About STARS
Our Mission
The Stage Training Academy for Rising Stars (STARS) mission is to create a happy and active environment for children to develop and grow, as they learn musical theatre skills. We inspire them through singing, dancing and acting to build their confidence, create lasting friendships, discover their talents and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Our Programs
Stage Training Academy for Rising Stars offers young performers two types of experiences, which all include highly engaging, professional instruction in acting, dancing and singing classes:
Regular sessions (offered for three groups):
Summer camps (offered on select weeks):
Ages 6-18
Before and aftercare is available for children ages 6-12
““You can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed.”
— Misty Copeland
How STARS Began...
Stage Training Academy for Rising Stars (STARS) was co-founded by Jasmin Hampston-Mayo and Kari Kron. Kari’s mother (Nancy Kron from Buffalo, New York) and Jasmin’s grandmother (Jane Mayo from Newport, Wales in the UK) were randomly paired up to be “pen friends” (aka pen pals) at age 9 circa 1945. They wrote letters to each for over 40 years (both end up getting married and having children) and finally met in person in London. After that their families became close friends and visited each other’s countries whenever they could.
Fast forward to 2020 when Jasmin was visiting Kari in Orlando and on the ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, she told Kari about her dream to open a performing arts academy for children to enjoy as Jasmin had done during her youth. As for Kari, she wanted to expand her support and care for children beyond her charity, Bears Who Care, so before saying any more, Kari said “I’m in,” and it was at that very moment STARS was born!
Meet Team STARS
Jasmin Hampson-Mayo
Jasmin is a singing coach for a performing arts school in Wales (U.K.), where she has taught for 11 years. She has been featured in a number of musicals including roles as Evilene in “The Wiz,” Cindy in “Cindy” (a modern “Cinderella”), Violet from High School Musical 2 (UK premier), plus numerous plays, choir performances, and solo concerts. Jasmin is also a qualified Solicitor (attorney) in the United Kingdom, having graduated from Swansea University with a Masters in Law.
Kari J. Kron
Kari has been working in the brand marketing, promotions, corporate partnerships and public relations fields for over 30 years for distinguished brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Universal Orlando Resort and Rollerblade, Inc. She has always had a heart for helping children, so in 2008, she co-founded, Bears Who Care, a Central Florida-based charity that donates teddy bears and books to ill and disadvantaged kids. She was also a co-executive producer for the award-winning Rick Springfield fan documentary, "An Affair of the Heart." She graduated from Miami University with a master's degree in Speech Communication and a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication.