.

Grandin is excited about this years' venue for the showing of "Bye Bye Birdie," at the Westminster School in Simsbury. Because of the construction at their usual venue, Simsbury High School, SSTFY had to search for a different location. "We're just thrilled to be here," said Grandin.

Members of SSTFY had to make a few changes to the setup "Bye Bye Birdie" to adjust to the new location. Joe Campolieta, the music director, said, "We have to think creatively all the time." The orchestra pit at Westminster is different than the one they're used to at Simsbury High School. Because of the large number of kids who want to be in the orchestra, members came up with the idea of actually putting them into the scene of the play. This is Campolieta's fifth summer working with SSTFY. He works hard making sure that the musicians know their tunes, and the leads know their songs. "I'm very impressed with this organization," said Campolieta.

Through the support of each other and the community, the SSTFY can keep coming back each summer with devoted members and a strong following. According to Campolieta, it costs about $30,000 to put on a show every summer. The organization is completely self-funded, relying on the donations of personal patrons, businesses, and ticket sales. "We really appreciate the support of the community," said Campolieta.

With the exception of several hired professionals, the Adult Board members volunteer their time and efforts to make the play happen. "There's no gain for any of us here except for a job well done," explained Nancy Grandin, "that's what volunteering is all about."

"Bye Bye Birdie" can be seen Aug. 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m., or at a matinee performance Aug. 7 at 2 p.m., in the Westminster School's Werner Centennial Theater.