STARS

STARS (Special Theatrical Artists Revue & Showcase), a troupe of 30 performers who have physical disabilities and/or intellectual challenges, will perform the “Fall Harvest Jamboree,” a variety show, at The Historic Masonic Theatre, on Sunday, September 15, at 3:00 p.m. The “Fall Harvest Jamboree” will be the second variety show of STAR’s, 23rd performance season. STARS was founded as an outreach program of Appalfolks of America Association (AAA), a non-profit organization based in Clifton Forge that has promoted the literary and performing arts since 1985. Paula Crance and Sonya K. Romanello are sharing the role as director of STARS, and Chris Fisher will return to the stage as emcee. Crance is a member of AAA’s board of directors who has volunteered as director of STARS for several seasons. M. Ray Allen, founder of AAA, remarked, “STARS continues to be one of our most meaningful outreach programs, and the troupe has performed uplifting shows that have helped AAA develop a faithful audience base.” The 2006 documentary film shot in The Historic Masonic Theatre and in the Town of Clifton Forge titled “STARS” won a Bronze Telly for excellence, and the film can be viewed by requesting it at the Clifton Forge Public Library. The film features members of the STARS’ troupe, some of the parents of the performers, the town manager at the time, and AAA’s staff members reflecting on the value of the outreach program. STARS has been designated by The Historic Masonic Theatre as a Home Program along with AAA’s Junior Virginia Opry, and both outreach programs are scheduled to perform a minimum of two shows per years in The Historic Masonic Theatre. • historicmasonictheatre.com/historic-masonic-theatre/events/