EduStar Performing Arts Society, Inc.

EduStar Performing Arts Society, Inc. (EPAS) received its non profit status in 2002. EPAS has been recognized by the Hampton and Newport News, Virginia school systems as a valuable community resource with city proclamations for their work in the two communities.

History: Passionate arts educators Roscoe & Dianne Redcross saw a need to help students from moderate to low income households gain access to cultural arts programs that were financially out of reach. Through the Redcross’s fundraising efforts, local families finally have an opportunity to participate in a quality performing arts program that is more in line with their budget. In the few instances where even reduced fees were a challenge, EduStar was able to finance their participation at no cost to families. Remarkably, thanks to the generous support of their donors, no child who wanted to participate in their  programs has been turned away.

In 2009 EduStar programs were greatly enhanced when they changed venues from middle school auditoriums to a professional theater on the campus of, what was formally known as, Thomas Nelson Community College. There they were able to create more professional productions with the benefit of professional tech crews, sound, lighting and stage management personnel. Their performances were also enhanced by upgraded stage design, props and a professional set builder. With these improvements they were able to produce larger well-known productions like Little Shop of Horrors, Fame and other major Disney productions.

With additional funding, they hope to increase the number of awarded scholarships to deserving children year round to help defray the cost of private lessons. They also hope to continue to partner with local school districts, thereby increasing their local outreach efforts.