Star 2B Performing Arts started as a collaboration of two moms trying to find fun and professional theater training for their kids. Now, 10 years later, Star 2B Performing Arts has flourished into a program that helps children of all ages learn and grow. 

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In May of 2012, Theresa Podhurst and Julie Altomari decided to start a small theatre summer camp for 2 weeks in the backyard of Theresa's house. The goal of the camp was to have a safe, fun atmosphere for their kids to have the opportunity to experiment and learn about theatre. 

 

In September of 2013, the Star 2B kids wanted to do a full production, so we produced our full production of Into the Woods, Jr in January of 2014 with a cast of 19 children from grades 3-12, directed by Theresa Podhurst. In that same month, we hired Jane Bruce, a NYC industry professional, to direct our next full production - Guys and Dolls. That year, we were received 4 National Youth Arts Nominations and won 2 Awards.

 

In 2014, we were rapidly growing and in the fall split our group into 2 different age groups and produced Willy Wonka Jr and 13 the Musical. In January of 2015, we moved into our own 1,500 sq ft studio in Hopewell Junction!! Star 2B now had a home!  That spring, we produced Seussical Jr and Legally Blonde Jr! We received 16 National Youth Arts Nominations and won 3 Awards for the Summer/Fall/Spring season and we were asked to perform at the Awards Ceremony.

 

As we continued to grow, we brought in many more industry professional from NYC and added weekly dance, acting, and music classes. In the fall of 2015, we produced Bye Bye Birdie and Peter Pan Jr. Our Star 2B family was getting bigger, and we added in our third age group! We now had the Bronze Stars (grades K-4), the Silver Stars (grades 5-8), and the Gold Stars (grades 9-12). In January of 2016, we produced Annie Kids, James and the Giant Peach Jr, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. We received 25 NYA Nominations and 4 NYA Awards for that season and we were asked to perform a company number from Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Awards Ceremony.

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In our 2016-17 season, we once again submitted to the National Youth Arts Awards and we received 9 awards and 20 nominations, including Outstanding Production for Grease School Edition. We were again asked to perform at the Awards Ceremony. That season consisted of  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella Kids, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Carrie, Aladdin Kids, Shrek Jr, and Grease School Edition. 

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Now, 10 years later, Star 2B Performing Arts has now acquired 2 studios in our own 2,400 sq ft studio space in Hopewell Junction, NY. We have current industry professionals commute from NYC out to the Hudson Valley to share and educate our youth in the theatre arts.