Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
75 Years of Inspiring Stories It all started in 1950 with Thrills of a Century! Since then, Starlight has presented hundreds of Broadway musicals and popular concerts to thousands of Kansas Citians, inspiring stories to last a lifetime. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with a few of the milestones that have entertained, inspired, … Continued
Starring Our Interns In my first two weeks of interning at Starlight, I have realized how much I enjoy a job where every day is different. Running around, making content, collaborating with other interns and learning so much has kept me busy and, on my toes, but it’s exactly what I hoped for in an … Continued
Know the Show: School of Rock What happens when a failed, wannabe rock star meets a group of strait-laced kids who are insanely talented musicians? See School of Rock June 3-8 to find out! The premise of the hilarious 2003 film of the same name gets an Andrew Lloyd Weber glow up with 14 new … Continued
Starlight Celebrates with 2025 Blue Star Awards Ceremony Starlight is pleased to share the 2024-25 Blue Star Awards winners, who were just announced in a red-carpet ceremony at Starlight Theatre Thursday, May 15. Thirty four winners took home the top prizes in 31 categories, and $10,000 in monetary prizes were awarded to deserving high school … Continued
What’s New in 2025 The 2025 season is starting and there are some new things to know about visiting Starlight! Parking Updates There are two new paved parking lots this season. The Orange and Purple Lots are located on the southeast side of the venue that used to be grass parking. These lots are included … Continued
Welcome to Starlight Summer Interns! Every May, a group of fresh new faces is welcomed to Starlight. In 2025, 14 interns from 11 colleges and universities will have the chance to get hands-on experience working in a theatre. Interns will work in areas from Accounting to Ticket Services to help Starlight have a successful Broadway … Continued
Announcing the Cast for School of Rock We are thrilled to announce the cast for School of Rock at Starlight. With a few exceptions, like our wonderful Dewey Finn, our cast is comprised of almost all local KC talent! Rehearsals start next week and the show opens Tuesday, June 3. Come cheer on your family, … Continued
Know the Show: Mean Girls Starlight’s 2025 AdventHealth Broadway Series begins next week! The first show in this year’s season is Mean Girls, a story of the ups and downs of high school friendships. The musical focuses on Cady Heron, a teenage girl who transfers to a public school after being homeschooled her whole life … Continued
2025 Blue Star Nominations Announced Each year, thousands of high school students across the Kansas City metro wait in anticipation for the announcement of the annual Blue Star Awards nominations. Today, Starlight leadership, staff, and board members revealed this year’s nominees via in school presentations and Starlight’s social media. In the 2024-25 Blue Star Awards … Continued
Thank You to Starlight Volunteers! National Volunteer Week is April 20-26, 2025. Every year, Starlight depends on hundreds of volunteers to help us with everything from scanning tickets to grounds keeping. At Starlight, we call our volunteers Ambassadors because they really are the welcoming smile and the helping hands that ensure smooth operations and enjoyable … Continued
Celebrate 75 Years in Style with NEW Charlie Hustle Tee Starlight Theatre, Kansas City’s oldest and largest performing arts organization, proudly marks its 75th anniversary in 2025. Established in 1950 as part of Kansas City’s centennial celebration, Starlight has since become a cornerstone of the community, capturing millions with unforgettable performances from its historic stage … Continued
Experience the Magic of Broadway Under the Stars at Starlight Theatre Kansas City’s beloved Starlight Theatre is set to bring another season of unforgettable performances, blending the magic of Broadway with the beauty of an open-air theatre. Whether you’re a lifelong theatre fan or new to live performances, Starlight offers an experience like no other. … Continued
Star Vibes: The Must-Know Perks of Being a Starlight Season Ticket Holder Imagine having the ultimate pass to unforgettable nights under the stars! When you become a Starlight Broadway season ticket holder, you’re not just securing the best seats in the house—you’re unlocking an experience packed with exclusive perks, serious savings, and all the Broadway … Continued
Applications for Tech Theatre Training Are Open Applications are open for Starlight’s Tech Theatre Training program. During the 2024-2025 school year, 20 high school students from the Kansas City area have been gaining skills to help them pursue a career in the theatre and entertainment industries. Program participants are trained by industry professionals and work … Continued
What Does Starlight Mean to You? We are just beginning the celebration of 75 Years of Inspiring Stories at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City. This year and beyond will be filled with memories, milestones, moments, and more! We have been lucky to talk with many of you at a recent Broadway performance, concert, or other … Continued
Construction Brings Exciting Improvements It’s only been three months since we broke ground for exciting improvements to Starlight Theatre, but a lot has happened in a short time! Since October, teams with GastingerWalker& and JE Dunn Construction have been working hard on Phase I of the project. Updates include: Uniquely KC Campaign: Phase I Starlight’s … Continued
Starlight Program Allows Kids to ‘Just Imagine’ Did you know that Starlight has a program called Just Imagine that brings a traveling, interactive theatre troupe of professional actors to hundreds of children at schools, community centers, and nonprofits each year? It’s one of our favorite ways to spend time with community partners and to showcase … Continued
2024 Starlight Wrapped ‘Tis the season for the year-end wrap ups! Starlight had another busy one in 2024, including 5 full-week and 2 weekend Broadway shows. Before the shows, we had lots of fun activities including photo opportunities, scavenger hunts, lawn games, giant puppets and more. After one of the performances of Come From Away, … Continued
In the Mood for Gratitude To help get us in the mood for gratitude, the team at Starlight is thinking about all the things we’re thankful for in 2024. Overall, it was another busy year with more than 200,000 visitors coming to a Broadway show or concert. Almost 5,000 students from local schools were able … Continued
Black Friday Broadway Quiz This Black Friday plan an unforgettable season of Broadway experiences right here in Kansas City! This is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and loved ones to a summer under the stars. We’re happy to share that for a limited time starting November 29, you will be able to purchase … Continued
Exciting New Chapter Begins for Starlight A group of more than 100 Starlight supporters, public officials, and staff attended a groundbreaking ceremony at Starlight on October 8. The celebration began the first phase of a campus-wide improvement project that includes two new towers, a new production bridge, and a canopy that will extend over a portion … Continued
Applications Are Open for 2025 Internships College students can learn the ins and outs of what it takes to bring live Broadway musicals, popular concerts, and arts education programming to Kansas City audiences through a summer internship at Starlight Theatre. The students selected for Starlight summer internships gain hands-on, real-world experience as they work alongside … Continued
It’s Time for School Musicals! Starlight’s Blue Star Awards program has been recognizing achievement in high school musical theatre since 2003. All high schools within a 60-mile radius of Starlight are eligible to participate in the Blue Star Awards program. This competitive program provides feedback on productions with teachers for learning purposes, while students receive … Continued
Breaking Ground at the 37th Annual Gala! At Starlight, every performance, program, and project represent a step forward – a breaking of new ground as we blend innovation with tradition to create unforgettable live arts experiences. And on Saturday, October 5, more than 400 attendees joined together to celebrate this theme at our 37th Annual Gala: … Continued
Theatre for Families Returns Starlight Theatre is excited to announce its Performances for Young Audiences Series, featuring international, award-winning theater companies to inspire and engage elementary aged youth is returning for a new season. Developed for young people ages 4-10 and designed for children and adults to enjoy together, this brand-new series provides young audiences … Continued
Upcoming Workshop for Middle School Students Students in 6th-8th grades are invited to Starlight for a free musical theatre exploration workshop 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, October 12. The workshop is part of the Vincent Legacy Scholarship program and is for BIPOC students who want to learn more about performing arts or who may … Continued
Announcing the 2025 AdventHealth Broadway Season Create your community at Starlight. Join us for Mean Girls, the twelve-time Tony Award nominated musical that gives a peek into ups and downs of high school friendships. “You’re in the band” with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical School of Rock, based on the hilarious hit movie. Disney’s Frozen makes … Continued
Starlight Audience Gets a Taste of Express Market Broadway patrons and concert goers may have noticed something new in the concession options at Starlight. The new grab-and-go option Starlight Express Market quietly opened this summer to give customers an option to purchase popcorn, candy, chips, cotton candy, and a variety of beer and non-alcoholic beverages … Continued
Know the Show: Peter Pan Take a magical journey to Neverland with Peter Pan at Starlight September 17 – 22. Based on the 1954 adaptation, Peter Pan is a true Starlight tradition. It has been presented here six times since 1956 with Cathy Rigby starring in the 2016 production. The adventure begins when Peter Pan … Continued
Starlight’s Back to School List Summer never ends in Neverland or at Starlight! Extend the family fun into fall and beyond with great live performances inside and outside. From free community movie night and Peter Pan to our second season of indoor shows for families, Starlight is ready to entertain you for the whole year! … Continued