Fan Club Update: Starlight’s Getting COOLER

It’s been just over two months since the Development team at Starlight Theatre introduced The Fan Club to Starlight patrons. Thanks to a table staffed outside the Ovation gift shop, an informational ad in Starlight programs, and an awesome pre-show video featuring Starlight “fans” Bryan Busby and Peggy Dunn, it appears the word is getting out – Starlight Is About To Get Cooler!

Starlight staff and volunteers have been answering a wide range of questions from patrons who are intrigued by the upcoming installation of four high-profile fans that will circulate air throughout the seating area on warm summer nights.

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from Starlight guests, whether they are first-time visitors or 25-year season subscribers,” said Allison McLain, Starlight’s director of development. “The most-asked question is ‘Are the fans noisy?’ No, they’re ultra-quiet. They also want to know if the fans will block views. Again, the answer is no. We’ve done extensive sightline studies and are committed to not block audience members’ views.”

As awareness and excitement for the fans build, Starlight patrons are contributing more than just comments. As of Aug. 29, individuals had donated $9,523 to The Fan Club on-site at Starlight or online. Additionally, a grant of $25,000 has been received from the R.C. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee, and the Hall Family Foundation has pledged $50,000. These and future philanthropic contributions will help to offset the costs of the Envira-North fans and the project’s design and construction.

Site work will begin the week of Oct. 16 and, weather permitting, construction will be completed by Christmas. The fans will make their debut for Starlight concert and Broadway audiences next spring. Positioned atop poles 35 feet tall and 10 inches in diameter, the four state-of-the-art fans will generate a welcome breeze of about 4 mph in the seating bowl.

There is still time to become a member of The Fan Club with a donation as small as $10 or as generous as $250+. Member perks at various donation levels include “cool gifts” like paddle fans, phone fans, water bottles, and recognition on the website, in show programs and more. Click to learn more and get involved with the cool kids of Starlight’s Fan Club.