Published in the August 20 – September 3, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Marilyn Abad
Marilyn Abad
In 1985 a handful of my theater arts students at Gavilan College said “yes” when I asked them to be part of a Summer Theatre Arts Repertory program for youth 8 to 15 years of age on the campus. This month we celebrate STAR as a newly-established nonprofit arts education organization: STAR Arts Education. The mission of STAR Arts Education is to provide excellent arts programs and learning experiences that are fun, engaging and educational. Through positive experiences on stage, screen and behind the scenes, STAR Arts Education celebrates diverse communities and introduces young people to the joy of participating in the creative process.
As young people grow and develop, an education in the arts offers a chance to build confidence and self-esteem, be active and collaborative and learn about the process of performing. The arts also offer practical skills such as public speaking, teamwork, discipline, responsibility and creative thinking.
STAR has inspired many of our young participants to aspire to be STAR leaders, some of whom chose to remain in education. Janine Mortan, former STAR kid, leader, teacher and STAR Arts Education Founding Board secretary said her decision to become a teacher was hugely informed by her experience working at STAR. “When I began to work at STAR, I soon realized why the arts are so vital to a child’s education. My experience working at STAR continues to inform how I teach and my dedication to providing children with opportunities to grow and act creatively,” she said.
Recently, the program has gone through an enormous and exciting change. We have re-imagined STAR. Gavilan College is no longer “home base.” This summer, with the help our new board of directors, we produced two full-scale theatrical productions. In Gilroy, in partnership with Gilroy Arts Alliance in the Interim Center for the Arts, we produced “Guys and Dolls Jr.” and “A Night of One Acts.”
STAR Arts Education is celebrating the end of our summer program with the first annual STAR-B-QUE fundraiser at the Serena Farms and Gardens in Morgan Hill at 15220 Monterey Road at 4 p.m. Saturday Aug. 23. The afternoon will include a delicious meal, silent auction, games and live entertainment. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children younger than 12. At STAR some things have changed but many aspects of STAR remain the same: art, love, and peace.
Marilyn Abad is the STAR founder and its executive director.
