Kerry Washington - Emmys 2011 Red Carpet - Just Jared

Seattle, blessedly, bursts with new-works theater festivals these days. This month, a new festival with a unique spin on the format returns to Kerry Hall: Over three days, Starstuff: A Festival of Solo Artists will build a constellation of works that speak to one another, honoring the collaborative connections between artists, and between artist and audience. “I wanted to infuse this festival with everything that I wanted for artists, everything I wanted as an audience and everything that I wanted when I was fully a performer,” said Billie Wildrick, an uber-talented Seattle musical theater artist and the creative architect/artistic director of Starstuff, which debuted last year.  This year’s Starstuff runs Oct. 23-25, presented with Seattle Theatre Group. The festival’s format intentionally groups artists in constellations so their work can illuminate one another. Each block will feature a 15-minute interdisciplinary work, a songwriter performing an original song, a 60- to 80-minute solo show and another new song created in response to that show.

The event also featured workshops and activities, along with face painting and glitter tattoos for the kids.  The CJVR Performing Arts Theatre hosted a variety of entertainment and demonstrations, from dancing to fencing. A variety of cultural food options were also available for purchase. Mellon said Culturama has grown over the years, with seven more groups taking part in Saturday’s event.  “That was really nice to see,” she said. Many of the groups this year also added more information and activities that allowed people to learn more about each culture. “It’s such a celebration really of the diversity of Melfort and the surrounding area,” said Mellon. “It’s just a great chance to get together with your neighbours, and learn a little more about their culture and their backgrounds.”

"the difference in professionalism between the interviewer and the actress is stark."