As I sit down to write this column, the Gavilan College summer
STAR Program has held auditions and published the summer show cast
list, which includes every child who is enrolled. For four
glorious, chock full of activity weeks, 93 children and a staff of
30 will work together creating, singing, dancing and
performing.
As I sit down to write this column, the Gavilan College summer STAR Program has held auditions and published the summer show cast list, which includes every child who is enrolled. For four glorious, chock full of activity weeks, 93 children and a staff of 30 will work together creating, singing, dancing and performing. Submersed in learning every aspect of theater, the young performers, guided by their dedicated leaders, will end their four weeks at STAR with this summer’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance, Jr” .
This summer marks the 25th anniversary for the Summer Theater Arts Repertory, better known as STAR. The highly successful program was the brainchild of Marilyn Abad Cardinalli. In her college years, Marilyn worked the “Hot Feet Day Camps” in San Jose. When she took a job as theater director at Gavilan College in 1974, it was only natural that she thought it would be fun to start a summer theater camp for children who had few opportunities to experience the arts. At first, public school kids came to Gavilan as audiences who enjoyed performances by Marilyn’s students. At the same time, Marilyn was looking for opportunities to provide leadership training as well as jobs for her students. Using the “one-room schoolhouse concept,” Marilyn developed the STAR program, giving college age leaders the opportunity to hone their skills while giving back to children. The program allowed children to work together learning about the magic of theater. As Marilyn would say, “It is magic to see children, shy and unsure at the beginning, confidently walk, dance, sing and act on stage with pride and enthusiasm.”
Proof of the success of the program is the way STAR kids come back year after year renewing friendships, while former STAR kids return to become leaders, recreating experiences that were meaningful in their lives. Intensive training is required, enabling leaders to carry out the STAR mission to create a safe and nurturing environment where kids can create and express their feelings. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week, the leaders become role models, guiding children in experiences that will enrich their lives.
When I asked Marilyn about an outstanding moment during the past 25 years, she didn’t hesitate to say that it was when Shannon Derry became the first STAR kid to graduate and become a STAR director. Marilyn has seen many other STAR kids develop into leaders, directors, teachers and successful adults because of the vision she had 25 years ago.
As a tribute to Marilyn and the STAR program, her former theater students recently honored her with a 25th reunion and fundraiser for STAR scholarships and support. The Gavilan Theater was alive with song, dance and monologues as former theater students gave testimony to the positive impact that theater and the arts has had on their lives.
“The Pirates of Penzance, Jr.” will be performed July 16 and17. The STAR shows tend to sell out so get your tickets early. The program will move to the El Teatro Campesino building on Fourth Street in San Juan Bautista for a three-week session beginning July 21. For more information, visit www.gavilan.edu/star.
Speaking of theater success, after directing theater in Gilroy for 19 years and with 39 shows to his credit, John Bisceglie has settled on a new name for his production company. “Gilroy Children’s Musical Theater” will present the next production, “Disco Island Live”, opening tonight with a super selection of disco, funk and Motown hits combined with vintage footage celebrating classic ’70s shows, commercials, concerts and hilarious pop culture moments. The audience can sing along with the 70 dynamic performers as they recreate 100 chart-busting tunes that defined an era.
The Gilroy Arts Alliance’s “5th Street Live” events are under way and will continue every Friday through Aug. 20 with one exception. There is no event July 23 due to the Garlic Festival. Don’t miss out on these free events. Bring your lawn chair down to Fifth Street between Monterey and Eigleberry and enjoy the music.
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Summer events
– “Disco Island Live”
July 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m.; July 11, 18 at 2 p.m.
(408) 846-0460
– “The Pirates of Penzance, JR.”
July 16 at 7 p.m.; July 17 at 4 p.m.
Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy
www.gavilan.edu/star
– South Valley Civic Theatre, “The King and I”
Aug. 6, 7 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8 p.m.; Aug. 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Morgan Hill Community Theater, Monterey at Fifth St., Morgan Hill
www.svct.org
– Auditions for SVCT’s “Robin Hood and Friends” (children grades two through eight)
July 30 at 6 p.m.; July 31 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
16840 Joleen Way, Bldg. F4, Morgan Hill
(408) 310-8348
– Fifth Street Live
Friday nights at 7 p.m.
Fifth Street between Monterey and Eigleberry, Gilroy
Bring your own chair
