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
Starlight News
Keep up with the latest from Starlight including details about Broadway shows, new programs, history, and more.
On this week’s episode, Broadway season tickets are on sale now, a number of Broadway stars receive Oscar Nominations, and West Side Story hits Disney Plus and HBO Max. Season Tickets On Sale Now
On this week’s episode, Vincent Legacy Scholarship applications are now open, “The Color Purple” announces a star-studded film cast, and “Fraggle Rock” returns to televisions. Vincent Legacy Scholarship Applications
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
On this week’s episode, Young Friends of Starlight Steering Committee applications are now available, Anything Goes heads to cinemas, and an Annie sequel hits airwaves. YFS Steering Committee Applications
With the New Year comes new executive leadership at Starlight! This month, Bess Wallerstein Huff joined the team at the historic theatre in Swope Park as Starlight’s new Vice President of Marketing and Sales. Cindy Jeffries held the position for 18 years. Starlight’s hiring committee, including its board of directors, conducted a nationwide search to … Continued
Starlight is excited to welcome its new Vice President of Marketing and Sales to the team. Wallerstein Huff brings nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit performing arts industry and we’re thrilled for her to lead Starlight’s marketing and sales team in its next chapter. Learn more about Starlight’s newest VP! What attracted … 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
What was your best memory working at Starlight? I will take with me so many special memories of Starlight. I think some of my very best include the first time I brought each of my daughters to a Broadway show and watched their faces as they took it all in. They were so young, but … Continued
In mid-December, Vincent Legacy Scholars, their families, Starlight staff and board members gathered together in person to celebrate the holiday season for the first time in two years. The annual holiday reunion is always a favorite, as current scholars and alumni share life updates and reconnect with one another from the past year. This year’s … Continued
It may be getting chilly outside—but we’re already dreaming of next summer and beautiful nights under the stars at Starlight Theatre. A number of fantastic artists have already been announced—with more announcements coming soon! Check out the line up so far and stay tuned as we fill the calendar for an especially great summer under … Continued
In our second episode of season two’s Raise Our Voices video performance series, Artistic Advisor Chioma Anyanwu selected Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles to feature. “Ahafia is unflinchingly open to artistic collaboration, masterfully flexible to evolving ideas, genuinely kind, and exhibits an almost saintly patience in stressful situations,” Chioma said. “They are what I think of when I … Continued
Avoid frustrating shipping delays and gift a memory-making night at Starlight to your friends and family this holiday season. A Starlight gift certificate fits everyone on your list. Gift certificates can be used on Broadway, concerts, dining or parking. The best part? They don’t expire for five years! Here are just a few events coming … Continued
Have you ever wanted to work at one of Kansas City’s oldest and most iconic venues? Now is your chance! Starlight is currently hiring five positions, in addition to a number of subcontracting positions. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those looking to donate their time to this historic nonprofit organization (and see some really … Continued
On this week’s episode, we’ve announced our 2022 Broadway Series, Starlight honors this year’s Vincent Legacy Scholarship recipients, the Dear Evan Hansen movie is headed to theatres, and Cynthia Erivo releases a children’s picture book. Starlight Announces the 2022 Broadway Series
The support of donors like you has been critical to sustaining Starlight’s operations and continuing our community engagement programs, especially during the last year. As such, we like to show our appreciation for your generosity by extending a variety of benefits intended to strengthen our relationship, enhance your Starlight experience, and bring you even closer … Continued
On this week’s episode, learn more about Starlight’s Legacy Society, JoJo Siwa joins the cast for The J Team Musical, Audible adds to it’s scripted comedy podcasts line-up, and legendary singer Tina Turner opens up about her childhood and career in her upcoming documentary. Starlight's Legacy Society
Calling all young professionals (and those who are young at heart!) – put your entertainment knowledge to test during Young Friends of Starlight’s annual trivia event! This year, this YFS signature event will take place virtually on Wednesday, March 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Play solo or with a group of up to … Continued
In Starlight’s first Raise Our Voices performance of the New Year, 2019 Vincent Legacy Scholarship winner Blessing Ogedengbe shares an inspiring dance piece to the song “Betty Butter” by Mayorkun, featuring Davido. Blessing already had a background in singing, but recently began dance training with Jennifer Owen, who helped choreograph this piece. Blessing wanted to … Continued
Starlight is excited to announce that Alex Jones, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of arts education and community engagement, has joined Starlight’s team as the new Vice President of Community Engagement. Starlight leadership and board members conducted a nationwide search and received more than three hundred applications for the role. … 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
Earlier this year, donors like you stepped up in support of Starlight’s commitment to exceptional arts experiences, our ongoing community engagement initiatives, and our historic venue. Though much of the future is still uncertain, your continued generosity enables us to prepare for whatever lies ahead. This holiday season, why not give to the ones you love while giving back to your community with these unique gifts: Make a … Continued
What Starlight memory do you find yourself sharing over and over with family and friends? Perhaps your first date was at Starlight, or your parents brought you to your first Broadway show in the 1960s. Maybe season tickets have been in your family for generations or your proposal took place during a concert. Whatever the … Continued