STAR Young Adults - 2025 Summer Workshops

STAR YA Presents…

BE MORE CHILL

Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis

Book by Joe Tracz

Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini

Licensed through Concord Theatricals

Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about “The Squip,” a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular guy in school worth the risk? A hit on Broadway and in the West End!

A note from the director about Be More Chill:
Before registering your young adult for STAR YA, I urge you and your actor to familiarize yourselves with the content of the show. On the surface Be More Chill appears to be a zany Sci-Fi musical comedy, and it is! But it also involves themes that most high schoolers deal with on a daily basis, such as: bullying, peer pressure, the struggle to fit in, and depression. Additionally, this show contains strong language, makes references to drinking, drugs, and discusses sexual situations. During rehearsals this summer, the production team will do regular check-ins with our actors so our theatre continues to be a safe space for our young people. This is not meant to discourage anyone from auditioning for this show– I feel it’s important to have an open dialogue about the content of the shows our kids participate in. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, and thank you for your understanding and support!

-Lauren Lowell, Director
Lauren@starltd.org

Age range:
14 – 19 Years

Rehearsal Information
Rehearsals begin June on weekday evenings and occasional weekends. Our rehearsal schedule is created based on cast availability. Most rehearsals will be held at Chesapeake Arts Center, with supplemental rehearsals at alternate locations when Chesapeake Arts Center is unavailable.

Auditions (at Chesapeake Arts Center)
Auditions will be held in late May, dates TBD. Please bring a list of summer conflicts and potential work schedules to auditions. Tech week or performance conflicts (July 26 – August 3) are not permitted.

Performances*
Friday, August 1 at 7 P.M.

Saturday, August 2 at 7 P.M.

Sunday, August 3 at 2 P.M.

*An additional performance would be added if we double cast any roles.
Performance Location
Chesapeake Art Center, Hammond Lane Theatre
194 Hammonds Lane
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225

Workshop fee
$200*

* Financial assistance is available. Please inquire by emailing Rosie@starltd.org

Click here to register for Be More Chill!

 

Testimonials

“STAR has been an integral part of my life for the last seven years. STAR has not only helped me to grow as a performer but as a person as well. While performing with STAR, they instilled a passion for performing, knowledge of design, and unmatched care for others that I carry with me to this day. As an employee for STAR, I try to instill those same values in my staff and workshop participants. There is no other place like STAR in Catonsville, Maryland, or beyond. STAR is a beautiful family of which I am proud to be a part of.”

Charlie Roberts
STAR Kids Director and past YA Participant

“The STAR Ltd. program has provided my very different girls with gifts that are hard to put into words: confidence, inclusion, community, teamwork, patience, discovering talent, dealing with disappointment, along with the skills needed to become better musical actresses. I am forever grateful a friend recommended STAR to us seven years ago.”

Lori Hall O’Donnell
Educator and Parent of STAR Kids, Jr., and YA program participants

“STAR has been a part of my life for nearly 10 years now. Not only do the directors always work hard to put on an amazing show, but also they truly care for the cast. As STAR has grown, I feel like I have grown with it. The people I have met have become some of my closest friends and mentors. I recommend STAR to anyone who wants to gain valuable theatre experience while having an amazing summer.”

Lydia Newman
College student, and STAR Kids, Jr., and YA participant

“Our daughter absolutely loves STAR! She immediately felt like part of the group, and we have been thrilled with the friendships she has made! The shows are so entertaining, it’s hard to believe they do that in just 3 weeks!”

Kathy Meiller
co-owner of Narcissus Salon & mom of STAR Jr. participant

“STAR is like a second family to me. Everyone is supportive and caring of each other. The environment is great.”

Sean Davis
STAR Jr. and YA participant