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 theatre professionals via Zoom.
In June, each troupe completed weeklong, virtual boot camps that included training in singing, dance and performance. Students learned choreography and music for a music-video-style show that will be filmed and available online to share with family and friends at the end of the program. Each week, the students attend two-hour brush-up rehearsals via Zoom led by director Christina Burton.
The Starlight Stars and Stars of Tomorrow programs also include master classes with guest teaching artists. Starlight’s community engagement team is working to schedule these with alumni of the Starlight Stars and Starlight's Blue Star Awards who have gone on to perform with national Broadway tours and on Broadway. They hope for master classes to begin later this month.
While these programs look very different than they have in years past, Starlight is proud of these students for adapting to the ever-changing situation. With 33 students total (18 in Starlight Stars and 15 in Starlight Stars of Tomorrow), the future looks bright with these young performers!
For more information about the Starlight Stars and Stars of Tomorrow programs, email education@kcstarlight.com.
