SCHEDULE

MONDAY - FRIDAY  July 7 - August 1, 2025

8:30AM | Morning Drop-offs and Check-ins Begin
9:00AM | STAR Programming
12:00PM | Lunch 
1:00PM | STAR Programming
3:00PM | Student Pick-Up

FACULTY

STAR prides itself on the caliber of ability, discipline, and artistry possessed by our faculty. We work with local and national artists to bring students the best training and guidance necessary to pursue their theatrical interests. Our faculty is adept at teaching while continuing to perform/create as working artists and enhance the world of the theatrical arts.

Aurora Behlke
Playwriting Instructor
Aurora Behlke (she/her) is an Alaska raised, St. Louis based playwright, musician, and educator. She is a 2024 writer for the Confluence Regional Writers Project at St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, as well as a Teaching Artist at Metro Theater Company. Her writing has recently been produced at Perseverance Theatre, Echo Theatre, and The University of St. Andrew's (FOUNDERS, KEEPERS); The Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival (THANK YOU, PORCUPINE); and Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble (THE INFERNO IS FOR B*TCHES, LIEBLINGSTANTE). She can also be spotted playing accordion around St. Louis with her punk band, “Who’s Asking?”. @ajborealis; aurorabehlke.com

Megan Felts
Musical Theatre Instructor
Megan Felts is an experienced pianist and vocalist who was born and raised in Juneau. She has been singing and playing piano for over thirty years, and she holds a Bachelors in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and a Masters in Music Education from Boston University. Megan established North Star Music Academy in 2010 where she teaches private piano and voice lessons. Since then she has also performed and vocal directed with multiple organizations here in town. She is excited to work with Perseverance Theater as vocal director for their STAR Musical Theater Intensive!

Zetra Goodlow
Directing Instructor
Zetra Goodlow is a powerful and innovative theatre director based in Dallas, Texas, known for crafting emotionally gripping productions that leave a lasting impression. A proud Pittsburgh native and graduate of Point Park University in Theatre and Business, Zetra combines creative vision with a collaborative approach to elevate every project she touches. Having worked with some of the region’s most prestigious theatres—including Theatre Three, Amphibian Stage, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Dallas Theatre Center, Undermain Theatre, and Urban Arts Theatre Center—Zetra’s recent directing credits include co-directing Black Nativity (nominated for an Irma P. Hall Award) and directing the Stage Black One-Act Festival. Her work on Black Nativity earned her a nomination for Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Dallas Awards, and she was nominated for Best Show for her original play The Elephant in the Room. A semi-finalist for the 2023 Drama League Directing Fellowship, Zetra is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of theatre artists through workshops and educational programs. Her directing style is defined by bold storytelling, a fierce commitment to inclusivity, and an ability to create transformative experiences for both performers and audiences.

Tiffany Ogburn
Acting Instructor
Tiffany Ogburn is an LA- based dancer, clown and immersive theater artist. She received her BFA in Dance from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She has danced professionally for Andrea Miller’s Gallim Dance and Stephen Petronio Company, as well as performed in and devised many immersive theater productions with Sleep No More NYC, Oddknock Productions, and Casa Bonita Denver.

Casey Powers
Stage Management Instructor
Casey Powers is a stage manager and recent Juneau transplant, originally from New Jersey. Perseverance: Full Contact (World Premiere), Cold Case (World Premiere), A Nice Indian Boy. Other Regional: Chautauqua Theater Company, University of Delaware, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Off- Broadway: The 10th Annual Lillian Wald Symposium at Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement, Atlantic Stage II, Workshop and Industry Presentation of Shanghai Sonatas at Theater 555. New York: Sketchbook Theatre with Tydeman Farm, Red Monkey Theater Group with Bartow Pell Mansion Museum. She is also the executive assistant at Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine.

Lauren Rotante
Musical Theatre Instructor
Lauren Rotante is an international and nationally award winning  director, choreographer, and educator. Her work brings to life the beauty of humanity through musical theatre and devised plays. Recent musical theatre credits include: Legally Blonde (Assoc. Director/Choreographer), How to be a Heartbreaker: Original Musical (Choreographer), Ride the Cyclone (Co-director/Choreographer) Rent (Assistant Choreographer) at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and Imagine a Dragon (Director/Choreographer), Lord of the Smores (Director), and A Spooktacular Time(Director/Writer) with Alaska Theatre of Youth. She was recently awarded the 2025 KCACTF Region 2 Directing fellowship, received national recognition for her choreographic work from the National Honors Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA Artistic Merit 2021)  and has had her work featured in Fringe Festivals, Art Galleries (“Aural” Wick Monet 2023) and more. Lauren was a member of the 2024 Creative Entrepreneur internship with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre in Brisbane, Australia and received a BFA in Theatre Arts: Directing from Point Park University. She is excited to work with Perseverance Theatre this summer and all the wonderful STAR 2025 Artists!

INTENSIVES BREAKDOWN

MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE
(Week 1&2 July 7-18 / $500)
Lights, camera, action! Get ready for an unforgettable *two-weeks* of drama, song, and dance at our Musical Theatre Intensive! Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-time star, this intensive is packed with exciting opportunities to explore the world of musical theatre. From learning iconic songs to mastering choreography and acting techniques, STAR will support the artistry of all our Musical Theatre campers!

Work with talented instructors and fellow campers in a fun and supportive environment as you rehearse, create, and perform. By the end of the week, you'll shine in your very own showcase, gain confidence, creativity, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this chance to sing, dance, and act your way to the stage!

PLAYWRITING INTENSIVE
(Week 1 July 7-11 / $250)
Calling all budding playwrights and storytellers! Dive into the world of drama and creativity during the Playwriting Intensive at STAR. This week is all about unleashing your imagination and crafting original scripts that come to life on stage. Whether you're passionate about writing intense dramas, hilarious comedies, or thought-provoking mysteries, this week will guide you through every step of the playwriting process.

From brainstorming ideas to developing characters and shaping scenes, you'll learn the art of storytelling and script development. With the help of expert instructors, you'll refine your writing, share your work with fellow campers, and even see your pieces read on the stage. By the end of the week, you'll have the tools to write the next big hit!

DIRECTING INTENSIVE
(Week 2 July 14-18 / $250)
Step into the director's seat and bring your vision to life during our Directing Intensive at STAR! This week is all about discovering the art of working with performers, shaping a production, and creating unforgettable moments on stage. Whether you dream of directing your own shows someday or want to learn the ins and outs of theatrical leadership, this week will give you the hands-on experience you need.

You’ll work with performers and designers to learn how to interpret scripts, block scenes, and help actors find their characters. With expert guidance, you'll sharpen your communication, creativity, and leadership skills as you oversee rehearsals and witness your direction take shape. By the end of the week, you'll have directed a piece to show off to family and friends!

ACTING INTENSIVE
(Week 3 July 21-25 / $250)
All the world can be your stage in Acting Class! This week is about building your acting skills, exploring different techniques, and learning how to fully immerse yourself in any role. Whether you're new to the stage or have years of experience, you'll gain confidence and creativity as you dive into the world of performance.

Through fun exercises, scene work, and character development, you'll learn how to express emotions, master vocal techniques, and hone your stage presence. Work alongside passionate instructors and fellow campers to explore how to create both dramatic and comedic roles, and by the end of the week, you'll be ready to perform for a family and friends showcase. 

TECHNICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE
(Week 3 July 21-25 / $250)
Step behind the scenes and discover the magic of bringing a production to life during Technical Theatre Week at STAR! This week is all about exploring the vital roles that make every performance shine, from set design to stage management to lighting to sound, and costumes. If you’re fascinated by the technical side of theatre and want to learn how to create the perfect atmosphere for a show, this is the week for you.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, you'll gain hands-on experience with stagecraft, including building sets, operating lights and sound, and creating costumes. Whether you're interested in building intricate props or learning how to run a lighting board, you’ll gain valuable skills in all areas of technical theatre. By the end of the week, you'll have contributed to the creation of a family and friends showcase, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

THE PLAY’S THE THING: FIVE DAYS TO BUILD A SHOWCASE*
(Week 4 July 28 - August 1 / $250)
This NEW fourth week of programming, The Play’s The Thing: Five Days to Build a Showcase, will use everything you’ve learned—whether it’s acting, directing, playwriting, or technical theatre— to create a complete theatrical showcase from start to finish! It's your chance to put your skills into action and be part of a collaborative team that brings a show to life. 

Campers will work together to add to songs and scenes from previous weeks, create sets, design costumes, and practice every aspect of the performance. Whether you’re in front of the curtain or behind the scenes, you’ll play a crucial role in creating a seamless, unforgettable performance. By the end of the week, you’ll have contributed to every element of the production, which you’ll show to an audience of friends and family!

*Students must have participated in an intensive (Musical Theatre, Playwriting, Directing, Acting, or Technical Theatre) from the previous 3 weeks to participate in week four. 

COMMON QUESTIONS

Q: HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TO ATTEND STAR? 
A: STAR is for students 12 - 18 years old. 

Q: IS TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM STAR AVAILABLE? 
A: Yes! Transportation is available at no additional cost to students. 

Q: WHERE DO I PICK UP/DROP OFF MY STUDENT 
A: At the Perseverance Theatre main doors (914 Third Street, Douglas, AK). Feel free to join us in the lobby and chat with staff. 

Q: ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE? 
A: Yes! Please email kferguson@ptalaska.org to receive more information. We are also happy to connect you with local community partners that provide scholarships for students. 

Q: WHAT SHOULD MY STUDENT BRING TO CAMP?
A: Generally, your student should have: Comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement for rehearsals and theatre activities, closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, a positive attitude, and an open mind! 

Q: IS LUNCH PROVIDED? 
A: Yes! Lunch will take place 12 - 1pm, daily and campers are required to remain within Perseverance Theatre facilities unless written permission is provided by a parent or guardian. Perseverance Theatre will provide lunch for all students at no additional charge, though parents are welcome to opt out. 
*If your student has a food allergy, please make sure to make a note on their registration form and notify staff when your student is dropped off.

Q: WILL SNACKS BE SERVED DURING STAR? 
A: Yes! Snacks will be served each day, and a nutritious lunch is provided. 
*If your student has a food allergy, please make sure to make a note on their registration form and notify staff when your student is dropped off.