After more than two decades of guiding students under the bright stage lights and behind the curtains, Producer Joel Kaczmarczyk prepares to take his final bow as Director of Utica’s Theatre Department this April with Utica High School’s production of Descendants. He announced at his final company call that he will be stepping away from his role, leaving behind a legacy built on countless performances, weekend set builds, and unshakable dedication. While he plans to remain involved in some capacity, he shared that the physical and mental demands of running the program had ultimately led him to his decision.

“I don’t know if I’m necessarily going to completely step away,” Mr. Kaczmarczyk said. “I know I’m giving up the co-curricular after-school part. The reason being is I’ve started to recognize the physical limitations at my age.”

For years, Mr. Kaczmarczyk has spent countless hours on weekends building sets, organizing lights, and ultimately pulling together the productions to ensure the smooth running of the theatre program.

“I’m going home on the weekends like everybody else, but then I’m coming back here to build,” Mr. Kaczmarczyk said. “It’s tiring to build scenery; it’s not like it was 20 years ago.”

As Mr. Kaczmarczyk prepares to step down, the timing holds personal significance. His daughter, Jaelyn Kaczmarczyk, is also graduating this year, marking the end of an era both for his family and the theatre department. Her milestone served as another factor in his decision to leave now rather than later.

“I’m proud of him. He’s been a huge inspiration for me and countless other students,” senior Jaelyn Kaczmarczyk said. “He’s done more shows than any other producer at Utica so far, so I hope that for all the shows he’s produced and through the students he influenced throughout the years, his legacy is one that lasts.”

Although the role wasn’t something he initially asked for, it quickly became an important part of his career. He dedicated himself to making the theatre a safe and welcoming space for students, a place where they could express themselves and grow as both performers and individuals.

“When I was in high school, I got involved in theatre and thought it was the most wonderful thing in the world,” Mr. Kaczmarczyk said. “So, when I became a teacher, I promised myself I’d do the same for my students—to treat them with respect and provide a safe, welcoming environment.”

And this commitment is reflected in the students he has influenced, shaping them into better people both on and off stage. Many students have expressed their gratitude for Mr. Kaczmarczyk and the impact he’s had on their lives.

“When I first started theatre, I was very rambunctious, and I didn’t pay attention as well as I could have,” sophomore Gage Diem said. “Listening to Mr. K made me want to do better. I knew I wanted to stage manage. and he helped me recognize I would have to improve my actions if I wanted to do that.”

While students expressed that the program wouldn’t be the same without him, his decision was met with understanding and respect by all who heard his final company call. His words resonated deeply, as they recognized the necessity of his choice.

“I knew it was going to happen one way or another,” junior Jonathan McCabe said. “He pretty much just teaches English now, so he doesn’t have the extra time he used to during his other theatre classes to be building the set. I think he’s making the right decision.”

In the quiet auditorium, Mr. Kaczmarczyk reassured students that his decision was a personal one.

“I wasn’t doing it because of them. I wasn’t trying to leave them,” Mr. Kaczmarczyk said. “I personally must leave to take care of myself. Plus, I’ve given up so much time away from my wife over the years, and she has been a trooper. Now it’s time for me to give back to her.”

Although Mr. Kaczmarczyk’s leadership in the theatre department will come to an end, his legacy of dedication, passion, and mentorship will not be forgotten. The students and faculty who have worked with him will always appreciate the years he devoted to making Utica’s theatre program feel like a home.