History of RVC Theatre

One of the biggest moments in Starlight's history occurred on June 10, 2003, when the college held a roof-opening gala for the newly remodeled Bengt Sjostrom Theatre (Starlight Theatre). The 135,000 square foot architectural wonder was designed by world-renowned architect, and Belvidere native, Jeanne Gang and her firm Studio Gang Architects. The design’s most unique feature is its 200-foot, retractable star-shaped roof, which opens like the petals of a flower, allowing audiences to enjoy the night sky while still being protected from inclement weather. The project was three years in the making. The gala featured a hors d'oeuvres table highlighted by an ice sculpture of the Starlight Theatre, a cast of 500 people performing numbers from shows Starlight has put on over the years, a performance by Lakota Sioux Great Native American Dancers, fireworks, flaming desserts, and music by Moonlight Jazz Orchestra. The 2003 Starlight season, the first in its new home, featured the musicals Big River, Just So, and Children of Eden.

Starlight Production History

During the past 49 summers Starlight theatre has brought over 140 productions to the stage – that’s a whole lot of magic. A cast and crew totaling nearly 25,000 people have all given of themselves for our community’s enrichment, and in the process have shared their joy of performing for over one million audience members!