Shooting Stars hit Farthing Friday

"But, we don't want to break a leg," a 5-year-old says as her group is led onto the Farthing Stage Tuesday.

"It's OK, it's just pretend," the volunteer responds.

"But I don't want to pretend break a leg," she says.

It's just a typical rehearsal for Shooting Stars, and, if you think the backstage drama is cute, wait until you see the acts on stage Friday, because it's a big deal.

"It's a pretty big deal," 7-year-old dancer Alessandra Densham said Tuesday. "We're cheerleading and dancing and doing hip-hop."

While the funds go to a good cause, Friday's all about the kids.

"I get to dance in front of other people," 7-year-old Libby Glidewell bragged.

Making the cut takes practice, dedication, passion and a little luck.

"It's been really fun practicing every Monday after school," Valle Crucis singer Cameron Hastings said.

The "Defying Gravity" diva is not the only one feeling the buzz.

"I think they're excited about the opportunity to perform on a big stage, and I think a lot of them understand what it takes to get through... to be part of the final show, so it gives them a sense of pride," Watauga Education Foundation board member Tracey Wright said.

Seventy acts auditioned, and only 25 grace the stage Friday, but it's not just about the performances.

Forty visual art pieces were selected from student artwork. The art was captured on video tape, and it will be screened Friday at the event.

"The kids walk out and take a bow after their video is shown," board member and visual art coordinator Cynthia Fox said.

This year's show has a few unique twists, including teacher acts from Kathy Butler (Green Valley/Valle Crucis), Robin Ebaugh (Parkway), Donald Davis (Parkway), Judd Pinnix (Blowing Rock/Parkway), Sondra Edwards (Mable/Parkway) and Chris Watson (Ashe County Schools).
"We've got so much that's going to shake the show up this year," Watauga Education Foundation director Melanie Bullard said.

A brand new addition will do that, quite literally.

Appalachian State University's Greek Week 2010 directly benefited the event, raising $11,179. Its lip-synch contest winners, Pi Kappa Alpha (Disney/The Lion King) and Alpha Phi (Alice in Wonderland) get to repeat their performances at Shooting Stars.

Money raised is earmarked for WEF's Imagination Library Initiative, and it's more than anyone expected.

"When I was able to finally add up the numbers, I was like, 'Oh my gosh are you kidding me?'" Greek Week coordinator Kristin Cardinelli said.

Money raised from Shooting Stars Friday goes directly to Watauga Education Foundation Grants for projects that enrich student learning in the community.

With the dancing, the music and the magic (literally, in the case of 6-year-old magician Max Midgett), Shooting Stars 2010 promises to be the must-see show of the year, Bullard said, adding, "We've got amazing acts this year."

Couple that with teacher acts and college lip-synching, and you've got talent bright enough to earn the name "Shooting Stars."

Tickets are $5 for students and school employees and $10 for parents. They are available at the Farthing Ticket Office now or at the show.

Shooting Stars is Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Farthing Auditorium, located on Rivers Street on the ASU campus.