Starbright Youth Theatre
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Starbright Youth Theatre excels as a highly supportive and low-key performing arts program, particularly for beginners and children needing a confidence boost. Despite being a small business in a strip mall with a recently upgraded website, the core value lies in its exceptional staff, personalized care, and the transformative experiences it provides, fostering significant confidence, social skills, and a genuine love for theater in children who often become 'hooked'. Parents consistently find the dedicated instruction and positive environment to be worth significant travel and investment.
Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional care and attention from the entire team, notably in Knightdale with Mr. Savada and Mrs. Stephanie.
- ✓Outstanding responsiveness to questions and 'second to none' communication with parents.
- ✓Very positive, kind, and supportive environment, especially for beginners.
- ✓Low-key atmosphere makes it ideal and fun for those new to theater.
- ✓Proven track record of building children's confidence across all aspects of their lives.
- ✓Children, including a 6 and 8-year-old, describe it as their 'favorite place on Earth'.
- ✓Fosters cognitive, emotional, and social skills, helping even shy children thrive.
- ✓Children form incredible friendships with peers.
- ✓High-quality shows and camps are consistently praised.
- ✓Specific staff like Ms. Karon, Ms. Alli, Mr. Ethan, Ms. Valerie, Josie, and Riley are highlighted for their dedication and talent.
Standout Features
- ⭐Dedicated and passionate instructors who bring out each child's fullest potential.
- ⭐Strong emphasis on confidence building through performing arts.
- ⭐Supportive environment that accommodates and encourages beginners.
- ⭐Opportunity for children to form strong friendships.
- ⭐Offers both shows and camps.
- ⭐Transformative experience that makes parents cry 'happy tears' at performances.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Do not let initial low star ratings on Google Maps deter you; they were due to past website issues, not the quality of the program.
- →Look beyond the 'strip mall location' exterior; the 'real magic is in the experience' inside.
- →Be prepared for a potentially significant drive (35-45 minutes one-way reported), as many parents find it 'worth every dime and every mile'.
- →If your child is shy or new to theater, this venue is particularly well-suited due to its supportive and low-key approach.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Past low star ratings on Google Maps were due to website conversion/upgrade issues, not the actual in-person experience.
- ⚠The physical location is described as a 'strip mall location', which might not appear grand from the outside.
- ⚠Opened in 2020, so it's a relatively new and small business, which some might initially misjudge.
Price & Value
While specific dollar amounts are not mentioned, parents repeatedly state the experience is 'worth every dime and every mile' and that there's 'nothing like it in our immediate area', implying a high perceived value for the cost and travel required.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No food or drink policies mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Being in a 'strip mall location' typically implies convenient and ample parking, though not explicitly stated.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not mentioned, but the focus on personalized care and individual potential suggests a managed class size rather than overwhelming crowds.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features mentioned, but the 'care and attention' and 'responsive' staff suggest a well-managed environment.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Avoiding judging the program solely based on its website or the exterior appearance of the building.
- • Families seeking a large, high-tech, or overtly flashy theater facility (as it's a small business in a strip mall).
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Chicago Teen Edition Production
$575Duration: September 9 - January 11 (including tech week and shows)
A musical production of 'Chicago' adapted for teens, with removal of adult language/sexual references and transposed keys. Rehearsals on Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30-8:30 PM, plus some Sundays closer to showtime. Tech week Jan 5-8, show dates Jan 9, 10, 11.
James and the Giant Peach Jr Production
$495Duration: September 3 - January 25 (including tech week and shows)
A musical production based on Roald Dahl's story. Rehearsals on Wednesdays 4:30-6:30 PM, plus some Sundays closer to showtime. Tech week Jan 18-22, show dates Jan 23-25.
Includes:
- •cast tshirt
Cinderella Youth Edition Production
$495Duration: September 3 - December 14 (including tech week and shows)
A stage adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Rehearsals on Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM. Tech week Dec 7-11, show dates Dec 12-14.
Includes:
- •cast tshirt
The Aristocats Kids Cast A Production
$395Duration: September 2 - November 8 (including tech week and shows)
A musical production based on the Disney animated film. Rehearsals on Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 PM, plus some Sundays closer to showtime. Tech week Nov 3-6, show dates Nov 7-8.
Includes:
- •cast t-shirt
Halloween Parent's Night Out!
$30Duration: 3 hours (6:00-9:00 PM)
Kids make a craft, learn choreography to Monster Mash, and watch Hotel Transylvania on a big projection screen. Kids are encouraged to come in costume.
Includes:
- •Pizza
- •popcorn
- •a treat
The Polar Express Parent's Night Out!
$30Duration: 3 hours (6:00-9:00 PM)
Kids make a craft, learn choreography for 'Hot Chocolate,' and watch The Polar Express. Participants should wear pajamas and bring a pillow and blanket.
Includes:
- •Pizza
- •popcorn
- •treats
Shrek The Musical Kids Production (Spring 2026)
$415Duration: January 27 - April 11 (including tech week and shows)
A musical production based on Shrek. Rehearsals on Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 PM. Tech week April 6-9, show dates April 10, 11.
Includes:
- •cast tshirt
Shrek The Musical Jr Production (Spring 2026)
$495Duration: January 28 - April 26 (including tech week and shows)
A musical production based on Shrek. Rehearsals on Wednesdays 4:30-6:30 PM. Tech week April 19-23, show dates April 24-26.
Belle and That Beast Guy Children's Play (Spring 2026)
$225Duration: February 2 - March 23 (8 weeks)
A silly adaptation of a beloved fairy tale focusing on literacy skills. Rehearsals on Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM. A show for families on the last day of class.
Movie Musical Revue for Kids (Spring 2026)
$250Duration: January 26 - March 16 (8 weeks)
Children learn song and dance numbers from children's movie musicals (e.g., Descendants, Encanto, Matilda). For beginners or experienced students. Rehearsals on Mondays 5:45-7:00 PM. A show for families after the last day of class.
Teen Show TBD (Spring 2026)
$575Duration: January 28 - May 17 (including tech week and shows)
Musical theatre production. Rehearsals on Wednesdays & Thursdays 6:30-8:30 PM. Tech week May 11-14, show dates May 15-17.
Kids Acting Workshops (Spring Theatre Classes)
$160Duration: 8 weeks (February 3 - March 24)
Students build self-confidence, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity through acting games and activities. Focus on scene work. Rehearsals on Tuesdays 6:40-7:40 PM. Concludes with a family showcase at the studio.
Intro into Acting Workshop (Spring Theatre Classes)
$150Duration: February 7 - March 14
Children are introduced to acting concepts using physical movement and emotional expression, theatre games, and interactive activities. Rehearsals on Saturdays 9:30-10:30 AM. Students present a family showcase on the final day.
Intro into Musical Theatre Workshop (Spring Theatre Classes)
$150Duration: February 7 - March 14
Children are taught musical theatre skills through singing and dancing to hits from Disney musicals. For young students with some or no musical theatre experience. Rehearsals on Saturdays 10:45-11:45 AM. Family showcase at the end of the last class.
Willy Wonka Jr Production (Knightdale)
$425Duration: September 22 2025 - February 15 2026 (including tech week and shows)
A captivating musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's 'Willy Wonka'. Rehearsals on Mondays 5:30-7:30 PM. Tech week Feb 9-12, show dates Feb 13-15.
Shrek Jr Production (Brunswick County)
$395Duration: August 31 - November 23 (including shows)
A musical production based on Shrek. Rehearsals on Sundays 1:30-4:00 PM. Show dates Nov 21-23.
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Chicago Teen Edition Shows
January 9, 10, 11 (2026)
Not specified (ticket price for audience)
Performances of 'Chicago Teen Edition'.
James and the Giant Peach Jr Shows
January 23-25 (2026)
Not specified (ticket price for audience)
Performances of 'James and the Giant Peach Jr'.
Cinderella Youth Edition Shows
December 12-14 (2025)
Not specified (ticket price for audience)
Performances of 'Cinderella Youth Edition'.
The Aristocats Kids Cast A Shows
November 7-8 (2025)
Not specified (ticket price for audience)
Performances of 'The Aristocats Kids Cast A'.
Halloween Parent's Night Out!
Friday, October 24 (6:00-9:00 PM)
$30 per child
Kids Halloween-themed craft, choreography, movie night with pizza, popcorn, and a treat. Costumes encouraged.
The Polar Express Parent's Night Out!
Friday, December 5 (6:00-9:00 PM)
$30 per child
Kids Polar Express-themed craft, choreography, movie night with pizza, popcorn, and treats. Pajamas, pillow, and blanket recommended.
Belle and That Beast Guy Children's Play Family Showcase
March 23, 2026 (after last class)
Included in tuition
A family showcase of what students learned in the 'Belle and That Beast Guy Children's Play' workshop.
Movie Musical Revue for Kids Family Showcase
March 16, 2026 (after last class)
Included in tuition
A family showcase of what students learned in the 'Movie Musical Revue for Kids' workshop.
Kids Acting Workshops Family Showcase
March 24 (2026, after last class)
Included in tuition
A family showcase of what students learned in the 'Kids Acting Workshops'.
Intro into Acting Workshop Family Showcase
March 14 (2026, on final day)
Included in tuition
A family showcase of what students learned in the 'Intro into Acting Workshop'.
Intro into Musical Theatre Workshop Family Showcase
March 14 (2026, at end of last class)
Included in tuition
A family showcase of what students learned in the 'Intro into Musical Theatre Workshop'.
Willy Wonka Jr Shows (Knightdale)
February 13-15 (2026)
Not specified (ticket price for audience)
Performances of 'Willy Wonka Jr'.
Shrek Jr Shows (Brunswick County)
November 21-23 (2025)
Not specified (ticket price for audience)
Performances of 'Shrek Jr'.
Beetlejuice Jr Shows
Friday Aug 22 (7:00 PM), Saturday Aug 23 (2:00 PM & 6:30 PM)
Not specified
Upcoming performances of 'Beetlejuice Jr'.
🍎Food Policy
- • Pizza, popcorn and a treat provided during Halloween Parent's Night Out.
- • Pizza, popcorn, and treats provided during The Polar Express Parent's Night Out.
📅Booking Policy
- • Parent Portal available for existing customers for registration.
- • Payment plans available with deposit upon registration for some productions (e.g., Chicago Teen Edition).
- • Payment plans accepted upon request with a deposit for some productions (e.g., Willy Wonka Jr).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Michelle Bisanz
6 months agoIf I could give more than 5 stars, I would happily do so. The care and attention the entire Knightdale team has put into this program is undeniable. They are so responsive to any and all questions and the level of communication is second to none. My son signed up in the spring for his first ever show with them and absolutely loved it. This weekend he will be participating in his second production and I am certain they have him hooked. I look forward to continued productions with Mr. Savada, Mrs. Stephanie and the entire team!!
Evie Hornak
2 years agoMy now 8-year-old daughter has been having a wonderful experience this past year! This is a great match for us, as it is low-key, supportive of beginners, and definitely fun. All of the instructors and owner are so kind and wonderful. Very positive and supportive. We drive 35+ minutes across town to have theater here. Also it appears the one-star reviews were at a time when they were converting and upgrading the website. Starbright has grown so much that they relaunched their brand last year and upgraded their website.
Megan & Steven Kohne
2 years agoStarbright has been such a wonderful theatre home for my kids. Their confidence has soared in all aspects of their life because of the experiences they have had here. The shows, the camps, the talent within this studio are all amazing. Both my kids are hooked. We drive 45 minutes one way multiple times a week just to be a part of this place because there’s nothing like it in our immediate area. It’s worth every dime and every mile to watch my kids blossom on stage.
SPY Chrissie Yeh
3 years agoStarbright Little Players is our kids’ favorite place on Earth (direct quote from our 6 and 8 year old). Theater brings out even the shyest of kids into a world of potential, dreams and opportunity through fostering their cognitive, emotional, and social skills. A theater is only as good as the team and Ms. Karon’s immense dedication and love of both theater and kids has conjured an incredible force. Her passion finds and brings out fullest potential of each child, resulting in parents’ happy tears at every performance. My children have built confidence, learned so much about performing arts and most of all, forged incredible friendship with other kids! We look forward to participating in more productions at Starbright Little Players and working with Ms. Karon and her incredible talented crew Ms. Alli, Mr. Ethan, Ms. Valerie, Josie, Riley, just to name a few. Highly recommended!
Morgan Henderson
2 years agoWhen I typed Starbright into Google maps I was surprised to see the star rating was low. Once I checked reviews, I noticed it was all 5*s from people who have been there. The 1* reviews are based on the website and the outside of the building. SYT is a small business that opened in 2020. Don't be too quick to judge the place based on a new website and a strip mall location. The real magic is in the experience, confidence building, and the performances. This place has been wonderful for my daughter and many other children.