Starlight Stage Youth Theatre - Philosophy - Directing

acting - directing - stage/house management - carpentry - prop/costume design & const. - make-up - sound & lighting - photography - publicity

DIRECTING

The directing of the production is always done by adults. However, students interested in learning to direct are encouraged to take on the positions of Assistant to the Director, Stage Manager, or Technical Director. Over a few summers of working closely with the Director, students build the skills needed to work with younger students and their peers.

Skills learned enable students to go on to direct shows within their schools, colleges, and community theatres. Responsibilities are increased as skills are learned and success is demonstrated.

Currently the Directors are Robert Y. Burns — founder of Starlight and veteran of two hundred ninty productions since 1965 in high school, college, community theatre, and in Starlight.

Tristan R. Burns has directed two years of productions - "The Arabian Nights", and "The Secret Garden".

Brandon S. Burns has co-directed "Good Night Ladies", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", and last summer's "I Remember Mama."

Gail M. Burns - Tri-state theatre critic who reviews close to one hundred productions per year (which keeps her from directing).

Gail maintains a website gailsez.com with daily updates and reviews. She is a proud member of the American Theatre Critics Association and the International Theatre Critics Association.

Gail has directed such Starlight shows as Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Sorcerer" & "The Mikado" .

She also has directed Woody Alien's "God", Kaufman & Hart's "You Can't Take It With You", and co-directed many shows with Bob. Gail serves as producer for the summer productions.