Stage set for stars to shine

Brave locals are preparing to step into some famous shoes for an annual fundraiser benefitting Marlborough’s performing arts scene.

The annual fundraiser for the Fulton Foundation Marlborough, which supports the region’s performing arts with grants for education, performances and productions, is putting out the final casting call for both singers and sponsors ahead of October’s Stars In Your Eyes event on the ASB Theatre stage.

“We’re about to host auditions this weekend, and the field is looking nice and flush even without our last push of entries which is really good but we’re always eager for sponsors to join our Stars in their community fundraising efforts supporting the arts in Marlborough”, says organiser Liz McKay.

“The Fulton Foundation is strong in being able to fund the arts for local people, if they’re looking to get into the ASB or Anderson Theatre, putting on artistic events, or giving back to individual children or families that can’t afford to participate.

“Contestants portray somebody and do their best, which draws in crowds, but the competitive side of it just happens to be a bit of fun along the way of funding community efforts.

“We’ll have our auditions this weekend, then qualifiers are left to their own devices with some check-ins and available vocal and choreography coaches until around two weeks after before the October 11 show.

“The Friday before is always utter chaos as it’s the first time entrants are on stage with a full dress rehearsal ahead of the Saturday show.

“At the end of each Stars show, they’ve built a really cool team after only knowing each other for two weeks, but leave as best mates.”

And while Marlborough’s performing arts will benefit from the funds raised on the night no matter what, so will the confidence of contestants and the causes that each choose to champion.

“In the past, only the top three stars were able to get money to give back to the charities that they represented, whereas this year, we’re looking at putting out a programme where everybody that goes forward will have support for their charities”, says Liz.

“The beautiful thing about Stars in Your Eyes is that the night is a huge surprise to the audience, while flushing out and supporting people who in the past wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be on stage and having the confidence to give a go - we’re not expecting superstars!”