Starlighters II Theatre 50th anniversary November update

To celebrate the Starlighters II Community Theatre’s 50th season each month of 2024, a new voice from the Starlighters’ family will share their insights and memories of the theatre. This month we feature a story written by Steve Nassif.
I first became involved with Starlighters II in 1978, when a friend invited me to help build set for “The Sound of Music.” I put a few staples in some artificial grass, and 46 years later, I’m still here.
This is going to sound more like a resume, but in that time, I’ve learned so many things. I learned carpentry skills, lighting and sound techniques, basics of stage make-up, marketing and, of course acting techniques. I even took a turn at costuming when Bob Furino and I visited every convent in Dubuque, searching for nuns’ habits for the play “Life with Mother Superior.” I served many years on the Board of Directors, including terms as vice president as well as president.
I’ve performed in over 35 productions, worked backstage for at least as many more, and was assistant director for several productions. Each time I would learn something more about what it takes to put on a production. Eventually I put all those lessons to use when I directed “Arsenic and Old Lace;” which, by the way, will be coming to our stage again next season.
But I think my most enjoyable time was spent assisting Bob with Starlighters II Young Peoples Theatre (YPT). Teaching kids 8-16 years of age acting techniques as well as building self-confidence. All of the 10-minute plays they performed were written in-house specifically for our YPT. Some were written by the students themselves and some students took a turn at directing. Several of “our kids” went on to perform and/or direct professionally. Others have returned 15 to 20 years later to act, direct and serve on committees. Some are now watching their children perform on stage.
In my time with the theater, I’ve met many people who became like family. I’ve seen tears flow at the end of a production at the realizations that friends may not see each other nearly every day, as they have for the previous six to 10 weeks. But memories have been built that will last a lifetime.
To sum up what I’ve been saying, there is something for nearly everyone at the theatre. Whether you enjoy construction, painting (walls or scenes), sewing, writing, technology or my favorite, hoarding (props), we can find something for you to do. Or get your kids involved so they too can enjoy the thrill of live theater.