Poinsettia Center For The Arts/DBA Star Theatre Company

I discovered this absolute gem of a community-based, community-building arts organization in 2024 when I drove up to Oceanside from San Diego to see a friend perform in a leading role in a play (Neil Simon's Plaza Suite), and I'm so glad I did! I immediately fell in love with this historic theatre and the quality of the production.

As a New York trained actor and singer in my youth, I had been returning to the stage after many years, and wound up auditioning for and being cast in the Star Theatre's 2024 productions of The Music Man, and their 20th annual holiday production of Annie. As an actor, I am extremely impressed with and appreciative of the smooth and inclusive organization of everything from casting and direction (KUDOS to David, Katie, Ryan, Nova, and Averill) to costumes (Sharon is AWESOME!) to stage crew (McKenna ROCKS!) backstage (Natalie) and production (Paul)!!! It is an honor to perform with this team and the acting talent that they attract. The opening performance of Annie for hundreds of elementary and middle school kids brought joy to my heart, and was truly a peak experience of my performing career.

Professionally, I am an organizational psychologist (Ph.D.) with depth of insight into organizational health, strength, and vitality. In that capacity, I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this non-profit's empowering, transformational leadership and motivating, inclusive culture, led by Producing Artistic Director, David Shulz and his creative team and board of directors. David leads the way in fostering a welcoming and fun creative environment that affirms and meaningfully includes each and every member of the cast and crew, who range in age from 7 to 87, and from first-time performers to professionals with years of training and performing experience.

In this era of extreme divisiveness and polarization, Star Theatre Company serves as a beacon of hope and possibility for people to come together and create works of art that that move, inspire, uplift, and serve everyone in their communities. Long live Poinsettia Center for the Arts/DBA Star Theatre Company!

The Star Theater is an incredibly valuable part of Oceanside’s performing arts scene. Not only does it put on amazing shows, but they actively reach out to introduce both youth and adults to theatrical experiences.

The glee club recently brought smiles and even some tears during some retirement community performances. The Star’s performance of Annie introduced dozens of kids to theater by giving them parts in the yearly show.

My daughter has loved every minute with Star and looks forward to remaining a part of their community for years to come.

I have wonderful things to say about Star Theatre! My child has participated in their camps, programs, and productions since 2021 and our experience has been nothing but positive! Star is so supportive of the children and such a treasure for the community. They do school shows and have volunteer opportunities, they have groups attend shows from senior centers, I could go on and on. Do what you can to support this fantastic organization!

It’s a great community theatre! The passion everyone on stage and off have are amazing!

I love the Star Theatre. The venue is amazing and we are so fortunate to have such a treasured place to support the community. The entire team of directors and the supporting staff works so well with cast members - I've seen first hand on how they support the youngest actors as well as the more experienced. The acting classes they offer provide many of the skills to be comfortable on stage. I also am very impressed with the team that runs the Star Theatre - from promotions, staffing volunteers, to supporting each audience member in the front lobby. I'm so happy to be part of this team.

The Star Theater in Oceanside is truly a gem in our community and a beacon for the performing arts in North County San Diego. This nonprofit theater consistently delivers high-quality productions that showcase incredible local talent and foster a love for the arts among people of all ages.

What sets the Star Theater apart is its warm, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're in the audience or on stage, you feel like part of a big, welcoming family. The staff and volunteers are passionate, professional, and dedicated to creating a space where creativity thrives. From large-scale musicals to intimate plays, the variety of performances ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Beyond its stellar productions, the Star Theater is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Their educational programs, workshops, and youth opportunities are exceptional, helping to inspire and cultivate the next generation of performers and arts enthusiasts.

The theater itself is a beautiful, historic venue with comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and a nostalgic charm that enhances every performance. The commitment to accessibility and affordability makes it a place where everyone can experience the joy of live theater.

I highly recommend the Star Theater to anyone who loves the arts, believes in the power of community, or is simply looking for an unforgettable night out. It’s a true treasure that deserves all the support we can give!

My introduction to the Poinsettia Center For The Arts/DBA Star Theatre Company has been a truly life-enriching experience for me. The organization is run by welcoming, professional, and good-hearted people. The organization's ethos is one of acceptance, support, growth,h and education. Those qualities are seen and felt by each person interacting with the staff. I couldn't speak more highly of an organization.

The Star theatre is community theater at its finest. They put on fantastic productions and are very inclusive in their casting. The youth shows and adults shows are all a great way to get involved and have fun.

The Star Theatre is such a special place. It provides professional level theater to the community at a very low ticket price. The theater itself is a historical landmark and there are lots of fun restaurants and bars to stop at before or after shows within walking distance. Their 2024 production of "The Music Man" was as good as Broadway! Local talent is top notch.

My children have performed at Star Theatre, as have I, and it's always been a rewarding and enriching experience. The quality of shows they put on are some of the best in San Diego and everyone is encouraging and welcoming. Highly recommend donating and/or becoming an annual member for best access to shows and discounts and feel good support quality live theatre in Oeanside!

The Star Theatre has been an excellent beacon of artistry in the community. The shows they put on are of top quality, and I have been fortunate to see many and even be cast in one. As a professional musician and teacher, the production staff has been top-tier!

We discovered Star Theatre late in 2021 when we attended the production of Annie. Since then, my daughter has been in nine productions (including our current production- Music Man). She even inspired me to audition, and join in on the fun!! And it is fun!
The family at Star Theatre goes above and beyond to make sure each person knows they are important to the production, whether it’s a volunteer in the lobby, Tech/backstage crew, and all actors alike…. As someone who has learned to love live theater, I have enjoyed watching numerous productions here, and they are all so well done that you forget it’s community theater.

Star has been wonderful for me and my daughter. It offers classes, shows, and has some of the kindest people work there. They support you through hard time and celebrate your good times.

We found Star Theatre recently when my son wanted to audition for ‘Matilda’. We drove almost an hour, each way, to each rehearsal and performance because Star Theatre became our family. Each child in the cast was valued and important to the show. We were also impressed with the Production value. The show was so impressive! My child grew as a performer but also was a part of a wonderful and supportive community.

A wonderful venue to see a show, take a class, and support the local theater scene. You can find programs for children and adults that are taught by theater professionals and bring a warm sense of community to the participants. The plays and musicals are so well produced you will get lost in the performances and find yourself anticipating your next visit!

The Star Theater is part of my daughter’s childhood where she discovered the love for theater. She was warmly welcomed By David that made her feel so special and valued. Kate Marquardt made a little girl have big dreams and wonderful friends. We are a proud Star Theater family and looking forward to keep supporting it!

The Star Theatre company has been such a great experience for my family. My daughters were both in shows there and they encouraged me to audition as well. David and the star team made me feel so welcome and we all ended up taking acting classes there as well. We learned so much And I am so grateful to be a part of the Star family!

As another non profit organization here in Oceanside, we at TERI Inc. have truly valued maintaining our community partnership with Star Theater for a number of years. They have consistently supported and accommodated our theater group of performers with special needs, assisting us with presenting/ showcasing our own performances to the community at large.
We also attend their wonderful in-house productions and again appreciate all they do to ensure our members can enjoy their wonderful performances.
The quality of their work is a reflection of their efforts to enable each performer to shine.

My 9-yo daughter has participated in two of the STCK performances, as well as taken the theatre after school program and summer camp, and she has learned so much in this past year. The staff and volunteers are amazing, and we are so lucky to have such a valuable resource in the community. Thank you, David, and the rest of the crew for making Star such a warm, inviting, inclusive, and creative space that fosters growth and empowerment for our children!

My children and I have participated in several of Star Theatre's shows this season and are having a wonderful time performing. The Theatre has an excellent creative team and puts out very high quality shows!

The Star Theatre is a pillar of Oceanside's performative arts. I love going to shows of all sorts and the Junior cast is adorable and the productions are wonderful way to get the kids into the arts!

I had the best experience at STAR! It is a very inclusive, friendly, and fun place to be!

The Star has provided such wonderful opportunities to connect to our community and enjoy excellent theater! The shows we have seen are always top notch and our daughter has had the opportunity to participate in a few as well. The staff are kind, helpful and truly committed to creating a welcoming and creative space.

This is a warm, nurturing theater company where people of all ages learn and grow. It’s so exciting when the nostalgic Star marquee is illuminated. You know something wonderful is taking place in the theatre. Don’t miss out!

The Star Theater has been so great for my kids! A great place to gain confidence, make new friends and have lots of fun!

I’ve volunteered and attended many performances of my actor daughter. The Star Theater builds strong and confident individuals. The work they do is extra special. Inclusion and acceptance are always front and center.

Fantastic historic venue staffed by a top notch team that puts on high quality performances! We love having a community theatre like this in our small town and couldn’t be more proud of the wonderful productions the team puts out. Our daughter has participated in 3 shows and the love, mentoring and memories she has taken away from each production will stay with her forever.

My daughter has participated in multiple shows at the Star Theater and it has been a top rated experience for her and us as parents. The director and staff are very professional and bring out the best in their actors. They also provide a safe and positive environment for their actors, especially the youngest ones. We look forward to having our daughter perform in many more performances at the Star Theater!

I got my first start doing theater here and I have so many fond memories made so many friendships starting from this organization!! David Schultz inspired me in a lot of ways to trust my gut and to bring out my creative artistry! David and the rest of the Star organization has inspired so many people! I love the star!

Many great memories as well as friends and wonderful for the community

Our family is relatively new to the Star. Our child has only been involved in programs there for about 6 months, but in that time, they have been a part of 2 amazing productions, attended a wonderful summer camp, and is now excited to be a part of the swing choir. The Star is a special place where everyone is not only welcomed, but celebrated. The staff is not only talented, but incredibly warm and kind. The shows and programs are of exceptional quality, and our community is better for having the Star as a part of it.

A wonderful encouraging place for kids to grow and shine.

This theatre feels like home. We have been in shows here for years. As well as volunteered here and watched many many productions. We love the shows. They are very high caliber and incredibly done. Everyone who is part of the theatre is so kind and welcoming!! Can’t wait for many more years.

The Star Theatre is an amazing venue with wonderful, quality, family-friendly entertainment! It is true gem in the heart of Oceanside! The talent is top-notch and the educational programming is exceptional! The artistic director cares deeply for his staff and actors and the community, and it shows in the seasons/shows the Theatre produces. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Historic Star Theatre whether you are a local or a visitor enjoying a beach vacation. Take in a show! You won’t be disappointed!

I have been doing theatre at the Star since I was five years old, and I have loved every second!!! The staff are all wonderful and the shows they put up are excellent quality!! The Star Theatre is the best!!!

The StarTheatre is a terrific cultural resource in our community! The productions are high-quality community theater, providing education and practical experience in the arts for talented locals and great family entertainment for O’side’s ever-growing public.

This theatre is a gem and the community programming they provide is second to none in Oceanside. The shows are always top notch, very entertaining, and beautifully staged. I love how the theatre features local children and adults in a historic theater so accessible for the surrounding community. The Star youth productions will impress and amaze you. What a gift to the community of Oceanside to have this gorgeous historic theater staffed by a team who truly cares and loves to invest in and give back to our town. We love the Star!!

This place has provided so much joy to our family. Our daughter was in the production of Annie and loved every second of that experience. We have seen multiple shows there, and they are always remarkable. And this summer I was able to join the cast, and being on stage is such a magical experience. This place is absolutely great, it is a gift to the community.

As a volunteer costumer I can say that The Star is an icon in our community where all are included and encouraged to participate. The actors are truly engaged in an amazing experience as they learn the script and songs in the various plays. You won't want to miss the upcoming Anything Goes, it will be a fantastic treat for all.

There are no words for what Star has done for me, they got me back onstage after 30 years! My first show was Sweeney Todd, far from an easy show to perform, and our cast turned out an AMAZING show! I have since gone on to work with the company in volunteer opportunities and they make me feel like family. I am so blessed to have such an incredible community theatre in my own backyard!

Great theater and great show!! People working in the lobby and ushering were kind and helpful. I will definitely be bringing family and friends to the performances here.

We found The Star Theater almost 7 years ago, right after our move to California. My daughter auditioned for a role in the annual production of Annie and we've been active there ever since! She has participated in their Star Kids and Glee Clubs as well as shows every year since. We love the high quality productions and the wonderful people at The Star.

I saw Sweeney Todd at this theatre sometime in 2019 - the production was phenomenal. So much talent on one stage. Also, the staff was very friendly. You can tell that the production crew worked tirelessly to bring the show to life. Overall, a wonderful theatre.

Favorite theatre in San Diego! The shows are super professional and if you’re an actor, the casts and crew always become like a second family :)

Every show donates to a local charity or community program! I love being a part of this theatre family and I can’t wait to see some live theatre again!

We are grateful that we found the Star Theater years ago! My two daughters have been in different productions at the Star Theater (Annie, Wizard of Oz, Seussical summer camp, Triple Threat Workshop, etc) and each show has been a magical experience for us!
It’s a safe place for kids to do acting, singing and dancing, and everybody works hard to create a special production/performance! If you love theater, I encourage you to come and see the shows! There are different and amazing performances for everybody (for kids and adults) through out the year.
We can’t thank the Star Theater enough and we love to be part of the Star Theater family!

The Star Theatre is a real gem in downtown Oceanside. it has a wonderful welcoming youth theatre program and the adult shows are always top notch and entertaining .
I highly recommend !

The Star Theatre helped my child break out of her shell. She loves to sing and dance, and now had the confidence to do it on stage. The Star gives every child a chance to shine, and puts on fantastic performances for kids and adults. We love it here!

Love "The Star."
They do some amazing productions and are "The Best around Town"

The Star truly does shine its light around Oceanside and North County. The staff and production teams provide a positive, supportive environment for all ages and experience levels while giving high quality entertainment to the community. I grew up performing in several theatres in Ohio, and had a tight knit theatre family. Moving to San Diego six years ago, I never thought I could reestablish that sense of community and friendship in another theatre. But I have found that at the Star Theatre, and am so grateful for the opportunities they've provided me, and the friendships I've developed at this wonderful organization.

Star Theatre Company maybe a community nonprofit theatre, but the quality shows that the theatre puts out surpasses a lot of theater's out there. Star not only pays attention to detail but also really hones in on finding the best person suited for a particular role during auditions. That in itself makes the Star Theatre Co. shows top notch. I have seen some of these kids and adults start doing theatre and have watched them bloom and grow through the show. The staff makes everyone feel welcomed like family. On top of that the Star Theatre Co. reaches out to help other nonprofits by holding food/supply drives. I have seen a lot of theatres but never one quite like this.

My daughter has participated in 2 Star theatre productions so far. It is very well run and organized, and the shows they have put up are professionally done. The kids have a great time while learning and are welcoming and kind to each other. David, Sandra, April, Katie and the entire crew at Star theatre do a great job putting on quality productions in Oceanside.

The Star Theatre is community theatre at it's finest and is a true family. I have been part of the star family for probably three years now and have enjoyed youth and adult productions alike. I say I am part of the family, and not just the audience, as that's what it feels like to be a regular at this theatre. Star does a fantastic job with it's performances and I am so happy to have made the discovery and added The Star experience to my life. They are truly developing stars on their stage and it's a great experience to see people living their dream and using their talents to bless the community.

This theatre is a star in our Oceanside/north county San Diego community. My child loves participating I the shows and we love watching! The actors and singers are too notch. This theatre is such a cornerstone of our community.

The Star Theatre Company is a crown jewel in San Diego’s North County Arts Community.
It promotes community theatre in the truest sense of the word. There is brilliant talent on stage with an army of creative support and offstage help to produce top-quality entertainment. Recent productions of WEST SIDE STORY and THE ADDAMS FAMILY are examples of high production value and well organized use of local talent.
Bravo, Star Theatre Company!

The Star Theatre Company is a local treasure in Oceanside. They provide wonderful theatre performances for the community in a beautiful historic venue. The musical programs for the kids are top notch and always welcoming and fun. We love the entire staff and can tell that they put their hearts into running a professional and ethical organization. Thank you Star for giving our families the gift of song and dance!

An amazing community theatre right in the heart of downtown Oceanside, CA. When you become part of this theatre you instantly feel at home and are treated like family... actually, sometimes even better than family lol.

The Star theatre is not only a fun place, but also a safe place for people of any and all ages. So blessed to have this theatre and all it's talents right in my backyard.

This theatre opens its doors to young and old alike and instills in all, a genuine love of both theater and community.
Top notch performances, a sense of belonging, fostering a passion for the Arts. What more could you ask for?

My daughter went to an audition at Star four years ago and it has been home ever since. My daughter had been performing for a few years but Star gave her the opportunity to reach her highest potential. She is now a seasoned performer and continually gets offered lead roles. Without David Schultz and Sandra Kopitzke our lives would not be the same.
Last year I became homeless and the my car caught on fire, all this as my daughter was in their production of Children of Eden. When they heard of our struggles they not only offered some financial relief, they sought out places for us to live and a new vehicle for us to use.
I owe so much to Star Theatre. What they do goes beyond theatre, they have built a loving community. They are so deserving of this award .