Starlight STARS
Musical Theatre Training Progam for Upper Middle and High School Students
Launching its fifth summer, the Starlight STARS musical theatre training program for upper middle and high school students has a new look, and is sure to be a big hit!
For two weeks in June, students will enjoy intensive study in dance and voice while participating in musical theatre master classes led by metro Kansas City theatre professionals. These classes will encompass a variety of musical theatre skills including acting, ensemble building, mask work, improv, vocal health, and more. As another exciting bonus, the STARS will participate in workshops led by Broadway cast members involved in Starlight’s 2010 summer season! To top it all off, students will create a medley of songs from Starlight’s 2010 Broadway season, which they will perform throughout the summer in Starlight Theatre's Spotlight Square prior to Broadway performances.
As if that wasn't enough, as part of our "new look" for the Starlight STARS program, participants will continue throughout the year to meet on a regular basis for master classes and workshops as well as to perform at various engagements throughout the Kansas City metro area! The Starlight STARS will serve as goodwill ambassadors representing Starlight Theatre to area citizens as they sing, dance, and act their way into the hearts of area residents!
Interested in becoming part of the Starlight STARS excitement this year? See below for audition details, then strap on those dance shoes, warm up that voice, and come show us what you have got!
Audition Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Check in for the audition: 10:00 a.m.
Estimated length of the audition: until 1:00 p.m.
NOTE: All of those auditioning for the STARS program must arrive no later than 10:00 a.m. for check-in. Those auditioning will be released when we have seen all required audition material.
Audition participants may park in the Zebra Lot of the Kansas City Zoo---slightly to the north and east of Starlight Theatre. Enter through Gate 8 on the east side of Starlight, and proceed to the double doors on the northeast side of the Administration Building.
Program Dates: June 7- 18, 2010 (Monday - Friday only), 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily
Additional Dates: The Starlight STARS will continue to meet on a regular basis throughout the year for master classes, workshops, and additional performances. Scheduling for these additional events is yet to be determined.
The cost of the STARS program is $350.00.
***Any student who in the fall of 2010 is entering the eighth grade through entering their senior year in high school qualifies to audition for this camp.
All participants must do a vocal and dance audition and be selected for the program.
Starlight STARS Audition Information:
- When: Saturday, March 27, 2010 (Check in at 10:00a.m.---Audition until approximately 1:00 p.m.)
- Where: Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132
Prepare: 32 bars of a Broadway musical piece that shows off your vocal range. Starlight will provide an accompanist.
- Bring: Sheet music (accurately marked for accompanist), resume, and current photo. The photo will not be returned.
- Wear: Clothes and shoes suitable for movement and a group dance audition.
- For more information on this program, please e-mail the Starlight Education Department.
A word about the Starlight STARS teaching professionals...
Christina Burton (Choreographer) is a graduate of UMKC with a BFA in Dance Performance. Her musical theatre credits include: Damn Yankees – Gloria Thorpe, Into the Woods – The Witch, Children of Eden – Father, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Smitty, Pippin – Player, Cats – Exotica, Grease – Cha-Cha, Working – Cleaning Woman, Footloose – Urleen, The Most Happy Fella – Chorus, The Man of La Mancha – Aldonza. Christina was an apprentice for Wylliams Henry Contemporary Dance Co. and has worked with choreographers such as Robert Battle, Donald McKayle, Jennifer Medina. Christina has performed in numerous venues all over Kansas City and Carnegie Hall in NYC. She has choregraphed for numerous local studios and musical productions. Christina is an instructor for Today’s Talent Network and is the Assistant Director of Jody Phillips Dance Co.
Jason Elam (Vocal Instructor) currently resides and teaches in Kearney, Missouri, where he has taught for the past six and a half of his almost twelve years in teaching. His duties include Eighth Grade Choir, Ninth Grade Women’s Choir, Ninth Grade Men’s Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Choir and Chamber Choir. Originally from Winfield, Kansas, Jason received his Bachelors in Music Education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1997. Shortly after completing his bachelors degree, he married his college sweetheart, Stacy. Both Jason and Stacy returned to Northwest in the fall of 2000 as graduate assistants to pursue their Masters in Music Education. Jason and Stacy have two children, Brendan – 6 ½ yrs, and Abby – 4 years. As an educator he has taught in the Raymore-Peculiar, Harrisonville, Chillicothe, and Kearney School Districts. He enjoys co-directing musicals at Kearney as well as conducting clinics in the Kansas City Area. Mr. Elam is a member of MMEA, MENC, MCDA, ACDA, NEA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Delta Chi, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Jason has served as the District Choral Director for the Northwest District of MCDA. Jason is extremely excited to be joining the Starlight Stars Program this year. It is his hope that he can help to inspire his students to achieve their goals and dreams just as his teachers helped to inspire him.
What do previous STARS say about their Starlight experience?
“It took us from being twenty individual people and made us one united group.” (referring to an ensemble theatre workshop) -
---Rebecca Cromer, STARS participant
"I learned to let go around others."
---STARS participant
“I learned that there’s a certain energy that the group (of actors) and audience can feel when the whole group is working together as one.”
---Kaelyn Whitt, STARS participant
"I enjoyed just becoming something new." (referring to a mask workshop)
---Emily Vargo, STARS participant
“I felt like I got everything I wanted and more! It was absolutely amazing, and I loved getting to talk to professionals who actually do what I want to do!”
---Maria Milazzo, STARS participant
“I’ll always remember the awesome times I’ve had with the Starlight STARS program, and the cool people I’ve gotten to know.”
---Ben Forrester, STARS participant
“I think that when I first walked into Starlight, I knew I could dance, sing, and act, but I did not have the 100% confidence that I felt I needed. Now I believe I have totally changed as a person as well as a performer.”
---Patrick Hennessy, STARS participant