Dear Theatre Arts Supporters & Community Members,
Starlight’s Youth Theatre, a non-profit theatre group dedicated to providing quality education and production of children’s theatre. Our priority is the development of the child, using theatre as a tool to build self-esteem, communication and confidence. With a focus on the process, Starlight’s invites children to enter, enjoy and expand their imagination in the world of theatre. Over the years, Starlight’s has engaged hundreds of students in grades K-12 in communities all over the Pioneer Valley.
Starlight’s is a volunteer-run non-profit that relies on the support of families and the community for everything from building sets to building costumes.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Interest in Starlight’s is growing and, as a non-profit organization, maintaining quality theatre education and production requires a lot of financial support. Please consider supporting these incredible performers and families by doing the following:
- Become a Major Sponsor at the Platinum or Gold or Silver level
- Place a business advertisements in our programs which will be seen by more than 1,000 theatergoers in the area – $50-$150
- Make a one time donation and be listed in our programs as a Friend of Starlight- $20-$50
Your support will make a big difference in the lives of youth of all ages! If you have
questions, please contact Clare Bertrand at 413-531-4235 or click here to email us.
We hope to welcome you at one of our amazing spring productions!
Thank you,
Starlight’s
My personal story is that we moved to the Pioneer Valley from Chicago, Illinois, in 2010 when my son was starting seventh grade. Of course, middle school is a tough time to have such a transition, so we sought out a youth theatre group to replace the theatre family that he had built and loved in Chicago. At Starlight, my son felt instantly at home with his new social group where he continued to grow in his skill and love for music and theatre. Starlight helped to prepare him for musical and theatre roles both with Starlight as well as for his high school and college performances. Next year, my son will graduate from college with a degree in music performance and celebrate his 50th performance in plays, musicals, operas, and jazz concerts.
Starlight has always been a constant for me. Starting in 4th grade, my Saturdays have always the best days of the week because I get to see all my Starlight friends. I have made so many friends at Starlight that extend beyond just our weekend classes, from going to get brunch or roaming a corn maze, I have made some amazing friends. My first role was Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk. I later reprised this role in Into the Woods, whether I am playing a clueless young boy or an electric train, I always enjoy my shows and rehearsal with Starlight. And now I get the joy of teaching some of these classes. For the past few months, I have been working with children ages 5-15 on virtual theater classes. We have found ways to continue theater online in this crazy world we live in right now. Starlight is what helped me realize what I want to do when I grow up. My love for theater started at Starlight but when I discovered the behind the scenes work, I was hooked. I am currently a High School Senior and planning to attend college for theater design and technology. My experiences at Starlight have shaped who I
am as a person and what I want to do with my life.
Starlight’s Youth Theatre has been an extremely important part of my life for 11 years. Since I was 7, I could count on Starlight to be a place of friendship, creativity, and collaboration. This remains true, even and especially amidst the pandemic. As a teen advisor, I have witnessed the growth of young students both artistically and as cast-mates. I admire them for their ability to try- to be as big as they can be and to be funny and fearless while on zoom. Their enthusiasm and efforts inspire me as I embark on my own classes at Starlight, and as I prepare for theatrical (and non-theatrical) endeavors beyond high school. Being a part of Starlight’s Youth Theatre has been a fantastic privilege that I have become increasingly grateful for.
Starlight has been one of the most important parts of my life. I joined Starlight as an unfocused 8 year old and immediately found a community who nurtured my passions and allowed me to grow into not only the actress, but the person I am today. I am going to be majoring in musical theatre next year and I have Starlight to thank for that. Not only have I loved the experience of learning and performing, but my experience on the teen advisory board has given me the opportunity to work with the younger kids and help to give them the experiences that I have been lucky enough to have, and I am going to miss watching them all learn and grow.