Project Starjam Events In 2004

Project Starjam Events In 2004

Project StarJam is delighted to announce two upcoming events in 2004:
"Stars Thru Their Eyes 2004," 7th of August at the Sheraton Hotel, Auckland The StarJam Stage Show, 31st October at the Aotea Centre, Auckland.
Project StarJam, launched in 2002, is a unique social invention that celebrates the gifts and talents of children and young people with disabilities.

The young people go centre-stage to perform in a variety of spectacular events and stage shows with big names from the world of entertainment, sport and society.

"Through these events, young people with disabilities experience being fully integrated in their communities and what it is like to be givers of their gifts and talents," says StarJam Co-founder and General Manager, Julie Bartlett.

"StarJam's mission is being the catalyst to facilitate a positive societal change in attitude towards people with disabilities."

Stars Thru Their Eyes, now in its third year, features young people with various disabilities interviewing stars of their choice, and music and dance 'jams' by the performers. In August 2003, the young people performed in front of audiences with stars such as Neil Finn, Mark Inglis, Nesian Mystik, Carly Binding and in pre-recorded interviews with Tom Cruise, Lucy Lawless and Peter Jackson.

The StarJam Stage Show will be held for the first time in 2004. At least 150 young people will perform with international and New Zealand stars from the world of entertainment, featuring dance, comedy, and music from rock to orchestral. Julie Bartlett's search for star support is taking her to Los Angeles in late February.

"The community response and the generosity of the stars and supporters towards StarJam has been beyond anything I could have imagined when we began this journey two years ago. Families, teachers, stars, business people, members of the media and many others have commented to me on the profound impact StarJam has on the young people who perform, and on the audiences who receive a unique experience; a type of gift they may not have received before. It is an entertainment event that captures people's hearts and imagination."

StarJam has recently produced a video containing highlights of its events and activities, which will be shown to school students. Auckland University student Redmond Nicholson, whose ambition is to be a film director, took a lead role in producing this video.

StarJam welcomes contact from any young person who would like to be considered for a star role. StarJam has monthly gatherings to encourage and coach young people performing in events, welcome newcomers and their families and for them to learn about StarJam. This year, the coaching sessions will include singing, dancing, stagecraft and making props. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Phone (09) 624 4555 for more details, or visit www.starjam.org

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