A York based, Vibrant, Talented, Fun and Friendly Theatre Group
We are an integenerational group bringing the community together and making theatre accessible to all

Up until the end of June 2009, The York Stars was known as York Rising Stars and had been running out of York Railway Insitute for the past 14 years. Before that, the group was known as York RI Players, for people who worked on the Railway, and was run by the director Tom Stanton. After having run the group for many years Tom sadly passed away and Charlotte Gray took up the reins. The groups membership was down to only 6 people and so a new lease of life was injected into it. The group was made open to anyone, regardless of a railway connection or not, and the name changed to 'York Rising Stars' incorporating 'RI' in the word 'Rising'.

Since then the group has gone from strength to strength and there are now over 75 members in the group. Due to the rapid expansion and popularity of the group, the decision was taken to take the group forward and form an independent company, 'The York Stars'. However, the group continues to be run entirely by volunteers for charitable purposes who believe in dedicating their time freely for the benefit of the local and surrounding community.

We  accept both children and adults and have them all working closely together on stage in all productions. There is no distinction made, and all are treated equally and we firmly believe in the positive benefits of an intergenerational group. We accept members from the age of 5 upwards and there is no upper age limit.

The group perform four main shows a year at a variety of venues/theatres and take part in concerts out and about in the local community. The group also has links with St Johns University and other charitable organisations and there are always projects on the horrizon.

There is no audition to join the group and members are all givien an opportunity to be onstage and gain experience and land larger roles as they gain in confidence. For those who come to us with experience wanting to undertake a main role early on, then we are happy to hold an audition, to allow people to show us what they can do, though this is not neccessary.

Of course there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes at the group, from publicity officer, to front of house manager, to lighting technician, to set designer and we welcome any one wanting to take part offstage.

We take members throughout the year, though often there is a waiting list for the bigger shows, but do still get in touch with us as things do change. There is a membership charge of £20 adults and £15 under 18's anually.

Rehearsals are held every Sunday from either 4pm or 6pm onwards and finish between 8pm and 9pm, depending on the show and are held at 'The Retreat' on Heslington Road. We invite potential members to come along to a rehearsal and see if it's for them.

We're a vibrant, friendly and all-round fun group with a real community focus and we'd like to think we have something for everyone.