Stars in our Eyes, Inc. has presented several top-notch musicals, including
Shenandoah, Hello, Dolly!, Bye, Bye Birdie and Grease. Stars kids have also
worked with the Prospect Theatre Company of New York in their Rome shows: A
Midsummer Night's Dream and The Pirates of Penzance. Stars presented a highly
entertaining new musical version of the Cinderella story in 2003...see the pics!
The "Troupe"!
The Stars Performance Troupe (comprised of two dozen talented individuals) has
performed at regional fairs, exhibitions and events. Stars members help out in many
other ways with the northwest Georgia community. Stars has produced and directed
the Rome Junior Service League Follies and the Junior Follies of the Cedartown
Junior Service League. Stars kids have performed and/or worked at area retirement
homes, the Cedartown Arts Festival, Mount Berry Square Mall, community memorial
services, Heritage Holidays, Dogwood Ball, National Creative Society, etc.
We're on a Mission!
Two dozen Stars kids and parents traveled to Peru this summer to perform a
Christian Drama to thousands of people. We raised money through car washes,
shows, raking leaves, wrapping presents, etc. It was an awesome experience for
the kids to be able to use their acting, singing and dancing talents in such a unique
and powerful way. We endured frigid showers, hot days with no electricity followed
by nights so cold you could see your breath in your hotel room (which happened to
be a brothel of sorts) no toilet seats, no toilet paper, and chicken, chicken, chicken!
But it was fabulous. The people were truly amazing. It was heartbreaking at times…
and humbling.
Our group met with many hardships. We were, literally, mobbed at schools to the
point where some were knocked down to the concrete. We sometimes performed
on the streets amidst dog poop, the stench of urine so strong your eyes watered.
We got lost in parts of the city that looked as if a nuclear bomb had redecorated. A
truck drove down the middle of our “stage” during a performance, narrowly missing
an actor.
But the people—the kitchen ladies, the bus drivers, the translators, the local crews—
we were touched beyond measure by their willingness to serve, their total
dedication to supporting us so that we could go out every day. And the people on
the streets… so eager to learn, so desperate for any ray of hope that you could
offer them. I don’t think a day went by without each of us dissolving into tears a
dozen times. Our last night, we performed for a group of 600-800 women, many of
whom were abused and most of whom were hurting emotionally, if not physically.
Afterwards, our group of two dozen was simply swamped by these women who
wanted us to pray for them or to simply hug them. I saw my “Stars kids” reach out to
each and every woman there, both through the drama and one-on-one.
Why am I telling you this? Because THIS is what I want to gush about… the very
kids you see on the stage in our shows (Roger, Zoë, Ben, Justin, Morgan, Logan,
Colleen, Chase, Josh, Alyse, Chris, Katie, Breezy, Danielle, Tyler, Kathrine) are not
just good singers, dancers and actors...they are so much more. I have always been
proud of their professionalism and talent on the stage...now I am humbled by their
level of compassion and the strength of their characters.
And I want to THANK the parents who allowed their kids to go on the trip, as well as
the Stars parents who came with us (Chris, Kip, Hunter, Barbara, Tim, Carol, Billy)
not to mention our fearless leader, Bill Reese. These adults went not just as
parents, but as cast members. They were invaluable in their service to our team—
as actors, makeup artists, first aid and more...you’ll see many of them ushering and
serving concessions at our shows (if they aren't on the stage!).
Show Me The Money!
Funds raised through the various activities of the organization are disbursed
annually to area charities. Past charities have included Floyd College Foundation,
Rome-Floyd Commission on Children and Youth, Rome Area History Museum, and
the Rome Symphony Orchestra. Stars has donated over $40,000 directly to these
charities! Stars was never formed to be an income-producing organization, rather it
is a vehicle whereby interested performers can learn, grow and perform in top-
quality shows and workshops.
A little of the Stars Philosophy...
1) The journey that the cast undertakes to get to the show is just as important as
the show itself.
2) What goes on BEHIND the curtain is just as important as what you do in FRONT
of the curtain.
3) If you have not grown in some way while doing a show, you've wasted your time.
4) Stars kids are held to a high standard of moral and ethical behavior; talent and
fame should not give you a pass in life to break the rules.
5) Talent is a gift from Heaven. If God has given you a strong, clear voice, it is your
duty to sing. If He has given you rhythm and passion, it is your call to dance. If He
has given you the ability to transform yourself into another character, it is your
destiny to act.
6) From the director: "It doesn't matter to me that everyone else does it. I don't care
what the average person made on a test. I don't care that 'it's normal' for a
teenager to do so and so. I'm not raising my kids, I'm not training my STARS kids--
to be 'average' or 'normal'. I expect and demand that they be ABOVE average and
EXTRAORDINARY. And I expect and demand that THEY expect and demand this of
THEMSELVES."
What else?
Stars has sponsored a variety of events over the years, including the summer
performing arts camp, Summer Stars, dance camps, casting workshops, headshot
days with professional theatrical photographers, on-camera classes, "getting into
the biz" sessions with agents and other performing arts activities throughout the
years. We also try to post information about camps/workshops/opportunities
elsewhere that we think might be good. We encourage anyone with information
about LEGITIMATE auditions, classes, etc. to post it on our website. (If you post a
"scam" or otherwise unsavory bit of information, expect to be either severely and
utterly chastised or simply pulled from the board!)
Getting Started!
So many, many aspiring actors and models get postcards, calls or letters from
agencies and modeling conventions. You feel flattered someone wants you! Before you send them your first dime, please take a moment to do a little research.
If you want to find an agent and work in the biz, do your homework and be smart!
See the sections on "Getting an Agent" it just might cost you a couple of stamps
and a few phone calls as opposed to a convention and/or classes that end up
costing $5000. There is no shortcut; there is no magical place where your little star
is going to be discovered and fought over by hundreds of agents. Don't get
scammed! DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Check out the information on the "MISC" page
for lots of links!
There is no one way that guarantees that you'll get an agent or --more importantly--
find work as an actor. We're working on a page to give your our take on the matter,
but for now if you feel you MUST get an agent, check out the SAG agencies FIRST!
Sample Acting Resume from the Coalition of Atlanta Theatres:
http://www.atlantatheatres.org/we_inform/hotline/2003resume
Finally, keep reading the other pages on this website...you will find A LOT of advice,
recommendations, examples, etc. that will help you with your career.
door...the kids just
didn't want us to
leave!
sick team member!
