Lauren McKinnon appointed Artistic Director for Stars and the Moon

Stars and the Moon is delighted to announce the appointment of Lauren McKinnon to the role of company Artistic Director.

A highly accomplished director, performer, and creative, Lauren brings an unparalleled eye for detail and a caring approach to her work that emphasizes the process as much as it does the outcome. In this role, Lauren will be responsible for shaping the creative vision and future of the company. We look forward to seeing where Lauren takes our program next.

A not-for-profit theatre company based in Melbourne, Stars and the Moon was founded in 2021 out of a shared love of musical theatre between founder Eitan Meyerowitz and his cousin Zac Chester, an actor who lives with down syndrome. In building the theatre company, Meyerowitz sought to create a space wherein performers of all abilities could share the spotlight and create moving, accessible theatre.

Alex Miller, producer of the recent Addams Family: The Inclusical, says:

We all know the transformative power of theatre, yet for many of us, accessibility remains an issue. Outdated casting practices and physical barriers continue to marginalise artists and audience members living with disabilities. Stars and the Moon dismantles these barriers to create theatre that is truly accessible, inclusive and that celebrates the diversity of our community.

Melbourne’s only all-abilities theatre company, Stars and the Moon uses a unique casting model. Performers are paired in their portrayal of each role to support one another throughout the production journey. Miller explains that “double-casting also helps performers build life-long friendships. The trust and camaraderie between our cast is unmistakable on stage and resonates with audiences to create a theatrical experience unlike any other.”

Performer, Gabe Harari says that being a cast member has changed his life. “Being a part of the show helped me come out of my shell and be comfortable performing in front of a big audience.” Harari went on to say that the support he has received from his castmate on stage has been invaluable. “Stars and the Moon has taught me that you don’t always have to be by yourself. When you have an acting partner it makes it more fun and less lonely.”

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To learn more about Stars and the Moon, visit their website.