About Starlighters II
Our Mission:
Produce excellent live theatre through ongoing education of actors and directors.
The award-winning Starlighters II Theatre celebrated its 45th season in 2019. Starlighters II is dedicated to bringing the best of live theatre to Eastern Iowa. It is a nonprofit theatre organization that produces a wide spectrum of entertainment.
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Starlighters II was founded in 1974 in Monticello, Iowa, when Ron Ketelsen, a Monticello high school student, saw a need for more opportunities for individuals to participate in live theatre in the Monticello area. He enlisted the support of Bob Furino, a student teacher at the elementary school where he was participating in a job shadowing project. The two teamed up, enlisted a third educator, Emil Prull, with a passion for the theatre, and Starlighters II Theatre was born. Their first production hit the boards in 1975.
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In February of 1978, the Anamosa Community Theatre joined Starlighters II, and since that time the theatre has become more regional. Today its active membership covers a six county area.
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During each 12-month season, Starlighters II presents four mainstage productions consisting of dramas, comedies, musicals, and has included revues, variety shows, and children’s theatre. The theatre offers classes on acting and directing, which are aimed at helping those interested in learning those elements of theatre, and preparing them to work in Starlighters II productions.
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Newcomers are always welcome at Starlighters II Theatre! Those interested in volunteering should send an e-mail to hello@starlighters.org or call 319-462-4793. The website also provides detailed information for upcoming shows, and other Starlighters II activities. You can also contact on us on our Facebook page. Be sure to “like” us!
The theatre also encourages those interested to watch the local newspaper for Starlighters II information.
Important Moments In Starlighters II History
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1974
Birth of Starlighters II Theatre in Monticello, Iowa
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1975
Temporary Board of Directors is chosen
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1975
First stage production
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1976
First Annual Meeting. Permanent Board of Directors and bylaws are established
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1977
First Young People’s Theatre production
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1978
Starlighters II Theatre and Anamosa Community Theatre join to become a regional theatre for Jones and Surrounding counties
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1979
501(c)(3) Non-profit status is established
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1988
Coast-to-Coast building is purchased, giving Starlighters II a permanent home (mortgage paid off ahead of schedule)
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1989
First $500 Starlighters Scholarship is awarded
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1998
Adjoining feed mill property is donated to the theatre
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2002
Structure on feed mill property is demolished, giving Starlighters much needed parking space for volunteers and patrons
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6 acres of land purchased along Highway 151 north of Anamosa
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2006
All new seating purchased for mainstage auditorium in the theatre
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2007
Adjoining property north of current theatre building surveyed in preparation for resumption of building project
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New 5-year strategic plan developed and approved to lead the theatre to 2012
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2008
Implemented a new governing structure consisting of a Board of Directors with a majority consisting of area business leaders, and a minority consisting of members of the Artistic Committee; an Artistic Committee to oversee the educational and artistic elements of the theatre; a Facilities Management Committee to oversee the theatre structures inside and out.
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2014
New theatre at 200 East Main Street opens with a production of Shaw's Devil's Disciple