Before attending Starburst Theatre School, I didn’t know that I had an inner passion for theatre. Shy and withdrawn, I wouldn’t have imagined that I could have the confidence to perform in front of an audience. Starburst inspired me to pursue my newfound love of theatre and now as a drama student at Queens University, I can safely say that because of Starburst I am a true drama queen!

                The mixture of friendly atmosphere, professionalism and (most importantly) talent in Starburst is exactly what is needed to create a successful show and each show just gets better and better! The teachers devote so much time into maintaining the professional standard of each performance and I have learned a lot from my time there. I have learned many different acting styles and how what happens backstage is just as important as what happens on the stage but more importantly, I have learned that it is okay to make a fool of yourself on stage as the people are so friendly and sometimes pride needs to come second to having fun.

                That is perhaps one of the most important things about Starburst: Having fun. I have made so many friends through Starburst and there is always an emphasis on the fact that the performances are not JUST to build skills and show the broad range of talent within each school... They are there because it is fun! As the Mother Abbess in Starburst’s first production ‘The Sound of Music’ I can honestly say that I have never had so much fun or learned so much in such a short period of time. Any nerves I had were diminished by comforting words from my friends and the teachers and from that point on, I loved being on stage.

I now have the confidence I needed to get on the road to success. Attending and meeting the amazing teachers and my fellow students has changed my life forever and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Starburst.  

Victoria Lowry

My son Brandon has wanted to be a performer since he was ten years old.  When he told me this I just thought that it was a faze he was going through. However three years of always saying it we decided to enrol him for his thirteenth birthday! When he was told he was over the moon he was learning to sing dance and act something he had only dreamed about. The first time I got to see him perform made me so proud and he continues to have the same passion for it as when he started two years ago. the way I look at it he has learned skills such as communication how he acts with other people he has also started a glee club in his school holding auditions and everything!, he is considerate with his fellow pupils enthusiastic when doing shows. He is well grounded which makes me the proudest dad ever. So much so at the end of the 2009 term Karen had asked if any parents would like to give performing a go! I wanted to show Brandon as much support as possible in everything he does so decided to give it a whirl, I got the part of widow Twankey in Aladdin for a kids xmas party and a show for family and friends. I enjoyed it immensely. A few months later Karen told me they were doing a play in the old courthouse theatre called the trial of Henry joy McCracken, I got the part of the reverend Steele Dickson working with professional actors and directed by Roma Tomelty and Colin Carneige well established people in the acting world. I learned so much from them. I was having a ball doing all of this and when it was over I had become addicted. a few weeks had passed and Karen again persuaded me to audition for the Ulster operatic production of GUYS AND DOLLS she helped me prepare for it and I got into the chorus in no less than the grand opera house I couldn’t believe it. Again I met so many lovely people doing this. so far I have been so lucky to have started doing this I have sang with Peter Corry in music box at the folk and transport museum at mass 2010 while doing that I got to be an extra in sky atlantics GAME OF THRONES I got eight days filming with Sean Bean, Aiden Gillen, Ian Macillhinney and many more big stars. This year alone I have been in two movies A WHOLE LOTTA SOLE with Brendan Fraser BELFAST STORY, and upcoming BBC drama HARRY THE UNDISCLOSED where I play a protester and a prisoner in jail even getting a speaking role so I hope they use it. I have just done rock the musicals a show that the Ulster operatic hopes to take on tour soon. I was playing Herod from Jesus Christ superstar in my first solo. I’m also in this November 2011 Jesus Christ superstar in the opera house again so can’t wait. more important than all of the things that I have mentioned is I can’t wait till next year when Brandon is sixteen and he can join me in the Ulster operatic and perform on stage together. Karen Elliott has given me and Brandon an opportunity for me and my son to do something together for a long long time. Not only has she created one monster in one family she has created two. I would like to thank Karen from the bottom of my heart for putting me and my son Brandon onto a journey that we both will never forget. Thank you Karen love you loads Shane. (Antrim)