Starlight News

Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.

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Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to Starlight and needs a furry friend to complete the cast. Does your dog have what it takes to be a star? The chosen Bruiser will be in great company with Nikki Snelson, who played Brooke Wyndham in the original Broadway production of Legally Blonde The Musical in 2007 … Continued

Making sure that Broadway shows and music concerts can be heard clearly can be a daunting job. Ryan is the Production Coordinator for Audio Services which means he’s responsible for the implementation, integration, and maintenance of audio systems at Starlight. On top of that, Ryan assists with recording, editing, and mastering audio content you may … Continued

Singer Catera Combs originally didn’t want to be in the spotlight. When she auditioned for a production in high school, she marked that she preferred not to be in the lead role. Her choir teacher, Jazz Rucker, recognized her talent and asked her to reconsider.   “She left the audience that year. She left the wings … Continued

If you were asked to finish the sentence “I am...”  would you know how to answer? Performer Tripp Starr shares his answer in the latest release of Starlight’s Raise Our Voices video series.   "Growing up, I struggled to know my worth and value as a person and an aspiring artist. I always found myself … 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

Just like most workplaces, whether they are corporate or nonprofit, the Accounting Department has a lot of important responsibilities. Making sure the money coming and going through the organization is handled wisely and efficiently takes a lot of time and skill. Today, we’re talking to one of the two members of our accounting team. Baylee … Continued

It’s not just the people on the stage who make Starlight special. It takes a crew of people backstage and in other parts of the organization to make all the performances, programs, and events an experience for our guests to enjoy. One area that people may not be as familiar with is our Community Engagement … 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

Hundreds of middle school students in the Kansas City Public Schools and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools were able to experience Monet & Friends Alive at Starlight through the Community Tickets Program. For more than 70 years, the Community Tickets program has offered free tickets to thousands of community members every season. Through partnerships with … 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

Many people gather during the holidays to celebrate and share updates from the past year. In December, recipients of Starlight’s Vincent Legacy Scholarship, along with Starlight staff and board members, had a chance to celebrate the theatre community and look toward the future. Since 2006, Starlight has proudly awarded Vincent Legacy Scholarships to middle school … Continued

Since 1984, Starlight has provided paid summer internships in a number of departments, ranging from accounting to graphic design, landscaping/grounds, operations, and more. Starlight’s interns are an integral part of the historic theatre’s summer season. They contribute daily to the success of Broadway shows, concerts, and community engagement programs. In addition to day-to-day tasks, interns … 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

For thousands of high school students across the metro area, the annual musical is a highlight of the school year. Starlight’s Blue Star Awards celebrates the achievements of these students both on the stage and behind the scenes.  The Blue Star Awards program is one of the largest and most admired high school musical theatre … Continued

If fall is your favorite season and Halloween is your favorite holiday, the staff of Starlight made a list of haunting and horror-filled songs from musicals and movies to help you celebrate! Read about some of them below, and check out the full playlist on our Spotify channel We kick it off with one of … Continued

Justin Cooley graduated from Olathe East High School in 2021. Later that year, he began performing in an off-Broadway production, and this month, he will perform on Broadway!                             Justin was awarded Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role in Starlight’s 2021 Blue Star Awards, which recognizes high school performers in the Kansas City area. His … Continued

Claire joins Starlight’s Philanthropy team to support all philanthropic efforts including events management, gift processing, donor cultivation, ticket coordination, and prospect research. She comes directly from the Kansas City Repertory Theatre with a passion for ensuring all members of Kansas City have access to experience the arts. Read on to learn more about the newest … Continued

Join us in congratulating Andrew Lang, Starlight’s new Director of Philanthropy! We sat down with Andrew to discuss his history with Starlight and plans for his new role. Tell us about your history with Starlight. When I was a Junior in High School in Columbia, my sister, Cortney, had just moved to Kansas City and … Continued

Thank you to everyone who attended and donated to Starlight’s 35th Annual Benefit Gala: It Starts at Starlight. On Saturday, October 1, more than 400 patrons and benefactors came together to celebrate the Starlight tradition and Kansas City’s vibrant creative community while acknowledging the impact and importance of the arts. Chaired by Cathy and Rick … Continued

National Arts in Education Week takes place in September every year. We’re celebrating by taking a look back at our recent partnership with Kansas City Public Schools as well as sharing a little about programs at Starlight that help make the arts more accessible to our community.   In 2021, Starlight partnered with Kansas City Public … Continued

Starlight welcomed around 100 residents from the Center for Neighborhoods and the Swope Park area for dinner, a show, and an important community conversation before the Tuesday, August 16 performance of Sister Act.  For several months leading up to the event, Starlight visited with representatives from numerous neighborhood associations, schools, social service agencies, health facilities, … 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

REJOICE with us, Kansas City! We're thrilled to announce that six of your favorite Kansas City personalities will be joining us to play the role of the Pope in Sister Act at Starlight Theatre, August 16-21. Catch the following local stars each night of the show: Quinton Lucas Mayor of Kansas City Tuesday, August 16 … Continued

Supporting arts education in Kansas City, Starlight hosted the 2022 Kansas/Missouri Arts Integration Symposium July 26 and 27 at its historic theatre in Swope Park. More than 100 educators from 15 counties in the Kansas City Metropolitan area received training on utilizing arts integration techniques in their community classrooms. Faculty trained by the John F. … 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

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