Check out all the great things parents are saying about our STARS program!

“Outstanding! I was very impressed with the organization and smooth operations of the week. [My child] was bursting with excitement each day at pickup. Singing until bedtime, then happy to wake up and return the next day. Well done.” June 2022

“Most organized camp in Birmingham.” June 2022

“Just wanted to say thank you for an amazing first experience with VST. She absolutely loved the experience and has most definitely caught the theater bug. And when the director came to me and my husband on opening night to tell us how great she was and how she should continue, it really encouraged us to let her continue. So, hope to be working with you in the future!” November 2022

“I watched 5 of the shows and was amazed at the training and talent up there on stage – from the dancing, acting, costumes, and scenery. Great job! The kids all seemed so happy and confident and to be having fun and giving it their all on stage. I love getting to be a part of the STARS family, watching these kids grow and mature on stage over the years, and seeing all the fun stuff that happens behind the curtain-  the sweet notes they send each other, the other participants that come to support their friends even if they are not in the cast, and the way they seem so happy backstage during the performance. You all are making something so special happen for these kids. I am forever grateful.” March 2021

“My child has been SO HAPPY this week thanks to VST. He had a blast at rehearsals. He has his spark back that has been missing for months. Thank you so much for going through all the precautions and getting these kids on stage. It means so much. I really hope there is a lot more VST in our future!!!” February 2021

“VST has always put together quality camps and shows for our kids, but this summer they went above the call of duty. I appreciate the out-of-the-box thinking it took to change literally all aspects of camp this year just to make it happen. My kids needed it so badly after these months in the house. Their teachers were outstanding, and my kids had a blast! The sleeper hit was Shakespeare class! Thanks so much for all the hard work it took to create a Covid-safe environment for our kids.” July 2020

“I wanted to take a minute and thank you again for a fantastic experience with STARS. My child learned so very much, had an amazing time and is already asking to audition again. We really weren’t sure what to expect or if he was even ready for something like this. I must say you and everyone involved far exceeded anything we could have imagined and we are looking forward to (hopefully) working with you again.” November 2019

“My daughter had such a great time with you all last week! And it was clear that she learned so much during her time at camp. The program was really well run and I’m impressed with the variety of areas/subjects y’all were able to cover throughout the camp week. Thank you so much!” June 2019

“Thank you so much again for this wonderful opportunity. She has had the most amazing week and loved camp! I can tell she has also gained more confidence in herself. Thank you, thank you!” June 2019

“What a wonderful experience our first theatre production has been! My children have loved every minute of Annie. When I asked them what the best part of Annie was, they both said it was getting over their stage fright and how accepting, encouraging and inclusive everyone was. My children grew within themselves in your program. As a parent, I’m thrilled to have them join the next cast as clearly this is an incredible forum for expansion. Bravo!” March 2019

“My daughter loved every bit of Annie. I’ve done a lot of sports and activities over the years with my kids, but this was by far the smoothest and most organized activity we’ve done so far. Thank you!!” March 2019

“Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic experience Hairspray Jr. was. She has been in several productions and she said by far this was her all time favorite.” August 2018

“Thanks again for all of your hard work on this show. My daughter has had so much fun, and she has loved the experience. You guys do a phenomenal job teaching them how to run a production. It is fun to watch!” July 2018

“She was so shy, I never thought she would get up in front of everyone and speak, much less act. I was so shocked when she got up there and spoke out loudly and acting. I am so proud of her and to be her father…This STARS program has helped her so much with her being shy, confident, and speaking out and up. She let me know that she really loves and enjoys STARS, the teachers, and her friends, and performing.” January 2018

“Participating in STARS and getting to perform on stage has given her opportunities to learn and practice life skills for how to treat others, work as a team, and show respect to everyone. I wish every child had this opportunity and every parent understood these hidden gifts that are gained from education in the arts.”  January 2018

“[My daughter] has been attending this week and she has absolutely loved it!! She comes home everyday talking about the classes and how much fun she had. It has been a great experience!” June 2017

“My 8 year old daughter attended STARS camp last week (her second year to do so). She loved it! On the first day, she came home moonwalking, and by the end of the week she was reciting Shakespeare!” June 2017

“The STARS program offers a wonderfully enriching curriculum. My daughter’s growth in all aspects of stage performance has been astounding! Thanks to the encouragement and instruction of the STARS educators she has gained confidence, poise and a passion for performing. We are so thankful for everyone involved with this program and their commitment to making the performing arts accessible to all students.” March 2017 

“I had so much fun working backstage today for the last performance of Alice JR. Super great group of kids. Virginia Samford Theatre does such a remarkable job of helping these kids grow in a loving, encouraging environment. If you have a kid who loves theatre or would like to try it, VST is a great place.” March 2017

“It was such an amazing experience for us and we are so grateful to everyone at Virginia Samford for everything they have done to make this wonderful show possible. We are so impressed and I think [my child] was been bitten by the bug and is hooked for life!” March 2017

“[My child] cries every time the show ends. That tells me she loves where she’s been. Last summer she told me that she found a place where she didn’t feel weird. A place where everyone was always singing and dancing. A home. Thank you for orchestrating such a wonderful program. All of my friends so enjoyed the performances and atmosphere. We can’t wait to be back this summer!” March 2017

“We just LOVE our VST family! Thanks to all of you for giving all these kids a safe place to reach their potential!” February 2017

“[My child] was the lead role in her school’s musical production this year – and she was amazing!  The high school theater teacher has asked that she be in some of their kid/family-friendly productions in the Spring too.  We knew she is talented, but wow – she blew us away!  I totally want to give you guys credit for building her presence on stage, by giving her confidence in the skills and knowledge she has learned from you guys.  She was able to make the production run flawlessly.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!  Her love for theater is growing stronger and stronger.” December 2016

“His self esteem has risen 100% since VST . He never wanted us to come to his games because he knew he would only play in the one obligatory play of the game. He could not wait for us to come see his performance.” July 2016

“Loved the acting camp my granddaughter attended at VST. She has really developed an interest in theatre at her school, and I think her experience this past week will really help her.” June 2016

“As a parent, it is thrilling to see your child explore and develop a new passion for something and for an awesome organization like Virginia Samford Theatre to offer such great training and encouragement.” February 2016