Starlight Stage's Young Thespians Tackle Adult Themes
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| Williamstown residents Maggie Crane, left, as Mama and Molly Hynes as Aunt Jenny. |
"We are about the kids," said Gail Burns. "I think that's a big deal. Some youth theaters are about the adults."
"And about the money," continued Robert Y. Burns. "That's not what we're about. We've never refused a child to participate because they couldn't afford it."
Starlight Stage, originally the Pine Cobble Summer Theater, was founded in 1976 by teacher Robert Burns as an extension of Pine Cobble School's summer school program. Robert Burns, now director of studies at Hoosac School in Hoosick, N..Y, teamed up with Gail Myvanwy Bury in 1980, when she began teaching and directing plays at Pine Cobble. Together, Robert and Gail Burns have more than 75 years of experience in the theater and 26 years of marriage under their belts.
The Starlight Stage Youth Theatre is a five-week program spanning the last week of June through the month of July. This summer, the Starlight group will perform a play that Robert Burns said he's wanted to direct since reading it in the eighth grade: John Van Druten's "I Remember Mama," the story of a Norwegian family adjusting to their new life in San Francisco circa 1910.
Based on the 1943 memoir "Mama's Bank Account" by Kathryn Forbes, "I Remember Mama" tackles financial hardships, childhood illnesses and life as an immigrant. Both Burnses agree that their young thespians are more than capable of handling the adult themes presented in the play.
"Sometimes it's a real stretch, but they rise to meet the challenge," said Robert Burns.
 Crane, as Mama, holds daughter Dagmar (Stella Bernstein of New York City) as son Nels (Aaron Burns of Williamstown), left, and Papa (Christopher Donovan of North Adams) look on. |
With so many ambitious young actors, casting each play is one of Robert Burns biggest challenges.
"The casting is very hard," he said. "Someone this year might have a lead, next year they might have a minor supporting part. They understand the concept of 'this is a group effort.' The smallest person with one line is just as important as the person with the lead."
Fifteen-year-old Grace Singleton, who joined the company when she was 8, has learned from her time at Starlight Stage that every role counts.
"When I was younger I used to be really big on big parts, but now I've learned to be a backstage person," she said
Now with seven years of theater experience, Grace is company manager and in charge of costumes.
The Burns work to educate the children in every aspect of the theater. House management, props, costumes, make-up and lighting are just some of the skills taught to the young actors. As for on-stage jitters, Robert Burns said that he focuses less on stage fright and more on the importance of camaraderie among the cast.
"We talk about if one person has a problem on stage, it's everybody's problem," he said. "And no matter what happens you'll get through it. The audience isn't going to kill you or chase you out of the theater."
Brianna Richardson, 13, still experiences stage fright even after four years with the company.
"I always get nervous right before a performance. I always think about what if I mess up or what if I make somebody else mess up. But then once I finally get on stage and I just look at the other person, by the end of the play I'm not really nervous anymore," said Brianna. "It's just fun to come here every year, hang out with the same people, do a great performance, and then, wait till next year."
After a successful 33-year run, Robert Burns said he thinks of Starlight Stage as an extended family. Not only have both of his sons acted and directed for the company, but Burns still keeps in touch with children involved in the program since its earliest years.
"We've got Starlight kids all over the world. Had somebody that went to Ireland last summer and saw someone on one of the beaches wearing a Starlight shirt, went over and said 'who do you know in Starlight?' And it was someone whose grandchild had gone there," he said. "They'll call me periodically, they'll e-mail us, they keep in touch."
Christopher Donovan, 18, will soon become one of the many Starlight kids released into the world, as he is participating in his final year at the youth theater. Donovan is playing Papa, a supporting role, and has been with the company since he was 13.
 Robert Burns directs Rebekeh Packer of Williamstown (as Katrin), Thalia Rossiter of North Adams (as Aunt Trina) and Donovan during rehearsals |
"I Remember Mama" will be performed at First Congregational Church from Wednesday, July 23, through Saturday, July 26, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children and $7 for adults, and are sold at the door.
For those attending the play hoping to catch a glimpse of the Starlight Stage founder, they can find him in the back, running sound. And, as a director, there is no place Robert Burns would rather be.
"The most satisfying thing for me is to sit behind the crowd," he said. "People say to me, 'well why don't you sit in the front where you can see it?' I've got to see the crowd and how they react. Are they listening to it? Are they paying attention? Is it getting to them?
"Once they come out after the show and they're milling around, I disappear. I don't want praise, I don't want people coming and saying anything to me. It's about the kids."
Top photo: Rebekeh Packer, left, Christopher Donovan, Stella Bernstein and Maggie Crane rehearse a scene. Photos by Angela Bunt.
