Rich Baker, CEO & President of the Starlight Theatre Association and #KCParks Director Mark L. McHenry
Congratulations to the Starlight Theatre Association who recently received a 2016 Citation Award from the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA). Citation Awards are given to not-for-profit or business organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to recreation and/or parks by preparing and sponsoring recreation and/or parks legislation; promoting recreation and/or parks on all levels; or providing a grant of cash, land, bequest, or such other contribution of considerable magnitude in the futherance of parks and recreation in the state of Missouri.
ABOUT THE STARLIGHT THEATRE ASSOCIATION
The City of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department constructed the theatre in the park for the purpose of affording the public the privilege of enjoying the advantages of attending musical and theatrical productions to be produced in the theatre to serve park and recreation purposes.
The Starlight Theatre Association of Kansas City has been operating Starlight Theatre in Swope Park since it opened in the 1950s and just this year the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioner renewed a partnership for many years to come.
The charitable gifts from our community empowers the association to continue to provide quality Broadway entertainment in our beautiful, world-class venue, Thomas H. Swope Park, Kansas City’s largest park at 1,805 acres.
The Park Board appointees assist the Association by providing expertise legal/financial advice and community outreach.
Because of the support and partnership between the Starlight Theatre Association and the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Kansas City, Missouri the association is able to provide various outreach programs for the under privileged.
Some of the programs are as follows:
VINCENT LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP – Since 2006 the Association gives the Vincent Legacy Scholarship to minority students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to provide unique opportunities for youth who demonstrate performing arts promise, strong academic achievements and good citizenship to further refine and improve their creative skills. To-date, 22 scholarships have been awarded for a value of $55,000.
JUST IMAGINE — The interactive program brings the magic of theatre and art to children struggling with illness in hospitals and to those being served by social service agencies.
ORGANIZATIONS FUNDRAISING – Starlight tickets are used for fundraising events and help many worthy organizations each year.
CENTER STAGE – A Young Professional Membership group for Starlight Theatre. The group makes Broadway shows, concerts and special events at Starlight accessible for young adults between the ages of 21-40 and provides opportunities to network and to learn about various programs.
STARLIGHT BLUE STAR AWARDS — An educational program annually recognizing achievements and excellence in high school musical theatre.
The Starlight Theatre Association continues to come up with various programs to further the arts in our community.
Starlight Theatre’s Website>>