About S.T.A.R.S.
Established in 2014, S.T.A.R.S. is Kudzu Playhouse’s premiere theatrical education program, designed to provide instruction in all aspects of live theatrical arts to all ages. Classes and workshops are available on a rotating basis in acting, dance, vocal instruction, auditions, technical (lights and sound), as well as stage elements (stage management, props, set design) and will be offered to wide range of ages and experience levels.
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STARS Fall 2018 Class Opportunities
Thanks to overwhelming demand, our STARS classes are growing! You now have FOUR great opportunities to learn and develop your theatrical skills this semester – from comedy, to musicals, to Shakespeare! We have classes for every age, experience level, and interest!
Each class is a $25 registration fee and $50 per month, per student. Class sizes are limited and will fill quickly.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Comedy)
- Directed by Melanie Caffee
- Class size limit: 30
- Ages 6 and up – All experience levels
- Monday classes from 6:00-7:30 PM at Great Commission Church, 7070 Reliance Lane, Olive Branch, MS
- Beginning 9/10/18
- Performance: December 15, 2018, at 2 PM at Hernando PAC
Sharpen your comedic timing skills and have a blast with this hilarious Christmas classic for all experience levels. A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on! This delightful comedy is adapted from the best-selling book and features plenty of great roles for all, a few favorite Christmas Carols, and a lot of laughs!
Studies in Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Directed by Emily Chateau
- Class size limit: 30
- All ages strongly encouraged/Open to adults/All experience levels (must be able to read)
- Tuesday classes from 6:00-7:00 PM at New Discovery Christian Church, 961 Vinson Road, Hernando, MS
- Beginning 9/4/18 (no class on November 13)
- Performance: December 8, 2018, at 7 PM at Hernando PAC
This class is an exploration in the language and practice of Shakespeare. The class will read and discuss the play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” After studying the play, we will prepare for how to audition for a classic literature play and perform a mock audition with feedback. The rest of the semester will be conducted like a rehearsal process preparing a selection from the show to perform onstage.
In spring 2019, Kudzu Playhouse is planning to stage a full production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as a new Shakespeare in the Park event in partnership with the City of Olive Branch. Participants in this STARS class will be guaranteed a role in the spring production if they so choose, without having to audition. However, if a participant of this class would like to be considered for a speaking role they will need to attend the formal audition.
Seussical Kids (Musical)
- Directed by Daphne Cox
- Class size limit: 30
- Ages 6 and up – Novice to Intermediate experience level
- Thursday classes from 4:30-6:00 PM at New Discovery Christian Church, 961 Vinson Road, Hernando, MS
- Beginning 9/6/18
- Performance: December 15, 2018, at 7 PM at Hernando PAC
“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper designed for young performers who are excited to learn about performing and portray the characters from the popular Dr. Seuss books. Includes singing, dancing and acting! Perfect for beginners and those with summer camp or limited main stage performance experience.
Into the Woods Jr. (Musical)
- Directed by Daphne Cox
- Class size limit: 30
- Ages 11 and up – Intermediate to Advanced experience level
- Thursday classes from 6:00-7:30 PM at New Discovery Christian Church, 961 Vinson Road, Hernando, MS
- Beginning 9/6/18
- Performance: January 12, 2019, at 7 PM at Hernando PAC
With its unforgettable roles, “Into the Woods Jr.” is the perfect showcase for talented singers and actors who want to hone their theatrical skills. This show focuses on acting and singing, with very little choreography. This is a fast-paced, advanced level class designed for students with several main stage full-production experiences who want to push their skills. Students will be expected to self-study, complete some homework assignments, and come prepared to class each week. The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.
