Two white girls and a white woman are working on lighting for the theatre. They are using a variety of equipment to create different lighting effects.

Applications for Tech Theatre Training Are Open

2024-2025 Tech Theatre Training Participants

Applications are open for Starlight’s Tech Theatre Training program. During the 2024-2025 school year, 20 high school students from the Kansas City area have been gaining skills to help them pursue a career in the theatre and entertainment industries.

Program participants are trained by industry professionals and work hands on in multiple disciplines including lighting, costuming, hair and makeup, scenic/set design, audio/sound, and video.

Over the course of the school year, training sessions are held at Starlight where participants work with staff as well as members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.).

In addition to training sessions at Starlight, students visit other Kansas City arts organizations including A to Z Theatrical, The Arts Asylum, and New Theatre & Restaurant.

One of this year’s partner organizations praised the program, saying:

“This is a truly beneficial program to give high school students in Kansas City access to the latest knowledge and insider information about the industry. As Media/Projections finds a permanent place in theatre design, having students get more hands-on experience will greatly improve the field and prepare students for many possible directions in their careers.”

Tech Theatre Training participants at A-Z Theatrical.

Sessions take place over nine months. At the end of the program, participants will get to contribute technical elements during two performances at Starlight in May.

A current participant shared “You get to have a lot of fun, while also broadening your knowledge in areas you’re interested in.”

Applicant Considerations

  • High school students in grades 11 and 12 who have an interest in exploring technical theatre.
  • Students with experience in one of the following areas preferred: audio/sound, lighting, scenic/set, video, costume, hair & makeup.
  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), women, and LGBTQIA individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

2025-2026 Session Dates

  • Monday, September 8, 5-7:30p
  • Tuesday, September 9, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, October 20, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, December 8, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, January 12, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, February 2, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, February 23, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, March 9, 5-7:30p
  • Monday, April 6, 5-7:30p
  • Mon-Tues, May 18-19 (times TBD)
  • Blue Star Awards Ceremony – Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (tentative date)
  • Elementary Musicals in Schools Student Share – Friday, May 22, 2026 (tentative date)

Application Information

  • Application closes May 23.
  • Application will ask for area/s of interest, a short answer question, and a resume and/or portfolio of previous work.
  • The program cost is $250.
  • Scholarships will be available.
APPLY

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