Bella Wenslow and Ryan Keib talk history and the next production
From the Monday Club Publicist Nora Burdick, pictured are Keib and Catherine Anderson
Starlight Theater Company was the feature presenter at Monday Club’s October 20th gathering. Bella Wenslow, President of Starlight Theater Company and Ryan Keib, Treasurer prepared with notes and shared the spotlight as they gave a brief history of theater in Wellsville and the surrounding area.
Bella and Ryan candidly acknowledged the theater groups that paved the way for the local thespians with a grateful nod to The Wellsville Players, Lions Club Minstrel Show, high school theater clubs, and area theater groups for inspiration and support.
Theater groups notably start small with a hearty resolve to entertain audiences of all shapes and sizes. Starlight is no exception. With cue cards in hand and their natural ability to ad-lib when needed, Bella and Ryan gave a brief overview of the theater group’s humble beginnings. Starlight moved to Grace United Mission Center on Maple Avenue.
A rental agreement was drafted and Starlight’s homebase was established. Making God Laugh, the first show for the fledgling company was cobbled together with props, costumes, and equipment borrowed from seasoned theater groups. With a hint of pride Bella noted Starlight has accumulated items they are able to share with those same companies.
It was no surprise to Monday Club members that productions during the Covid Pandemic, Jack in the Beanstalk and Christmas Special, were delivered online, which had a positive impact on a growing audience.
Starlight Theater Company is a not-for-profit organization and has secured a 501(c)(3) tax exempt -status. Additionally, Starlight has become a welcoming place for individuals looking to connect to performing arts.
Bella and Ryan affectionally refer to the group as a family of sorts- with a different kind of drama.
The presentation came full circle during the question-and-answer period when a Monday Club member, Catherine Anderson, asked if Starlight had a children’s theater group. Ryan Kieb fielded the question by responding they did not at this time. However, he gave credit to Mrs. Anderson for her work with the Wellsville Recreation Department’s Children’s Theater Group where he performed in Once Upon a Crazy Christmas written and directed by Mrs. Anderson. This opportunity opened a door for Ryan, and he never looked back.
Monday Club members are looking forward to the Starlight Theater Company’s final production of 2025, Christmas Shorts, December 12th and 13th. Follow Starlight on Facebook for the latest.
