Starlight News

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

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In our final performance for the second season of Raise Our Voices, Hieu Bui is the first artist to share a dramatic scene written and performed by himself. In this scene titled “Renewal,” Hieu addresses the struggles of being an immigrant in a powerful recreation of a real-life experience he had as an interpreter for … Continued

Last year’s Blue Star Awards celebrated more than 90 students involved in musical theatre from area high schools in our community, and local Olathe East graduate Justin Cooley took home the award for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role. His win led him to the Jimmy Awards, presented in New York by the Broadway League … Continued

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. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Starlight leadership, staff, and board members returned to in-person presentations to reveal this year’s nominations on Thursday, April 28. This year is the … Continued

Starlight is pleased to announce that Becky Blades will serve as the Honorary All-Star for its 2022 Starry Night at Starlight community fundraiser. We recently sat down with Becky to find out more about her experiences with Starlight throughout the years, and why she is excited to support this year’s Starry Night at Starlight event. … Continued

In the fifth episode of Starlight’s second season of Raise Our Voices, Guadalupe Valdes-Diaz shares a stunning performance of “Breathe” by Lin Manuel Miranda from his Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights.   “In the Heights was the first musical that truly celebrated the Latine community,” Guadalupe said. “It not only talked about the struggles … Continued

Registration is now open for Starlight’s middle school performance troupe—Starlight Stars of Tomorrow! Designed to help students in grades 6-8 build a foundation of performance skills, the program’s activities take place throughout the summer, with additional fall and winter opportunities.  Students attend four exploratory theatre and performance sessions led by industry professionals. Not only do … 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

If you love live entertainment at Starlight Theatre, we’d appreciate your nomination for Kansas City Magazine’s Best of KC ‘22! Nominations are open until April 22 in 264 categories, from Best Barbecue Sandwich to Best Nail Salon and everything in between. Last year, Starlight won Best Live Theater Venue, Best Outdoor Music Venue, Best Music … Continued

Give back to the community by donating blood at Starlight Theatre! Community Blood Center (CBC) is the primary provider of blood and blood components to more than 70 hospitals and medical centers in the Greater Kansas City region and will hold a life-saving blood drive in the Applause Club at Starlight Theatre on Tuesday, April … Continued

Summer is right around the corner and with that, the AdventHealth Broadway season at Starlight is about to begin. Get a group of 10 or more and make it a night to remember! Our Group Sales Coordinator can customize an exclusive evening for you—plus, your group can save up to 25% off tickets to the … Continued

We want to hear from those who live and/or work in the Swope Park area. You can help us advance our mission to better serve our audiences and enrich our relationship with our surrounding neighbors by taking a 5 to 10-minute survey. Those who complete the survey by the deadline will be entered to win … Continued

Do you know a Kansas City-metro student who is interested in growing their singing, dancing, and acting skills? Starlight encourages area students to sign up to audition for the Starlight Stars—a performance troupe for students currently in grades 8 through 11.   The Starlight Stars program develops and hones the skills of high school performers, while … Continued

We’re looking for innovative and hard-working “Stars” to join our staff and have numerous full time, part-time, and seasonal positions open including:   Audio/Visual Technician  Community Engagement Coordinator  Event Coordinator  Facilities Technician  Facilities – Day Crew  Graphic Designer  Grounds – Day Crew  Guest Assist Team Member  Ticket Services Representative  Volunteer Coordinator  As a new “Cast Member,” … Continued

This summer, think outside and let Starlight transport you around the world. Season tickets are on sale now to the 2022 AdventHealth Broadway Series.   From our historic theatre in Swope Park, you can experience the best of Broadway with stories that will take you on a journey. Visit 1960s Baltimore with Hairspray, raise the roof … Continued

In Starlight’s most recent Raise Our Voices performance, rapper Ayel created an original song to premiere, “Stand the Rain.” Inspired by this season’s theme, “Celebrating Me,” Ayel chose his words very intentionally with thoughtful intent on sharing this moment with others who have  similar experiences as him.   “Ayel’s words are a testament that though black … Continued

What excites you the most about joining the team at Starlight? I grew up in a small town in northeast Missouri, with less than a hundred people and a graduating class of about 20. There was no theatre program; extracurricular activities were limited to sports, band, or choir. My lack of access was largely influenced … Continued

Mark your calendars for Starlight’s two main fundraising events in 2022! Starry Night at Starlight Saturday, June 11, 2022 Following the success of last year’s event, which helped raise more than $100,000 in support of Starlight’s Bob Rohlf Internships program, Starry Night at Starlight returns for a second year. This community event for all ages … Continued

This month, Starlight’s Raise Our Voices video showcases the work of Seth Irving, who brings together vocals, poetry, and choreographed roller skating. Seth was chosen by Artistic Advisor Christopher Barksdale-Burns to bring his performance to Starlight audiences. “Seth is a kind and caring individual, who wants to see everyone uplifted and living their best life,” … Continued

You’ve heard of Broadway season tickets, but did you know that Starlight offers season tickets to our Capitol Federal Concert Series, too? Upgrade your music experience with the best seats in the house, free reserved parking, early entrance through our VIP gate, and exclusive access to the VIP Club during concert nights. The VIP Club … Continued

Each year, the Starlight Stars performance troupe prepares company members to pursue arts careers by honing the skills of high school performers. Last month, the 2021 troupe gathered for their annual wrap party, and Starlight awarded four participants scholarships for their exceptional work throughout the year. This year, program supporters Howard and Ro Jacobson funded … Continued

Starlight is searching for the newest class of Vincent Legacy Scholars! Established in 2006, the Vincent Legacy Scholarship program provides $2,500 for performing arts training to BIPOC youth in the Kansas City community. More than $100,000 in scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.   To qualify for application, students in grades 6, 7 or … 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

Did you know? Starlight offers paid summer internships throughout a number of departments at our nonprofit theatre. Since 1984, the Bob Rohlf Internship program has provided college students with the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to bring live Broadway musicals, popular concerts and education programming to Kansas City audiences. … Continued

After 18 years at Starlight, Cindy Jeffries, Starlight’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales, will retire later this month. She recalls many memories of the amazing shows and performers at Starlight Theatre throughout the years and has been an integral part of changes, improvements and new programs launched in her tenure. She’s proud to have … Continued

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