Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
JE Dunn Builds It Forward at Starlight Most people know Starlight for its exterior spaces – the outdoor dining, seating, and the iconic towers of the stage house. But a theatre can’t function without all the back-of-house spots such as rehearsal spaces and dressing rooms. Over time, these spaces can become worn down. Recently, a … Continued
Donor Spotlight Denton Williams Denton Williams understands the importance of philanthropy. As the Special Events Manager at The Children’s Place, he raises hundreds of thousands of dollars alongside his fellow team members each year. That’s why he believes it’s vital to support the nonprofit organizations he cares about and ensure they have the resources they … Continued
Celebrating Our ENORE! at the 36th Annual Benefit Gala! On Saturday, October 14, a sold-out crowd of more than 475 attendees gathered at Starlight to celebrate the performing arts and their impact at our 36th Annual Benefit Gala: ENCORE! Chaired by Aviva Ajmera & Wayne Strickland, Nancy Whitworth & Doug Ballou, and Carey & Tom … Continued
A Conversation with Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, Brett and Nikki Emison Starlight just announced its Uniquely KC Capital Campaign, and we had a moment to sit down with Co-Chairs Brett and Nikki Emison to discuss why they support Starlight. Brett Emison: The arts have always been important to our family. Nikki and I grew up with … Continued
We are thrilled to announce that Starry Night at Starlight raised an astonishing $121,615, contributing to the growth and development of the Bob Rohlf Internship program. Held Saturday, July 22, the event featured 18 All-Stars, a group of Kansas City’s most dynamic and charitable movers and shakers, who led the charge on fundraising. We are … Continued
April is National Volunteer Month, dedicated to honoring volunteers in our communities and encouraging more people to become volunteers. Since 1959, Starlight Theatre has assembled a team of volunteers that go above and beyond to ensure that any event at Starlight goes off without a hitch! In 2022, our volunteers were here to help for … Continued
Each fall at the Annual Benefit Gala, Starlight presents the Star Award to an individual or couple with exceptional support of Starlight and its mission, civic leadership, and a commitment to bettering the Kansas City community. This year, we are incredibly proud to announce our 2023 Star Award Honorees: Greg and Rebecca Reid. Greg and … Continued
Starlight and Charlie Hustle are excited to announce some out-of-this-world Communi-TEES. The two have partnered to bring Kansas Citians and Starlight fans a first-of-its-kind glow in the dark t-shirt. The collection includes two designs and a portion of the proceeds from sales of the tees will be donated to Starlight. “We’ve been fortunate to collaborate … Continued
If you’re looking for a way to get involved or give back this year, Starlight is always looking for volunteers! Starlight is fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteer Ambassadors who help with tasks ranging from scanning tickets to helping maintain the theatre’s beautiful landscaping. We asked Starlight’s Volunteer Coordinator, Rori DeFoor, why volunteers … Continued
If you’re planning a special event this year, Starlight can help make it both unique and stress-free. Learn more from Starlight’s Private Events Coordinator, Anna Gicinto, about what makes this the perfect location for a private event. She mentioned a few features that make Starlight stand out from other area venues. Multiple Rental Spaces A … Continued
Today, we invite you to join Starlight as we celebrate National Philanthropy Day! What is philanthropy? Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed through generosity. Philanthropy is not about money. It is about impact. When you donate, give your time, and engage with your community: this is philanthropy. And on this … Continued
On Saturday, October 29, Starlight celebrated the generosity and achievements of nearly 150 volunteer Ambassadors during a hosted reception at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Together, this mighty team of volunteers contributed more than 4,500 hours to ensure the success and smooth operation of more than 60 concerts and Broadway productions hosted at Starlight … Continued
If you’re looking for a unique job opportunity, Starlight could be the place for you! Starlight’s work environment is fun, engaging, and challenging. Our employees are invested in the success of Starlight and love what they do! As a new “Cast Member,” you will become a part of a community that continues to bring the … Continued
After a successful summer bringing quality concerts and Broadway shows to Kansas City, the season will conclude with Starlight’s 35th Annual Benefit Gala – ‘It Starts with Starlight’ on Saturday, October 1. The black-tie event brings together hundreds of local, civic, and corporate community leaders to celebrate the arts in our community. Each year, the … Continued
Shoot for the stars and the opportunity to win big with Starlight Theatre’s 50/50 raffle! Purchase 10, 40, or 150 raffle tickets before July 31 for your chance to win half of the jackpot. Your raffle ticket purchases support community engagement programming and accessible live entertainment in this Kansas City landmark. Raffle tickets come in … Continued
For the second year in a row, Starlight’s Starry Night fundraiser raised $100,00 for Starlight’s Bob Rohlf Internships program. Held Saturday, June 11, Starry Night once again featured a group of All-Stars, a group of Kansas City’s most dynamic and charitable movers and shakers, who led the charge on fundraising. We are so grateful for … Continued
Sign up today to become a Young Friend of Starlight! YFS members receive member-only access to exciting opportunities and tickets to Broadway shows, concerts, and special events. Our YFS members help us bring quality entertainment and educational opportunities to Kansas City for generations to come! Network and connect with like-minded individuals and learn more about … Continued
The second-ever class of All-Stars supporting the 2022 Starry Night at Starlight event has been revealed! The All-Stars group consists of some of Kansas City’s most dynamic charitable movers and shakers who have volunteered to raise money in support of this year’s event on Saturday, June 11 at Hairspray. The top three fundraisers will be … Continued
Join the next generation of arts advocates! Young Friends of Starlight (YFS) is looking for Kansas City young professionals to join its Steering Committee for the upcoming term (April 2022 – March 2024). YFS Steering Committee members work closely with Starlight staff, leadership and board members to champion our historic theatre in Swope Park. If … Continued
Young Friends of Starlight (YFS) officially adopted the stretch of Meyer Boulevard right outside the entrance to Swope Park on Saturday, May 22, in partnership with Kansas City Parks and Recreation. The group took over cleaning duties from Ms. Jackson, a local resident who had generously been tending to the area solo for 38 years. … Continued
Starlight’s Community Tickets program is now accepting applications for the 2021 Broadway season. Nonprofit organizations wishing to participate must apply by May 28. Starlight strives to provide accessible arts experiences to as many Kansas Citians as possible. The Community Tickets program was developed to provide tickets to organizations serving individuals who otherwise may not be … Continued
From early experiences under the stars to serving on the Starlight Board, Katie Fitzgerald and her husband, Matt Fitzgerald, have a longstanding appreciation for Starlight and what it means for the Kansas City community. They both joined Starlight’s Legacy Society earlier this year. Find out more about their Starlight story below from Katie herself. Where … Continued
Some people began to refer to Starlight’s 2020 as “the year that wasn’t.” For the first time ever in Starlight’s 70-year history, 300,000 guests, 200 dedicated volunteers and more than 200 seasonal employees that are all part of the Starlight magic were unable to walk through our gates. Yet, despite a year unlike any other, … 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
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
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
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
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
Get ready for drinks, eats and a good time at the 5th annual After Hours at the Towers event Friday, April 24, from 8-11 p.m., at Starlight! Presented by Young Friends of Starlight, this year’s event is themed after Escape to Margaritaville, the hilarious Jimmy Buffett musical is known for hits like “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” … Continued