Starlight Performing Arts Center

★MAC

Digging the onslaught of positive reviews after the scathing, yet honest, review that Michele wrote below. Jedi mind tricks and what not. The truth is that Starlight is every bit as toxic as you've probably read by now, but the main source of stench has left the chat. This gives Chelsea the opportunity to open her eyes and make things right but when you won't even admit there was ever a problem, it is hard to believe anything will change. Chelsea should apologize to the kids that were victims of unfair, harsh treatment instead of going hard defending the very person who is backstabbing her while seemingly unbeknownst to her. I, along with many others, will be watching to see what "positive changes" will be made now that the weeding of the garden is complete but we also won't be holding our breath. Best wishes.

★★★★★Katie Berryhill

My daughter started musical theatre with Chelsea when she was in 6th grade and continued through high school (and beyond…performing in two young adult shows over college summer vacations). Chelsea and Kevin were such amazing teachers and mentors for her as she grew into a confident and talented actress, singer, and dancer. Their care for every student and every role instills a love for the art form and a belief that everyone matters to a performance. Our family is eternally grateful!

★★★★★Tami Gomez

My kids have performed with Starlight kids theater and Junior Theater and we have watched Starlight grow from an older location in a strip mall in Martinez. We are excited they are moving to a new space in Pleasant Hill near the movie theater. The new location will be great for parents who need to wait for their kids as the area around the new space is vibrant. The new location will also have a theater so kids can perform on site, on a real stage, rather than off site or on a temporary stage. You can see confidence bolstered with the amazing sound equipment, props and costumes alongside the coaching and encouragement from the staff. My favorite thing about Starlight is the teachers’ dedication to their students. I have seen and heard the director, Chelsea, listening and validating children’s opinions and ideas and encouraging her students to speak their truths with integrity. Learning acting and dancing is wonderful and having someone who is dedicated to believing in and lifting up children to be confident and kind as they grow is even more important. Thank you Starlight!!

★★★★★Lu Salas

I love this place so much! The teachers are wonderful and very kind and the dances and songs are great! It was a wonderful experience and I’m sad to see the performances end! But I’m very excited for summer camps to start and more theatre and dances! I wish you the best starlight!

★★★★★Nicole Steinert

Starlight Performing Arts has been such an incredible part of our lives over the past two years. My daughter joined their competitive dance team, and the growth we’ve seen in her—not just as a dancer, but as a person—has been truly amazing. She has developed into a confident, skilled performer, and we owe so much of that to the dedication and talent of the entire team. The families in this program have also become like family to us, which speaks volumes about the supportive and welcoming environment Starlight creates. The new dance director, Gemma, is absolutely fantastic—an incredibly talented choreographer and such a clear, thoughtful communicator. Her passion and creativity shine through in every routine. Chelsea, the owner, has the biggest heart and genuinely cares about every single child. You can feel the love and commitment from all of the coaches—they are deeply invested in helping each performer grow and succeed. Even while operating out of a temporary space, the positivity and dedication never waver. The team has done an amazing job making the most of the situation. And the kids are learning resilience, adaptability, and flexibility along the way. We’re so excited for the future and can’t wait to see everything come together once the permanent space is complete. Most importantly, my daughter has built lasting friendships and found a true sense of belonging at Starlight. We are so grateful to be part of this community.