"Peter and the Starcatcher" Welcome to the Show!

Welcome to the Clark State Performing Arts Center and "Peter and the Starcatcher!"

Theatre is so much more than what happens on a stage; it is about people coming together. It is the late nights, the laughter, the challenges, the encouragement and the countless small moments shared along the way. A production is built by a community of people who bring their time, talents, stories and hearts to the same place, all working together to create something meaningful. On the night of the performance, that community grows to include every person sitting in the audience. There is something truly special about sharing a story in the same room, together, in real time.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this production and to everyone who has helped bring it to life. Most of all, thanks to you for being here and sharing this moment with us and for reminding us why live theatre, and the community it creates, matters.

At its heart, "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a story about community. Peter and his friends discover that even in the most difficult circumstances, having someone beside you can give you the courage to keep going. Their friendships remind us that we are stronger when we trust, support and stand up for one another.  

If this production inspires you, there are many ways you can be involved! You can take theatre classes at Clark State, volunteer as an usher for events at the Performing Arts Center or continue to support live theatre by attending events.  

Cherish the people who stand beside you and never stop having hope! Thank you for being part of our community!

Enjoy the show!

Maggie Cooper
Producer, "Peter and the Starcatcher"
House Operations Manager, Venue Operations, Clark State College

Welcome to Neverland, or rather, a room full of ordinary objects that with a little 'starstuff' can become whatever your imagination desires.

When we first sat down to plan "Peter and the Starcatcher," we knew we didn't want special effects or elaborate set gimmicks. We want imagination and playfulness front and center. A simple rope becomes the living quarters of a ship. Jogging in place becomes a chase through the jungle. A handful of random objects, arranged just right, becomes a terrifying crocodile. This is imagination at its finest.

As co-directors, our greatest joy has been watching a cast of strangers become genuine friends. Watching the cast embrace the idea of playfulness gave them permission to imagine like kids. These actors haven't just memorized lines, they've built a brand-new world out of thin air, proving that magic doesn't require a massive budget. It just requires the courage to play.

We're thrilled to have our community join us on this ride. Bring out your inner kid, and let this show remind you to hold on to your sense of wonder.

Thank you for supporting local theatre, especially the Clark State Theatre Arts Program and the Springfield Arts Council. And thank you for following our actors on this journey. You can be whatever you want to be. All it takes is a little 'starstuff.'

Enjoy the show!

Krissy Hartman
Co-director, "Peter and the Starcatcher"
Executive Director, Springfield Arts Council

Anthony Reed
Co-director, "Peter and the Starcatcher"
Specialist, Admissions & Career Services, Clark State College