Stage School
One of Ireland’s brightest and fastest growing performing arts schools, Starlight Stage School has been running since 2004 in Kilkenny and opened classes in Co. Laois in 2005 and in Co. Carlow in 2006.
The school was formed by Jason Paul Ryan from Kilkenny and Kelly Murray from Liverpool to create opportunities for children from the ages of 4 years up to experience learning about performing arts and take part in shows and events which is a great confidence builder for the children. Jason was well known locally from appearing in many shows in the area over the years as well as his appearances on the first two series of RTE’s You’re A Star where he got down to the last forty and appeared on the Live Televote Shows in December 2002 and December 2003. Jason has also performed in numerous locations in Majorca, Tenerife, Cyprus and across the UK with his own show “Jason Paul Ryan Live” and in the “Musicals Spectacular”. Jason also starred in the UK and Irish tours of “Decades The Musical” during 2003.
CLASSES
Starlight’s classes consist of the three elements of performing arts Dance, Drama and Singing. Over the course of a year at Starlight students will have learned various items from each of these areas. Junior classes are for children aged 4yrs - 8 yrs and Senior classes are for children aged 9yrs - 14 yrs. The normal duration of a junior class is 45 minutes and a senior class in 1 hr (1hr 15mins in some cases). Classes are run once a week and the terms are based upon the academic school term. Therefore classes run from September through to June with Halloween Break, Christmas Holidays and Easter Holidays.If a show is on over or just after these holidays then our term may slightly change.
SHOWS
Starlight students take part in a number of shows each year. Here are a list of shows Starlight Stage School has staged since its formation - “Starlight Stars” in Castlecomer 2004 and in Gowran 2005, “The Wizard Of Oz” in Kilkenny 2004 and Portlaoise 2005, “Annie Jr” in Kilkenny 2005 and Castlecomer 2006, “The Awards Show” in Castlecomer 2004 and in Callan 2006, “A Star of Bethlehem” in Wallslough 2005, “Joseph” in Kilkenny 2006 and “Disney’s Aladdin Jr” in Kilkenny 2006.
EVENTS
Students from the stage school are often asked to take part in other events that take place. Here are a list of some of the events that have featured Starlight Stage School students over the past few years - “Market Cross 10th Birthday Celebrations”, “St. Patrick’s Day Parade” in Kilkenny 2005 and 2006 (Winner of Best Entry in 2005), “The Christmas Gift Fair” 2005, Dancewise Academy’s “Rhythm of the Night” show, Watergate Production’s “Rising Stars”, St. Patrick’s Centre Fun Day 2004, “Lean On Me” charity concert 2005, CBS Primary School 50th birthday show, “The Musicals Spectacular” 2006, Market Cross Shopping Centre New Look Party 2006, and Bennettsbridge National School fundraising concert 2004.
REGISTERING
Each term Starlight Stage School has some places available in each class. Children are welcome to come along to the first class with no commitment to joining to allow them to get a feel for the class. If they like what they do in that first class then parents can officially register the student. Term fees are charged but only after the initial four week new student period where by children just pay per class and can still decide if they do not wish to take the place offered. In some classes there are waiting lists so you would just have to wait your turn for a place to come available. For information on your nearest Starlight Stage School class or to enquire about available places please email Kelly at info@starlightstageproductions.com or contact us here through the site.