Returning ‘home’

Sometimes it’s just like riding a bike. 

Emily Burds, 25, grew up in Monticello, graduating in 2012. While growing up, she became active in Starlighters II Theatre in Anamosa. 

From the ages of 8 to 16, Burds was a regular at the community theater. She started out participating in the Young People’s Theatre (YPT), a long-time staple at Starlighters to help ease children into community theater. 

“I was going into fourth grade,” Burds said of her start at Starlighters. Typically child actors are coming out of fourth grade when they start. 

“But my mom (Jody Burds) convinced Bob (Furino, co-founder of Starlighters) that I was mature enough to handle it,” added Burds. 

That previous year, the Burds family moved to Monticello. Burds recalled being a shy kid going to a brand new school. 

“My mom put me on stage and I broke out of my shell,” she said. “It was the best decision my mom ever made. I found my footing on that stage.” 

When Burds got a little older, she became an assistant with YPT, having been through the process before. 

She starred in six main-stage shows. Her first was the musical “Seussical,” based on several of Dr. Seuss’ famed books and characters. 

“It was a kid-heavy cast,” recalled Burds. 

She remembered that her class at Sacred Heart at the time even came to an afternoon matinee to see her perform on stage. 

Burds’ first big role was in the musical “Honk,” a play on the story of the “Ugly Duckling.” 

“I had a large role versus just being part of the ensemble,” said Burds. 

Her first big non-musical role was in “Hollywood Arms,” the story about beloved actress Carol Burnett. It’s written by her daughter, Carrie Hamilton. 

“I played her younger sister,” said Burds. 

Before stepping away from the stage, Burds’ last show at Starlighters was “White Christmas.” 

“It’s such a classic,” she said. 

“White Christmas” also happened to be the last production Burds’ mom saw her in. ( Jody passed away in March 2010, after battling brain cancer.) 

“She loved Christmas, so this was the perfect show,” reminisced Burds. “It was a good note to end on.” 

Once she turned 16 and life got busy, as it does for high schoolers, Burds stepped away from Starlighters. 

“My mom passed and I had a lot going on,” she said. “I wanted to focus on my future.” 

However, Burds didn’t leave the stage permanently. She got involved in drama and speech at Monticello High School, and even assisted in directing a couple of productions. 

Now, she stars in Starlighters’ most recent production, “Proposals” by Neil Simon. 

Burds went on to attend the University of Iowa, where she majored in journalism and mass communications. She traveled the country a bit, taking on jobs in Kansas City, Mo., and in Texas. Burds even landed a job as the marketing coordinator for the National Soccer Coaches of America organization, now known as United Soccer Coaches. 

“I played and coached soccer growing up,” she said of having some background in the sport. 

After experiencing what the world had to offer, Burds returned home to Monticello, permanently, at the beginning of the year. She purchased a home and recently started a new job as the marketing director at Camp Courageous. 

“It’s a meant-to-be situation,” she said of returning home and finding a marketing job, something Burds enjoys doing. 

“Weirdly enough, I’ve always worked for or with non-profits,” she said of the jobs she secured after college. Burds also enjoys volunteering, which is something that Camp Courageous heavily relies on as well. 

Earlier this summer, Burds volunteered at Starlighters, reconnecting with several volunteers of the theater. One night, Jennifer Beall needed a stand-in during rehearsals for “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and Burds volunteered. 

“That was the first time I stepped back onto the stage, and in the new theater,” said Burds. (Starlighters relocated to a larger facility in 2014.) Burds and Beall took part in YPT back in the day. 

“I have fond memories of the old building,” recalled Burds. “I missed it after stepping away years ago. I missed the theater.” 

From a distance, Burds kept an eye on Starlighters, and feels she finally has the time to dedicate to a pastime she thoroughly missed. 

“Bob (Furino) raised me in the theater,” she said. 

Burds auditioned for the role of “Josie” in “Proposals” and snagged the gig. She appears on stage with fellow Starlighters alumnus Matt English as “Vinnie.” 

“Proposals” caught Burds’ attention as something she could really get into. Plus, she wasn’t quite ready for a musical. 

“This was the only play with parts for my age group,” she joked of being an adult actor. 

This show is ahead of its time for the era it represents in the 1950s. The show begins with Josie ending her engagement amidst her own family drama. 

“Josie is artistic and a free spirit,” Burds shared. “I was able to connect with that.” 

Rehearsals started the last week of July, and “Proposals” kicks off on Sept. 20-22 and 27-29. 

Burds said the show has its comedic moments, as well as its charismatic moments. She said it’s reflective of the human experience, which is still relevant today. 

“It’s multifaceted,” she added. 

Burds hinted that the show “is narrated beyond the grave” by one of the characters, showcasing the family’s story with the passing of time. 

Tickets for “Proposals” are now on sale. You can call the box office at 319-462-4793 or reserve online at www. starlighters.org/proposals. 

Burds hopes to remain involved in Starlighters, as well as throughout the community. 

“It’s been great,” she said of returning home.