Star Potential Studios

Lena Palermo has a long history of providing professional theatre training to students of all ages. You could even say she’s been bitten by the theatre bug. After teaching performing arts for 14 years and heading the performing arts department at an Arts School in B.C., she launched Star Potential, a studio for children and adults – so they too, could follow their own passion of performing.

Since opening in June 2007, the school offers high-quality training in a nurturing but professional atmosphere, and at an affordable rate. It was important that this type of program be accessible to those who really wanted to learn. The studio also helps kids with self-esteem and confidence issues. Students are encouraged to achieve all their goals - whatever they may be - from those looking for personal achievements to those looking for professional careers. Music and theatre give students lifelong skills that can provide them with enjoyment throughout their lives.

Says Palermo: “I wanted the opportunity to teach students who really wanted to pursue musical theatre as a career. I know that the earlier the children receive training, the more experience they will bring with them to professional auditions later in life. Not everyone has career goals though – I also have witnessed major student transformations from the confidence and self esteem that drama and musical theatre help to build! With bullying so predominant, this is very important!”

Star Potential offers classes in Musical Theatre, Acting, Voice, Guitar, Kinder Arts, Acting for Film, Audition Preparation, in addition to March Break and Summer Musical Theatre Camps. They also offer Private Coaching for Voice, Acting and Audition Preparation, and help prepare students seeking acceptance into arts schools.

Palermo understands the importance of training students who want to find work in Theatre. For this reason, the studio only employs entertainment industry experts who have a strong teaching background. This grooms students in the most professional way possible so they can learn all about 'the biz' and know exactly what to expect. She hopes to double her student roster so that she can bring in more guests artists of the highest calibre.

Next year, the school is launching a professional series of Matinee shows so that in the future, some of the children they have taught will have the opportunity to do specialized work with the company. Star Potential would also like to create a series of shows and workshops that will be presented to schools. Two major themes are being explored – learning about music and anti-bullying.

Palermo is proud to have opened a school that delivers locally produced musical theatre. “Students feel comfortable and right at home. It’s become a big family! The coaching helps students find an identity, and builds their confidence and self esteem… all while getting great training!” And this pursuit of excellence has given the studio high success rations: 100% of privately taught students who auditioned for Arts High schools under Star Potential’s guidance were accepted in their programs. Additionally, students who received private coaching to prepare them for the Kiwanis Festival, all placed 1st or 2nd in the competition.

Their achievement is undoubtedly a result of the talented and enthusiastic people who make up Star Potential. “We are a small studio so we can take time to really help students achieve individual goals. We can offer private coaching as well as classes. We really care because we are all professional performers and we have an incredible passion for theatre.”

For more information on Star Potential, visit their website at: www.starpotentialstudios.com.