Starlight is broadening its Blue Star Awards by adding new, noncompetitive aspects to the program in 2020, the first of which will be presented Monday, Feb. 10. Tony Award® nominated actress Laura Osnes headlines the evening event, “A Conversation with Laura Osnes,” and she’ll be joined by a panel of Kansas City theatre professionals.
Presented in two acts in the intimate indoor space of Starlight’s Cohen Community Stage House, the event gives Blue Star Awards students, parents and the public an exclusive opportunity to learn about the professional theatre industry here and afar. Traveling in from New York for the night, Osnes will share stories and highlights from her varied career, which includes roles in regional theatre, reality TV, Hallmark movies and, of course, celebrated lead actress roles on Broadway in Bandstand, Cinderella, and Bonnie and Clyde.
Before Osnes takes the stage for a moderated conversation in Act II, guests will get the inside scoop on Kansas City’s theatre community and career paths. Act I of the evening features a panel discussion among local arts leaders including Korey Childs, artistic director at The Arts Asylum; Brian Cross, live entertainment manager for Worlds of Fun; and local entertainer and choreographer Christina Burton of Quality Hill Playhouse.
The evening will conclude with an audience question-and-answer session with Osnes.
This special evening of learning and sharing was first suggested by Starlight’s Blue Star Awards Student Council, which includes students from several participating area high schools. It is the first in a programming series that will provide both students and adults value-added opportunities to interact with and learn from industry professionals.
Tickets for “A Conversation with Laura Osnes” are on sale now for just $15. Seating is limited to approximately 400 people, and parking is free. Limited concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase before the show and at intermission.
