Steph began writing and directing musicals at age 12 under the name Shooting Starz Productions. The productions were performed in her backyard and later at local malls and theaters. Over the years the productions grew in size and complexity, involving up to 14 actors and addressing topics like acceptance, friendship, and faith. Shooting Starz Productions also held summer theater camps and trips. While Steph's final production was meant to be "Spectacular" in 2010, she has since written and directed two more musicals due to her passion for empowering youth through the arts.

1. Since 2004

2. She wrote “The
Trouble Starts” at
age 12.
All of the musicals
are original.

3. Performed in Steph’s
backyard, the first show
was a hit!
Proceeds went to The
Children’s Hospital
Since the beginning her
siblings Heather and Alan
“Lawns” have taken part.

4. The next summer an
even better production
was put on. It included
songs by Elvis Presley.

5.  At age 13 Steph’s  Brookdale Mall’s
mom Allison helped manager Shelley
her write business Klaessy welcomed
letters to malls Steph and the
and other venues performers with a
about performing stage, sound
at a professional system and
place. dressing room.
 It was then that She’s one of
the name Shooting Steph’s heroes.
Starz Productions
was chosen.

6. First production at Brookdale
Working with microphones and a
stage was something new and
exciting!
Steph had just finished 8th grade
and all of this was given to
her, with complete trust. She is
still amazed by it all.

7. A freshman in high
school, Steph wrote and
directed her 5th
musical.

8. We started donating all admission from shows
to Feed My Starving Children and have been
ever since!!

9. Steph’s cast increased to 12
actors and actresses!! Every
show includes a good
moral. This show focused
on students accepting all
types of people.
The cast had their first
commercial aired on Cable
Channel 12.

10. Blessed was a musical about a
family at Christmas time and
despite the ups and downs,
being able to truly appreciate
everything you have.
The musical included tap
dance and even
skateboarding!!

11. Putting together a musical is extremely difficult!
Especially with Steph serving as
Director, Manager, Choreographer, Costume
Designer, painting sets, etc. Basically doing
everything on her own. One of the hardest parts for
Steph has been promoting and gaining new cast
members. At times Audition Day was coming up and
there were not enough cast members. It always
worked out however. Many anxious nights and
prayers to God were said.

12.  It had become a regular routine. 2 musicals
per year for Shooting Starz Productions.
Steph had written “One Wish” in 2008 after
Blessed was performed. This time, however
there were not enough cast members. After
six productions going on full speed ahead,
Steph was shocked when “One Wish” would
not be performed in June of 2008. She was
extremely heartbroken, yet eventually
learned to accept it.

13. Steph’s mom encouraged her not
to give up. She was able to gain
enough actors and actresses for
the next year.
One wish is one of Steph’s
ultimate favorites! It’s about
being careful about what you wish
for and learning not to be jealous
of others. A commercial for this
musical was a huge hit!

14. Inspiration was such a cute musical
about a boy named Niko: one with
low self-esteem and lack of family
support. A new girl Tessa moves in
and takes an interest in Niko. She
inspires Niko to reach his full
potential and they become best
friends.
This musical was made up of 7
actors and actresses. Our smallest
cast.

15. With college and International
Baccalaureate exams up ahead,
Steph wrote her final musical
Spectacular. The title says it all. A
large cast of 14 enthusiastic boys
and girls filled the stage with
amazing voices and dance moves.
It was perfect timing. Brookdale
Mall was closing, so it was
decided to be the last musical for
Shooting Starz Productions.

16.  As Steph read a short speech at the final
performance tears streamed down her face
without warning. It was what she lived for-
her passion- all coming to a close. As many of
the cast members shed tears as well, it
showed Steph and the audience how much
Shooting Starz Productions had changed their
lives.
 Confidence, self-esteem, and lots of fun
have always been the goals, but much much
more had been achieved.

17. Shooting Starz Productions
Summer Theater Camp!!!
August 2009 and 2010
A week long day camp where
kids have the opportunity to
*Act
*Sing
*Dance
*Swim
*Outdoor activities

18. Shooting Starz
Productions
Summer Theater Camp!!!
Aug. 2009 and 2010
A performance for parents
at the end of the week
follows

19. A meaningful summer trip put closure to
everyone involved in Shooting Starz
Productions.
 Steph organized a 4 day trip to Taylors
Falls, MN in which 9 actors/actresses got to
spend quality time together.

20. Summer Trip June 2010
Saw the show
Footloose!!

21. Highlights of the
trip included
Chanhassen
Dinner Theatre,
Wild Mountain
Waterpark, and
Feed My Starving
Children

22.  So what happened to Spectacular being the finale?
 Steph knew she would miss directing and performing
with such amazing kids—but not as much as she
realized later on.
 At the time Steph decided that Spectacular will be
the last musical. A year passed and Steph thought
there was a small possibility of making another one
work.
Steph contacted small theaters and other venues and
once she was confident another musical would work out
and there would be enough cast members, she wrote
“Faith”

23. This is Steph’s first time not
acting in one of her
productions.
We peformed at the
Champlin Ice Forum and
made $365 for Feed My
Starving Children

24.  No one knows where Steph’s life will lead or
what opportunities await her. She has given
her time volunteering with Shooting Starz
Productions since 2004 and plans to continue
for years to come.
 ShootingStarz Productions is Steph’s passion.
There will be an 11th musical in July 2012.
 Stephdoes it for the kids. And the kids are so
thankful.