The Virginia Samford Theatre in Birmingham — through its STARS (Students Take A Role at the Samford) program — provides budding young actors, dancers and singers the chance to learn stage performance in a safe, supportive environment.
The participants learn everything from breath control and singing as a group to choreography and character development.
Their classes are taught by professional teaching artists and educators with a passion to cater to the specific needs of each child.
By offering classes in conjunction with productions, VST Stars gives children the chance to apply what they have learned in a hands-on, collaborative environment.
At Virginia Samford Theatre, the classrooms are the stage and the students are the STARS.
STARS performers also bond with their classmates, creating a diverse community of artists with who they will learn and grow for years.
In addition, the theater is a wonderful place even for young people who don’t necessarily aspire to careers in the arts.
According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, drama activities improve reading comprehension and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Drama has even been shown to help improve school attendance and boost standardized test scores.
Interested students can submit a virtual audition on the Virginia Samford Theatre website. Auditions should include a video with a 30-60 second monologue and a 30-60 second song with a backing track.
Contact Virginia Samford Theatre at STARS@virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 205-251-1228.
Virginia Samford Theatre is located at 1116 26th St. S.
