About Starlighters

The award-winning Starlighters II Theatre is now in its 38th year of bringing the best of live theatre to Eastern Iowa. It is a nonprofit theatre organization that produces a wide spectrum of entertainment.

It was founded in 1974 in Monticello, Iowa, when Ron Ketelsen, a Monticello high school student, saw a need for more opportunities for individuals to participate in live theatre in the Monticello area. He enlisted the support of Bob Furino, a student teacher at the elementary school where he was participating in a job shadowing project.

The two teamed up, enlisted a third educator, Emil Prull, with a passion for the theatre, and Starlighters II Theatre was born.

In February of 1978, the Anamosa Community Theatre joined Starlighters II, and since that time the theatre has become more regional. Today its active membership covers a six county area.

During each 12-month season, Starlighters II presents four mainstage productions consisting of dramas, comedies, musicals, and revues.

The Starlighters II Young People’s Theatre provides opportunities for area youth to learn the art and science of acting, and to perform onstage.

The theatre also offers classes on acting and directing, which are aimed at helping those interested in learning those elements of theatre, and preparing them to work in Starlighters II productions.

Newcomers are always welcome at Starlighters II Theatre! Those interested in volunteering should send an e-mail to starlightersii@gmail.com or call 319-462-4793 Ext.823. The website also provides detailed information for upcoming shows, and other Starlighters II activities.

The theatre also encourages those interested to watch the local newspaper for Starlighters II information.

Below is a brief timeline of the major events of the theatre.


Starlighters II TheatreImportant Moments In History
1974	Birth of Starlighters II Theatre in Monticello, Iowa
1975	Temporary Board of Directors is chosen
1975	First stage production
1976	First Annual Meeting. Permanent Board of Directors and bylaws are established
1977	First Young People’s Theatre production
1978	Starlighters II Theatre and Anamosa Community Theatre join to become a regional theatre for Jones and Surrounding counties
1979	501(c)(3) Non-profit status is established
1988	Coast-to-Coast building is purchased, giving Starlighters II a permanent home (mortgage paid off ahead of schedule)
1989	First $500 Starlighters Scholarship is awarded
1998	Adjoining feed mill property is donated to the theatre
2002	Structure on feed mill property is demolished, giving Starlighters much needed parking space for volunteers and patrons
2002	6 acres of land purchased along Highway 151 north of Anamosa
2006	All new seating purchased for mainstage auditorium in the theatre
2007	Adjoining property north of current theatre building surveyed in preparation for resumption of building project
2007	New 5-year strategic plan developed and approved to lead the theatre to 2012
2008	Implemented a new governing structure consisting of a Board of Directors with a majority consisting of area business leaders, and a minority consisting of members of the Artistic Committee; an Artistic Committee to oversee the educational and artistic elements of the theatre; a Facilities Management Committee to oversee the theatre structures inside and out.

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Starlighters II Theatre
136 East Main Street
Anamosa, IA 52205
Telephone: 319-462-4793
E-mail: starlightersii@gmail.com

Announcements

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ACTORS WORKSHOP
Join us the last Sunday of every month when actors, or want-to-be actors will meet to work on their acting skills. It will be a very informal time to learn from other actors and network.
Starlighers Theatre - Mainstage
Everyone is welcome.