Starbound Theatre expands its youth program to three new cities

FAIRFIELD — Starbound Theatre, a youth program for ages 7-17, will soon be in four Solano and Napa county cities.

The program began in Fairfield in 2003. Since then more than 400 youth have been a part of 16 shows.

Beginning in February, Starbound is expanding to Dixon, American Canyon and Vacaville.

“As the arts continue to get stripped from the school curriculum, it is our mission to step in and fill the gap,” stated the group’s website. It continues with, “Drama arts provides essential benefits our children need and Starbound Theatre serves as the bridge to those benefits.”

Starbound is run by David Rodgers Jr. and Anna Eaton. Eaton was with the program until last year when city budget cuts eliminated her position. Rogers, who directed some of the Starbound shows, took over the post as an independent contractor.

“The goal I have is to make sure and give as much access to a creative outlet to kids as I can,” Rodgers said.

He credits youth theater for keeping him on the right track.

“It was a creative outlet that gave me the opportunity to learn about myself and be myself,” he said.

All four locations will prepare for productions of “Willy Wonka Jr.,” which is based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Rehearsals for the Fairfield production begin Feb. 10. Performances will be April 20-22 at the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts.

Registration is at the Fairfield Community Center, 1000 Kentucky St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Online registration is available at https://ezreg.fairfield.ca.gov/econnect/Start/start.asp.

Youth have a chance to win free enrollment and other prizes:

• Postcards from Starbound have gone home with students in the Fairfield, Vacaville, American Canyon and Dixon school districts. Two of those cards will contain a golden sticker, giving the winner free enrollment in Starbound.
• Until Feb. 3, Truffle Berries, 731 Texas St., Fairfield, is offering Oompa Loompa cookies. Two of the cookies will have golden tickets, also offering free registration.
• Starbound’s Facebook page will also offer a chance at free enrollment as well as other prizes.

American Canyon youth can register for “Willy Wonka Jr.” at the city’s parks and recreation department, 100 Benton Way. Rehearsals begin Feb. 13. Performances are May 3-6.

Those wishing to be part of the Dixon cast can enroll at the Dixon city offices, 600 East A St. Rehearsal begin Feb. 16 and performances are May 18-20.

Feb. 9 is the beginning of rehearsals for the Vacaville shows, which are April 27-29. For registration go to the McBride Senior Center, 91 Town Square Place or the Three Oaks Community Center, 1100 Alamo Drive.

Reach Amy Maginnis-Honey at 427-6957 or amaginnis@dailyrepublic.net.

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Posted by Amy Maginnis-Honey on Jan 27 2012.

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