Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
Our latest Raise Our Voices performance features Breana Smith—a 2019 Vincent Legacy Scholarship winner and current Starlight Star. Breana chose to perform “Waiting For Life” from the 2018 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, Once On This Island. The musical tells the story of Ti Moune, who wonders about her purpose on … Continued
After the success of the first Swope Park Community Blood Drive in July, the Community Blood Center (CBC) and Starlight are excited to collaborate again! The second Swope Park Community Blood Drive will be held in Starlight’s Applause Club on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. … Continued
In early March, Starlight and talented students from across the metro were preparing for our annual Vincent Legacy Scholarship auditions. Starlight community engagement staff had just hosted a successful pre-audition workshop, and the prospective scholars were eager to show off their skills on audition day. Then came the pandemic and, with local leaders restricting in-person … Continued
Now more than ever, donations are important to sustaining Starlight and its programs for generations to come. Your gift supports a number of Starlight initiatives and its operations. Ticket sales only cover part of Starlight’s annual operating costs—and, with the coronavirus pandemic, Starlight is estimated to lose nearly $4 million this year. Find out how … Continued
On this week’s episode, the Black Theatre Coalition is officially formed, Starlight premieres its first-ever virtual Blue Star Awards ceremony, and Netflix plans to adapt a musical podcast to film. Black Theatre Coalition Aims to Create Employment Opportunities for Black Professionals
Starting in June, Starlight introduced a new performance initiative, “Raise Our Voices,” to give students with a connection to Starlight the opportunity to share their responses to the Black Lives Matter movement. Through this series, Starlight acknowledges the urgency for our community to speak out against racial injustice and inspire action through the power of art. All students featured participated in at least one of Starlight’s community engagement … Continued
Erin joins Starlight’s Philanthropy team with a focus on building relationships with corporate partners in support of Starlight’s annual giving, fundraising events and community engagement initiatives. Erin brings a wealth of experience and passion for the arts. A longtime Kansas City resident and nonprofit professional, Erin most recently spent five years in California as the … Continued
In our newest Raise Our Voices performance, Blue Star Awards alumnus Lucas Lowry shares a powerful excerpt from one of today’s most popular musicals—Hamilton. But the musical’s current popularity isn’t why Lucas chose these words written by Lin Manuel Miranda. Rather, he recognizes that its indirect message can be tied to current world issues, including … Continued
As a donor, you play a critical role in Starlight’s future, allowing us to advance our mission and ensure one of Kansas City’s most beloved cultural institutions can continue to serve our community for generations to come. In exchange for your generosity, we’re excited to offer a variety of re-designed benefits that bring donors even closer to the Starlight magic! For individuals and families, that includes private … Continued
Starlight’s Bob Rohlf Internship program provides real-world experience in the entertainment industry, networking opportunities with other young professionals and chances to learn from a number of Kansas City institutions through lunch-and-learns, site visits and more. And—did you know—the program also encourages interns to give back to their community! In mid-July, several Starlight interns volunteered their … Continued
Thank you to all who voted! Kansas City Magazine recently announced the winners of its 2020 Best of KC readers poll and we’re thrilled to announce that Starlight made the cut. Our historic venue won in two categories and was awarded “runner up” for a third. BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE Winner: Starlight Theatre Runner Up: … Continued
In it’s first-ever virtual Blue Star Awards ceremony, Starlight announced the winners of the 2019-20 Blue Star Awards on Friday, July 31. The online evening featured a number of guest presenters, interviews with students and teachers, and pre-recorded performances by nominees for Outstanding Actor and Actress in a Lead Role. In another “first,” Starlight debuted … Continued
In July, Starlight partnered with Community Blood Center to host the first-ever Swope Park Community Blood Drive. We’re thrilled to share that the dedicated donors of Swope Park exceeded the goal set by blood drive organizers! A total of 56 registered donors attended the drive, with 51 able to donate that day. Twenty-two were first-time … Continued
This year’s first-ever virtual Blue Star Awards ceremony also led to Starlight staff creating the first-ever digital Blue Star Awards ceremony souvenir program. While we put it together—we thought, why not dig up the ceremony programs from years past and post them online? Blue Star Awards student alumni, teachers, parents and more can explore and … Continued
In our newest filmed performance of Raise Our Voices, Starlight Star Danielle Woods chose to share John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.” She hopes the song helps to lift others’ spirits, as it does for her and her family. When asked why she chose the song, she said that waiting for change is … Continued
So you watched Hamilton on Disney+ and are wanting to continue the live theatre experience at home—you may be surprised to learn that Netflix, Amazon, PBS and other streaming services and apps are able to ‘Satisfy’ your Broadway craving. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite family-friendly Broadway shows that have been filmed live to … Continued
The coronavirus pandemic won’t keep talented students from pursuing training in the performing arts—even if it means going virtual! Earlier this year, Starlight’s community engagement team accepted video auditions for Starlight’s two youth performance troupes—the Starlight Stars and Starlight Stars of Tomorrow. Now, until it’s safe to meet in person again, the troupes train with … Continued
On this week’s episode, Idris Goodwin releases 5 free plays, Six the musical announces a brand-new production concept, and Starlight’s Blue Star Awards go virtual - in fact, this week we’re bringing you the show from the Blue Star Awards set. Idris Goodwin Offers ‘Free Play’ for Kids to Act Out Anti-Racism
Calling all eligible blood donors! Community Blood Center (CBC) has issued an urgent call for healthy blood donors, as the need for blood has rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels, but the blood supply is dangerously low. When Starlight’s vice president of community engagement, Barb Schulte, heard this—she knew Starlight could help. “While we are unable to … Continued
Last month, Starlight launched a new video initiative titled “Raise Our Voices” in hopes of offering Starlight’s platform to share diverse voices. The title is two-fold—Starlight recognizes the need, now more than ever, to Raise Our Voices against racial injustice, and wants everyone to have the opportunity to do the same. Through “Raise Our Voices,” … Continued
In case you missed it—Hamilton, the Tony Award-winning blockbuster hit musical, premieres on Disney+ Friday, July 3. There’s no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than throwing a Hamilton-themed watch party (only for those who live in your immediate household, of course)! We’ve scoured Pinterest for the perfect recipes and décor ideas to … Continued
Striving to be a better advocate, Starlight wants to use our theatre platform to share diverse voices. We recently offered students with a connection to Starlight’s community engagement programs the opportunity to share what they are feeling through a filmed performance at Starlight. In our first “Raise Our Voices” video, 2017 Vincent Legacy Scholar Lauren … Continued
While the coronavirus pandemic forced Young Friends of Starlight to cancel this year’s After Hours at the Towers event, that didn’t deter planning committee leadership from continuing to spearhead a number of initiatives in lieu of the in-person fundraiser. Young Friends of Starlight’s biggest event of the year, After Hours at the Towers, raises … Continued
Our final Starlight Senior in the spotlight has been active in theatre at Shawnee Mission South throughout her high school years. She shared her passion for performing and creativity as a member of Starlight’s Blue Star Awards Student Council. ALEXA MORGAN New Graduate, Shawnee Mission South High School Blue Star Awards Student Council, 2019-20 … Continued
For the first time in the program’s 18-year history, the Blue Star Awards ceremony will become a virtual event and premiere live on Starlight’s Facebook page Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. Although Starlight had previously postponed the ceremony in hopes of holding an in-person event in July, leadership and staff have since determined that … Continued
Earlier this month, Starlight debuted a new video initiative as an opportunity for students with a connection to Starlight’s community engagement programs to share what they are feeling through a filmed performance on the Starlight stage. Titled “Raise Our Voices,” the series encourages viewers to hear and engage in the powerful messages of students seeking … Continued
A Message From Rich Baker, Starlight's President & CEO After making every effort to proceed with our previously announced production of Godspell, we are sad to announce its cancellation. We explored many options, but simply could not find a financially responsible way of staging this show – especially with the added expense of COVID-19 precautionary … Continued
On this week’s episode, the National Black Theatre opens submissions for their residency program, the Broadway Podcast Network launches a new show, and a Vincent Legacy Scholar raises her voice on the Starlight stage. National Black Theatre Opens Submissions for SOUL Directing Residency
This week’s Starlight Senior spent many a long night at Starlight last summer, working numerous Broadway and concert events as an Operations intern. Now, newly graduated from MIZZOU, she has landed her dream first job and is ready to get started on this new chapter of life. MADISON O’DELL New Graduate, University of Missouri 2019 … Continued
The finalists are in and Starlight made the cut! Thank you to all who nominated us for Kansas City Magazine’s Best of KC ’20. While we are unable to enjoy our favorite places in person quite yet, we hope to meet again soon. In the meantime, why not celebrate our favorite local haunts by voting … Continued