Gick should know. Though this is her first time directing a show for SSTFY she has been directing teenagers for years in both Bristol and Simsbury and she is a former teen member of the SSTFY family.

And she's not the only one. SSTFY's adult board is rife with alumni, including Kevin Brownell, member at large and adult advisor for publicity and Nancy Grandin, their first ever alumnus president.

Grandin takes the group's family-like atmosphere quite literally. Husband Joe Campolieta is this year's musical director and son Dan Campolieta, 18, stars as Sky Masterson, the hard-hearted gambler reformed by love, and serves as president of the youth board.

While former teen members of SSTFY can't seem to stay away, Grandin emphasized that the program is all about the kids.

"When something has this big an impact on you as a person, it's a gift to be able to give that back to the community," she said. "I get a little jealous not being able to go on stage, but it's not about [the adults]. It's the kids' time now." She added, "[The adults] do the nitty-gritty things, like secure locations and balance budgets. Our job is to make sure the kids have a good time."

Grandin estimates that since its inception in 1966 SSTFY has touched the lives of about 4,000 children. "It's amazing to have an organization that's been around so long and is so well respected and helps kids form such special relationships," she said. "It's exciting to see these kids grow and develop their talent. We want them to look back and say 'I wish I could do that again.' If they feel like they've accomplished something, that's what this is all about."

According to Brownell, the program relies on its young participants to build sets, play in the orchestra, work behind the scenes and, of course, act on stage. The responsibility is not lost on the youthful contributors.

"It's a great opportunity for the youth of Simsbury," said the younger Campolieta. "It's more than just putting on a show. You learn to work as a team and how to be responsible for setting goals and meeting deadlines. It's a great thing."

Sarah Smith, 18, stars as Sarah Brown in the show. She agrees that SSTFY is more than just putting on a show. "I encourage anyone who considering getting involved with theater to join. The experience is so worthwhile."

Annie Gianakos, 17, stars as Miss Adelaide and emphasized that there's more to the program than just getting to be one of the stars. "Getting to be a lead is just a perk because SSTFY is just so much fun anyway."

Gick and Grandin believe that it's important to make sure all the attention does not go to the stars, but rather that everyone involved get the most enriching experience possible.

"The backstage and orchestra kids are great," said Grandin. "Who knows how many of them will want to do theatre professionally or play in an orchestra? Even if just one kid who builds sets gets the confidence to say, 'If I want something I can build it myself,' we've helped them that little bit."

"In this show the chorus has a lot to do," said Gick. "It's a very visual chorus that set the scene in New York. They all have to be their own New York characters. They are as much a part of it as the leads. Everybody gets a moment."

Students can join SSTFY beginning the summer after they complete 8th grade and Stage Manager Rachel Slotnick, 16, agrees that the benefits to being part of SSTFY go beyond the footlights. "It's good to get involved when you're younger because you get introduced to people in the high school," she said. "One the first day of school you see upperclassmen and they know you. It can really help."

Other members are quick to praise the SSTFY's social atmosphere. "It's very social," said Annalee O'Dell, 16 and in her first year with SSTFY. "We talk so much sometimes I can't believe we get the work done."

Karina Benjamin, 13, and sister, Alexandra, 16, both joined this year and enjoy working backstage. "I've really liked the experience of building sets, painting and learning the technical things," said Alexandra. Karina added they both would like to be on stage eventually. "We had to go on vacation this year, but maybe next year."

O'Dell and the Benjamins all encouraged others to get involved with the program. "Anyone can be involved in SSTFY no matter what they can or can't do," said Karina.

"Guys & Dolls" opens on July 31 and runs through Aug. 2 at Simsbury High School. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. with an additional matinee on Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For more information about SSTFY and this year's production visit their Web site at www.sstfy.com.