Each summer, Starlight selects a new group of Starlight Stars and Starlight Stars of Tomorrow, representing some of the most ambitious and talented high school and middle school performers in the Kansas City region. These young stars participate in exciting educational workshops and have performance opportunities throughout the year.
“We know how eager community students have been to return to the performing arts,” said Alex Jones, Starlight’s Vice President of Community Engagement. “Providing pathways for young people to safely participate in these impactful workshops and training sessions has been a highlight of Starlight’s summer so far.”
This June, the Starlight Stars of Tomorrow, Starlight’s middle school performing arts group, had the opportunity to participate in three days of acting, dance and vocal music workshops. These workshops were led by local teaching artists Allison Jones, Courtney Germany and Christina Burton.
Next, both troupes participated in a Saturday dance workshop with Godspell director and choreographer Jerry Jay Cranford and Godspell cast member Allison Jones. Later, the Starlight Stars, Starlight’s high school troupe, attended a week-long performing arts workshop in July, culminating in a mock vocal audition and dance call. In addition to receiving performing arts training, these high school performers engaged in career-preparation conversations about traditional musical theatre auditions, professional resumes, headshots and more.
The 2021 Starlight Stars of Tomorrow are Elizabeth Breshears, Keira Bruns, Chloe Humphries, Aisatu Jallow, Lily Lagergren, Aurora Lautzenhiser, Abigail Mueller, Olivia Smith, Scarlett Spaulding and Lillian Ullmann. The 2021 Starlight Stars are Juliana Allen, Leanna Bandelier, Clara Bay, Madeline Bishop, Jack Blackburn, Addison Collins, Madelynn Darst, Reese Dorsett, Paige Gonzales, Kyleigh Hendrix, Brielle Jefferson, Savannah Jordan, Sola Owens, Sierra Quinn, Cecilia Rancatore, Sydney Robinson, Alana Shields, Breana Smith, Mae Tuschman, Phenix Watson and Allison Weiner.
Starlight Stars and Starlight Stars of Tomorrow are educational programs that are structured to develop and hone the skills of high school and middle school performers. These programs help younger students to build a foundation of performance skills and prepare older members to pursue arts careers. For more information about educational programming from Starlight’s Community Engagement team, visit kcstarlight.com/engage/training/.
