KC Starlight Theatre Taking Applications for 2013 Community Ticket Program

Starlight Theatre is continuing its tradition of offering free nights of Broadway musicals to groups serving individuals who might otherwise miss out. Since the theatre's inaugural season in 1951, the Starlight Community Ticket Program has distributed 364 free tickets every night of every performance to area not-for-profits and the individuals they serve.

Applications for the Starlight Community Ticket Program are now being accepted for Starlight's 2013 Broadway season. This year, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Kansas and Missouri may choose from six Broadway shows at Starlight - a total of 39 performance nights with more than 14,000 free tickets available.

"While we wish we could provide tickets through this program to all who request them, unfortunately, our pool of available tickets is limited. We generally get requests for about 150 percent of available tickets," said Bob Potemski, Starlight House Manager and program administrator. "For that reason, the Starlight Community Ticket Program focuses on groups dedicated to enhancing the lives of underprivileged and at-risk youth, the medically dependent or disabled, and low-income senior citizens. We do, however, also try to give all New Groups that apply at least some of the tickets they request provided that they meet our qualifications."

Applications and program details are available online at kcstarlight.com or by contacting Potemski at community@kcstarlight.com or 816.997.1163. Applications for tickets must be received no later than 5 p.m. March 15.

In 2012, more than 100 organizations including 10 first-time recipients participated in the program, receiving more than 11,000 tickets.

"The Community Ticket Program is just one of the many tangible ways by which Starlight Theatre invests in our community. There are many benefits to keeping the arts accessible to everyone, and by making tickets available to local organizations, this program brings new audiences face-to-face with live musical theatre, some of them for the very first time," Potemski said. "I hope that by providing Starlight tickets, we can make everyone's summer just a little bit brighter. I know mine always is."

Starlight's 2013 Broadway Season: Monty Python's Spamalot (May 31- June 6), Catch Me If You Can (June 11-16), Flashdance The Musical (July 9-14), Disney's The Little Mermaid (July 23-28), Footloose (August 5-11), Miss Saigon (September 7-13). Detailed information about each musical including parent guidance is at kcstarlight.com.

Starlight Theatre, a not-for-profit organization, is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second largest theatre of its kind in the United States. The organization is dedicated to producing, presenting and promoting excellence in musical theatre and the performing arts for diverse audiences of all ages, with continued programming for families and children. Starlight strives to enrich the region for all residents and visitors by building appreciation for the performing arts, making live theatre and music affordable and accessible, providing superior theatre arts education and community outreach programs, and delivering exceptional customer service. Starlight is committed to remaining a beloved Kansas City cultural tradition by devoting resources to preserving and enhancing its home venue in Swope Park and creating new memories for generations to come.