Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
Thanks to our generous donors and corporate partners, thousands of Kansas City residents are impacted by Starlight’s community engagement programs each year. One of our longest partnerships is with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), who have helped Starlight advance its mission in many capacities over the past several decades – … Continued
Starlight’s 70 for 70 Legacy Giving campaign is already on its way to securing 70 Legacy Society donors in honor of 70 years of Starlight by the end of 2021. Our Legacy Society members all have deep Starlight memories and a vested interest in keeping the Starlight tradition alive for generations to come. Want to … Continued
Following the most challenging year in Starlight’s history, we are looking forward to celebrating the enduring power of the arts and a brighter future in 2021! Mark your calendars for: Starlight’s 34th Annual Benefit Gala Shine On Saturday, October 2, 2021 As our largest fundraising event of the year, Starlight’s gala provides vital support to … Continued
In a joint effort to help the Community Blood Center (CBC), Starlight and neighboring organizations are seeking donors for their 4th Swope Park Community Blood Drive. New and past donors are encouraged to register, as 600 units of blood are needed daily to meet regional hospital needs. A seven-day inventory of all blood types must … Continued
Starlight’s young professional group, Young Friends of Starlight (YFS), is now accepting applications for the next generation of advocates to be part of its leadership team. Join the YFS Steering Committee for the opportunity to learn more about Starlight’s programs, as well as network with other individuals in Kansas City who are passionate about performing … Continued
Starlight is excited to announce that Alex Jones, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of arts education and community engagement, has joined Starlight’s team as the new Vice President of Community Engagement. Starlight leadership and board members conducted a nationwide search and received more than three hundred applications for the role. … Continued
Starlight is thrilled to welcome its new Vice President of Community Engagement to the team. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Jones brings his expertise of arts education and community engagement all the way from California. Learn more about Starlight’s newest team member and what he’s looking forward to most about this … Continued
Recently, a new trend took the social media world by storm—TikTok creators began adapting popular songs to 19th century sea shanties. Even Broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber joined in on the fun! Starlight recently hopped on the trend, too, with staff members showing off their creativity and vocal skills by turning popular Broadway songs into … Continued
After two successful streaming events, Starlight has collaborated with one of Kansas City’s most popular bands for a one-night-only virtual concert, playing Friday, February 19 at 7 p.m. The Starhaven Rounders first appeared on the Kansas City music scene in 2011 and have earned a reputation for their high-energy shows. This homegrown five-piece band is … Continued
On this week’s episode, Dixie’s Happy Hour is set to stream with Starlight@Home, Ratatouille makes its TikTok debut, and a new, innovative play premieres on Hulu. Dixie Longate Reunites With Starlight In An All-New Streaming Show
Each year, Starlight invites Vincent Legacy Scholars and their families to the theatre for a holiday celebration dinner. The evening introduces the newest scholars, provides an opportunity for current scholars and alumni to share performing and life updates, and connects students and their families to Starlight staff and program donors, Greg and Rebecca Reid. This … Continued
Starlight would like to congratulate Barb Schulte, Vice President of Community Engagement, on her recent retirement. After 35 years in the workforce (14 of which were spent at Starlight) Schulte begins another chapter spending time with her husband and grandchildren, traveling (post pandemic), volunteering and perhaps even returning to the classroom. Before she left, she … Continued
After 14 dedicated years at Kansas City’s historic outdoor theatre, Starlight’s Vice President of Community Engagement, Barb Schulte, retired at the end of 2020. While her final year in the workforce was nothing like she imagined as COVID-19 dominated the headlines, Schulte knows that she won’t be a stranger to Starlight once the pandemic passes. … Continued
A wrap party via Zoom on Monday, December 21, concluded the 2020 season for the Starlight Stars and Starlight Stars of Tomorrow performance troupes. Along with reflecting on the season and sharing favorite memories, a portion of the evening included awarding two $500 scholarships from Starlight and the programs’ donors. Katy Sheehan, a sophomore at … Continued
Just before the holidays, Starlight had the opportunity to give back to the very community that pours so much into our organization. In a continued effort to be a community partner in and around Swope Park, Starlight contributed to Southeast High School’s “Dress for Success Closet” clothing drive. The drive also aided the KC Refugee … Continued
Starlight’s Bob Rohlf Internship program is back for the summer of 2021! Applications are now available online for college students seeking a paid internship experience filled with hands-on opportunities. Starlight interns contribute to the success of the theatre’s Broadway shows, concerts and community engagement programs. Bob Rohlf Interns have the opportunity to work closely with … Continued
On this week’s episode we have a marathon-worthy podcast, a gift idea for the Broadway fans in your life, and Starlight premieres Starlight@Home. 7 Reasons To Check Out ‘The Two Princes’ Podcast
Holiday greetings from your friends at Starlight! Enjoy this special holiday performance from the Starlight Stars and Stars of Tomorrow made just for YOU.
If you’re considering a charitable gift, don’t miss out on the special incentives afforded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which expire December 31, 2020. There are several giving strategies that may benefit you: Individual donors may deduct gifts to Starlight to offset as much as 100% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).Ordinarily, the income tax … Continued
In our latest Raise Our Voices performance, Blue Star Awards student Elaine Watson shares an inspiring rendition of “Hope” by Emeli Sandé. She chose this piece because it’s a message that she feels needs to be heard—one about having hope, supporting one another and continuing to have tough conversations with loved ones. “Hope that one … Continued
Starlight is a beloved destination for national tours of Broadway shows and contemporary musicians. Two generous, forward-thinking donors are largely to thank for Starlight’s ability to host the highest-quality productions while maintaining the magic of the outdoor theatre experience. For the better part of 50 years since opening in 1951, Starlight self-produced the majority of its shows, which were performed at the mercy of Mother … Continued
During our most recent virtual donor happy hour, supporters were treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at Starlight’s horticulture program and gardens led by Clayton Williams, Horticulture Supervisor. In addition to learning more about how Starlight’s annual flower beds are grown and arranged, donors also got to peek inside Starlight’s 3000-square-foot hoop house provided by Kansas City Parks and Recreation. “Watching the plants and seeds grow … Continued
Earlier this year, donors like you stepped up in support of Starlight’s commitment to exceptional arts experiences, our ongoing community engagement initiatives, and our historic venue. Though much of the future is still uncertain, your continued generosity enables us to prepare for whatever lies ahead. This holiday season, why not give to the ones you love while giving back to your community with these unique gifts: Make a … Continued
What Starlight memory do you find yourself sharing over and over with family and friends? Perhaps your first date was at Starlight, or your parents brought you to your first Broadway show in the 1960s. Maybe season tickets have been in your family for generations or your proposal took place during a concert. Whatever the … Continued
Did you know? You can give back to Starlight with AmazonSmile! Every time you shop on Amazon, a portion of the purchase price will go directly to Starlight—at no additional cost to you! To set up AmazonSmile, simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/44-0552079 and select Starlight Theatre Association of Kansas City, Inc. as your charity of choice. … Continued
Dear friends of Starlight, Due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the announcement that Broadway will be shuttered until at least June of next year, we recently learned that there will be a number of changes to your 2021 AdventHealth Broadway Series. Almost all of the Broadway producers have had to make the … Continued
In response to a national blood shortage, Starlight and neighboring organizations are gearing up to host a third blood drive on Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Thurs., Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. In partnership with the Community Blood Center (CBC), Starlight seeks donations to help the CBC reach its required daily donation of … Continued
On this week’s episode, The Grinch streams in two new adaptations, The Prom releases a new trailer, and Tina Fey hosts The Best of Broadway: For One Night Only. Two Dr. Seuss Adaptations Coming to the Screen
Introducing Starlight@Home! This brand new offering makes featured shows, streaming content, and educational activities available to Starlight fans. With affordable tickets sold per household per show, in addition to free streaming content and educational resources, Starlight@Home consists of easy, accessible activities that the whole family will enjoy. Or, gift a Starlight@Home show to your extended … Continued
Starlight’s family of Vincent Legacy Scholarship recipients grew by five in mid-November when the students who participated in our 2020 series of performance workshops received a pleasant surprise – $500 scholarships to pursue additional training in the performing arts! Each of the students – now in grades 7 through 9 – originally applied in early … Continued