Off-Season Spotlights: Creative Works by Ballibay Staff
We’re excited to share some amazing projects that our talented Ballibay staff have been working on since the summer season ended. In this post, we’re showcasing their work across music, theater, dance, visual arts, and more, offering a glimpse into the vibrant creative journeys that fuel our Ballibay community. So, dive in and explore the brilliant creative works shared by our artists, musicians, performers, and visionaries!
SWALLOW ME WHOLE: Sarah Galante (Camp Director)
Sarah Galante will be debuting her new play, Swallow Me Whole, at The Tank in NYC this January 23th, 24th, and 25th! Sarah had the opportunity to workshop this play at Ballibay in late August, collaborating with a group of actors and a director. In other exciting news, she’s currently a semi-finalist for Irons in the Fire 2025 with Fault Line Theatre in NYC for her play Body Negative. Big things are happening for Sarah, and we couldn’t be prouder!
“AMERICA”: Zach Brewer (Head of Rock)
Head of Rock, Zach Brewer collaborated with their friend Sam Kogon to create the song "America." Zach recorded and engineered the track, co-produced it, and also played the electric guitar, electric bass, synths, and provided backing vocals.
“AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME”: Sonny Hoadley (Theater Director & Division Head '23 & '24)
Sonny is back at school, gearing up for his first-term performance, which he will perform with the rest of his class to the students at his college! Sonny has loved rehearsing for this performance and even had the opportunity to sing a few songs from Mary Poppins, which he directed at Ballibay in 2024.
THE GUY WHO DIDN’T LIKE MUSICALS: Aidan Wunderley (Tech Theater Counselor '23 & '24)
Aidan has spent the past five weeks stage managing The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals with Center Stage, a student-led theater group at the College of Charleston. This StarKid production, inspired by Invasion of the Body Snatchers, has given Aidan the exciting and fulfilling opportunity to collaborate with their friends and peers to bring this hilariously unique piece of theatre to life.
RGBWY: John Jannone (Director Emeritus) & Niav Conty (Former Head of Media)
Imagine stepping into a world where sound becomes color- that's the experience I.S.O. delivers in their new album, RGBWY.
"My passion for working in dance is inexplicable.": Andre Montes (Dance Counselor '23 & '24)
Andre, a fan favorite at Ballibay for his energetic hip-hop and reggaeton classes, has been hard at work honing his craft. He's been busy developing fresh choreography, attending workshops, and taking classes to keep his skills sharp. You can check out some of his latest choreography here!
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS: TJ Pinales (Division Head '23 & Head of Music '24)
TJ Pinales is currently involved in a local community theater production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at the Pearl Theater in Pearland, Texas, running from October 18th-27th. With a small cast of five, TJ will be taking on multiple roles, including Jonathan Harker, Cavendish, Worthington, Bosun, and the Gravedigger. This marks TJ’s first role of this capacity, and the experience has been both exciting and educational!
SIDEWAYS: Andy Blais (Camper '80-'85 & Theater Director '09, '10, & '24)
Andy recently wrapped up his work as the lighting designer for Sideways at the Chatham Players in New Jersey. Sideways tells the story of a wine-tasting road trip meant to celebrate the last days of bachelorhood, but what starts as a carefree adventure quickly veers off course. Are you in the New Jersey area? Check out the Chatham Players' current season here!
We hope you enjoyed this look at the amazing work happening beyond the camp season. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment if something here inspired you!
Thanks for reading!
