Rising Stars History
Have you ever met a person who motivated you to be better than you were the day before? Well, our founder Ann Dunn was one of those people. The Rising Stars Theatre Company was founded by the late Ann Dunn in 1979 as an Explorer post, a co-educational division of the Boy Scouts of America. It encompassed the ages of 14-21 and its special interest was musical theatre. It began as an ensemble of students who had been in Ann's chorus at Portage Park School. The students wanted to continue performing after graduation, hence the formation of the Explorer post.
As the years progressed, the Company branched out to include more and more high school and later college-age students. The major emphasis of the group was performances at hospitals, nursing homes, churches, and civic organizations looking for entertainment. Some of the young people who performed with the Company went on to professional careers in the arts, while others went on to college, marriage, family, etc. Some performers also remained active in the Company after reaching adulthood, serving in advisory capacities as well as performing with the younger members. It was a great blend of actors, singers, and dancers from many age groups, and the younger members learned a lot from the more experienced performers. One year, the Company performed over 50 traveling shows!
In 1987, the Company produced its first full-length musical: My Fair Lady. The cast was a mixture of high school students and young adults. The production was a success and set the direction for the future of the Company. Many other productions followed--Broadway standards, as well as lesser-known shows--all of them successful.
Later, the group officially became The Rising Stars Theatre Company with an all-adult Board of Directors and production staff. It was headed by Ann Dunn until her death on February 2, 2005. Several years ago, the company was invited to take up residence at Martin Luther Church. The Rising Stars Theatre Company gratefully acknowledges Martin Luther Church for its commitment to community theatre in Chicagoland by allowing the use of its theatrical facilities. In fall of 2006, The Rising Stars moved their performances to the Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. We gratefully acknowledge Chet Kondratowicz, Karl Sullivan and Brother Konrad Diebold, FSC for their support with our partnership.
As the years progressed, the Company branched out to include more and more high school and later college-age students. The major emphasis of the group was performances at hospitals, nursing homes, churches, and civic organizations looking for entertainment. Some of the young people who performed with the Company went on to professional careers in the arts, while others went on to college, marriage, family, etc. Some performers also remained active in the Company after reaching adulthood, serving in advisory capacities as well as performing with the younger members. It was a great blend of actors, singers, and dancers from many age groups, and the younger members learned a lot from the more experienced performers. One year, the Company performed over 50 traveling shows!
In 1987, the Company produced its first full-length musical: My Fair Lady. The cast was a mixture of high school students and young adults. The production was a success and set the direction for the future of the Company. Many other productions followed--Broadway standards, as well as lesser-known shows--all of them successful.
Later, the group officially became The Rising Stars Theatre Company with an all-adult Board of Directors and production staff. It was headed by Ann Dunn until her death on February 2, 2005. Several years ago, the company was invited to take up residence at Martin Luther Church. The Rising Stars Theatre Company gratefully acknowledges Martin Luther Church for its commitment to community theatre in Chicagoland by allowing the use of its theatrical facilities. In fall of 2006, The Rising Stars moved their performances to the Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. We gratefully acknowledge Chet Kondratowicz, Karl Sullivan and Brother Konrad Diebold, FSC for their support with our partnership.
Costumes, Props and Set RentalsWe have a large selection of costumes, props and set pieces for rental from our many shows over the years. We probably have what you're looking for. For more information call the hotline or fill out the contact form below.
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Photos & Media2012 Carols and Cocoa 2
2012 Damn Yankees 2012 Nunsense 2011 Carols and Cocoa 2011 Chicago 2011 Crazy For You 2010 Hairspray 2010 Oliver! 2009 The Music Man 2009 Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2009 The Wedding Singer 2008 Grease 2008 The King and I 2007 The Pajama Game 2007 State Fair 2006 Meet Me in St. Louis 2006 Singin’ in the Rain 2005 Beauty and the Beast 2005 The Sound of Music 2004 Nunsense 2004 Anything Goes 2003 Mame 2003 Guys & Dolls 2002 South Pacific 2002 My Fair Lady 2001 Fiddler on the Roof 2001 Cinderella 2000 Oklahoma! 2000 Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat |
1999 Annie Get Your Gun 1999 Annie 1998 Carousel 1998 Hello, Dolly! 1997 The Music Man 1996 Nunsense 1996 Into the Woods 1995 The Sound of Music 1995 Sunset Boulevard (Revue) 1994 Little Shop of Horrors 1994 Puttin’ on the Ritz (Revue) 1993 The King and I 1992 Fiddler on the Roof 1991 Once Upon a Mattress 1990 Patent Leather Shoes 1989 Godspell 1988 Bye Bye Birdie 1987 My Fair Lady VideosNunsense -- On The Town With Nuns Singin' In the Rain - Silent Movie Grease - Freddy My Love The Wedding Singer - It's Your Wedding Day (rehearsal) The Wedding Singer - Casualty of Love (rehearsal) |
Support Us
The Rising Stars Theatre Company
P.O. Box 34197
Chicago, IL 60634
Hotline: 773-736-2490
info@risingstarschicago.com
The Rising Stars Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization registered in Illinois and a member of the League of Chicago Theatres. All contributions are tax deductible.
Rising Stars Store
If you have loved being in or watching Rising Stars productions, show your love and get some Rising Stars gear here:
Rising Stars Store
Become a Sponsor
Our Sponsors program allows local businesses and individuals to show their support for the arts in an extraordinary way. A Sponsor contributes $150 towards any production by the Rising Stars Theatre Company, and in exchange receives the following benefits:
P.O. Box 34197
Chicago, IL 60634
Hotline: 773-736-2490
info@risingstarschicago.com
The Rising Stars Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization registered in Illinois and a member of the League of Chicago Theatres. All contributions are tax deductible.
Rising Stars Store
If you have loved being in or watching Rising Stars productions, show your love and get some Rising Stars gear here:
Rising Stars Store
Become a Sponsor
Our Sponsors program allows local businesses and individuals to show their support for the arts in an extraordinary way. A Sponsor contributes $150 towards any production by the Rising Stars Theatre Company, and in exchange receives the following benefits:
- Six complimentary tickets for the show (value: $96)
- Listing on the Sponsors page in the program book and in the theatre lobby (value: more great publicity!)
- Knowing you have helped support the arts in Chicagoland (value: priceless!)
If you are interested in being a Sponsor for our current production, please print the Sponsorship form (link at the bottom of this page). Fill out the form and send it in along with your check. The Sponsorship deadline is given on the form. Call The Rising Stars Theatre Company hotline or e-mail us for more information.
Recent Sponsors include:
Recent Sponsors include:
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Our Newest Sponsors:
- Miss Lori's Campus
- Urban Out Sitters-Dog Day Care and Pet Hotel
Become a Stargazer Patron of the Arts
Stargazers are supporters who have made a charitable contribution to Rising Stars in the current season.
Stargazers receive the following thank you gifts based on contribution level:
Stargazers are supporters who have made a charitable contribution to Rising Stars in the current season.
Stargazers receive the following thank you gifts based on contribution level:
- Bronze Star ($10 or more) Listed in the program book for the current show
- Silver Stars ($50 or more) May submit a well-wisher message in our program
- Gold Stars ($100 or more) Will receive both of the above, and will be invited to a backstage tour during the current show
- Platinum Stars ($500 or more) Will receive all of the above, plus 2 free tickets to the current show
To become a Stargazer Patron of the Arts, print the Stargazer letter and form (link at the bottom of this page), and mail it in along with your contribution. The Sponsorship deadline is given on the form.
Sponsored Tickets
Rising Stars Theatre has a unique program where you can sponsor children who might not be able to enjoy the cultural experience of seeing a live performance. For $150, you can sponsor 10 children to see our show. Fill out and mail the form (link at the bottom of this page) along with a check to Rising Stars. We will take care of all arrangements -- if you have any questions, please fill out the contact form below.
Sponsored Tickets
Rising Stars Theatre has a unique program where you can sponsor children who might not be able to enjoy the cultural experience of seeing a live performance. For $150, you can sponsor 10 children to see our show. Fill out and mail the form (link at the bottom of this page) along with a check to Rising Stars. We will take care of all arrangements -- if you have any questions, please fill out the contact form below.
Links
Links to form repository, facebook group, other groups, nicoth, etc..
Forms:
Ticket Orders
Sponsor Form
Stargazer Form
Actor Biography
Forms:
Ticket Orders
Sponsor Form
Stargazer Form
Actor Biography
