STAR Inc. Quality Theatre, Exceptional Community Service

The Beverly Hillbillies opens Somerville Theatrical Arts Repertory, Inc. (STAR, Inc.) 2024 season on Friday, March 8, 2024. Truthfully, one may not know what to expect seeing the popular television show come to life on the stage. But one thing for sure is the audience can expect to see a good and quality show.

STAR, Inc. closed out its 2023 theatre season with sell out performances of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. And its line up for 2024 with The Beverly Hillbillies, Broadway Nights: Summer Lovin’, The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Shop of Horrors (Non-Musical), and Christmas Broadway Nights (Working Title), audience goers should plan to purchase tickets before each production as soon as they can.

“STAR was officially formed in 2009, from a desire of participants at the time to establish a community theatrical group that would be able to move forward in theatrical production delivery and address the thespian interests in its community,” said Scott Lindsey of STAR, Inc.

The company makes every effort (with submitted proposals) to provide a diverse production schedule, that includes a variety of interests for the community – children, adults, classics, contemporary, etc. – in both straight plays and musicals. Looking at the 2024 season productions provides a great example of the diversity in offerings for theatre goers.

“Our goal is to create and produce top notch family-friendly shows that are excellent, affordable, and to provide edifying family-friendly entertainment, as well as performance and educational opportunities for theatre patrons and participants of all ages,” said Lindsey.

Scott Lindsey and his wife, Paige, along with their children have been involved with STAR, Inc. since its inception. Their children have appeared on the stage and daughter Jade has even directed some productions. Other familiar faces include Jeremey Demmons (and his family) who has also been involved with STAR, Inc. since it began, and Bill Burns (and his family) who joined the company a little later. Both directed many of the shows people have enjoyed.

“STAR has families (including ours) that have been involved and remain involved since STAR’s inception, and welcomes all interested parties to get involved with our efforts to provide wholesome family entertainment,” said Lindsey.

Along with the Burns, Demmons, and Lindsey families, STAR, Inc. has drawn cast members from the surrounding counties (Shelby, Hardeman, and Tipton), but the majority come from the Fayette County community and typically participate in multiple productions each year. Because of the family-like community that exists within the company, STAR, Inc. manages to draw talented people who continue to return as actors on the stage or participants in some manner behind the scenes. Surprisingly, many of those you see in the productions had never participated in theatre and were introduced to the art through STAR, Inc. as was Scott Lindsey who noted he continues to learn something new with each production.

Actor and director Thomas Farmer is another one who has been heavily involved with STAR, Inc. Farmer started with STAR, Inc. acting and later added directing with his directorial debut of Broadway Nights in October 2022. Broadway Nights ended up being held over past its production schedule due to the overwhelming audience response. He also directed The Play That Goes Wrong in May 2023 and will return at the helm as co-director with his wife, Halle, and assistant director Jade Lindsey for Broadway Nights: Summer Lovin’ in June 2024 for which auditions are currently open. Farmers parents and siblings have also been active with STAR, Inc. on the stage and behind the scenes. Another family that has been involved for a few years is the Millers. The Beverly Hillbillies is being directed by Jeremiah Miller whose wife, Kayla, and brother, Caleb, are also acting in the production.

“[I participate] Mainly because of the culture and opportunities they provide to deepen one’s understanding of historical productions, as well as the joy that the arts bring to our community,” said Lindsey who hopes the value of the company is seen in the community. “As an exceptional community service that looks to strengthen the understanding of the arts and as an important part of our community to strengthen the family and relationships that are born through STAR. The biggest benefit is the opportunity to be involved and the exceptional productions that STAR delivers each year.”

STAR, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization, which makes all donations eligible for tax deductions, but STAR, Inc. also welcomes donations of time, word of mouth or social media advertisement, costumes, and stage props. You can also support STAR, Inc. by attending its productions.

You may read more about STAR, Inc.’s production of The Beverly Hillbillies and learn how to purchase tickets.

Mission Statement: STAR, Inc. exists to enrich families, individuals and the community as a whole, by providing positive artistic experiences in the performing arts which hold Judeo-Christian values in the highest esteem.

To stay informed about STAR, Inc., you can connect with STAR Inc. on Facebook, Instagram, and by e-mail at starinc10@gmail.com. You may also purchase tickets to STAR Inc. shows. STAR Inc. would love for you to become a part of bringing theatre to the stage. Consider auditioning for a play or helping out behind the scenes.

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