.png){kind=small}
WHO WE ARE
Special Theater Arts of Raleigh (S.T.A.R.) is a community based non-profit organization providing theater opportunities for disabled young adults in the Raleigh NC area. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers and has been performing shows for more than 16 years. Our mission is to promote self-confidence, self-expression, and teamwork through the art of theater. We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to participate in the arts and showcase their talents. Join us in supporting a thriving and inclusive arts community in Raleigh!
OUR HISTORY
In 2000, Raleigh Parks and Recreation sponsored the Youth Social Group for young adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. With a goal of providing stimulating social and mainstreaming opportunities for the group, they submitted and won a grant to produce a play. The "Special Needs Drama Group" was formed.
Raleigh Parks and Recreation quickly realized they did not have the resources needed to meet the grant stipulations, so the club members' parents stepped up to meet the challenge. They were fortunate to find Willie Jordan, a talented and dedicated Wake County Public School drama teacher, who agreed to become the play director. He brought drama club students from his high school as helpers and within two months they performed Once Upon a Shoe to a packed house.
The challenges and rewards of the experience were compelling and everyone was hooked! The next fall, club members, parents, and Jordan decided to prepare a second play, to be performed in the spring. After that second season, the drama group was renamed S.T.A.R. (Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh).
​
Willie Jordan continued to lead the group for many successful seasons until he found that his teaching career and personal obligations prevented him from attending every practice. A parent approached Terri Dollar, a White Memorial Presbyterian Church (WMPC) member, about substituting for Jordan. Dollar, a former drama teacher who now works with Artsplosure, agreed to substitute once. However, she found working with the group to be an amazing experience and for the next two years she substituted and co-directed with Jordan. She took over the role when Jordan moved out of the area. Dollar enlisted the help of Tatiana Guy, an area drama teacher, who joined S.T.A.R. as co-director. Additionally, Kirstie Spadie from the North Carolina Dance Institute joined the group to provide additional dance instruction.
The lack of rehearsal space hampered the group until White Memorial Presbyterian Church (WMPC) became S.T.A.R.'s permanent practice facility and performance auditorium. The church is centrally located for the troupe members and helpers who come from all across Wake County.
​
While the performances are important for cast members, S.T.A.R. is an extended family of friends. The social connections, interactions and friendships are as important as the other aspects of this program. Cast members love to come to practices to learn, perform, assume leadership roles and socialize with their friends.
In addition to the cast, S.T.A.R. utilizes a large number of "helpers", as the group calls them. Helpers are critical to the operation. Many are high school and college students who assist with practices, help performers learn lines, provide one-on-one support during rehearsing and on stage, and also assist with all aspects of the production. The cast and helpers find the experience mutually beneficial. The S.T.A.R. cast members gain new mentoring relationships and friendships with their helpers, and the helpers better appreciate each S.T.A.R. cast member and think about how each performer's special abilities can be utilized in a particular performance. There is a transformation from seeing "special needs" to instead seeing "special abilities"!
​
.png)
.png)
Every S.T.A.R. parent is incredibly involved and important to each production. Parents take on the roles of set construction, costume making, publicity, and each lends their own special gifts to support their children.
​
Due to overwhelming popularity, S.T.A.R. doesn't always have openings for new cast members. For more information or to be placed on the waiting list, please contact Terri Dollar via email at terridollar@gmail.com.
​