The Centene Center for the Arts Welcomes Sharon Hunter
This fall, the Centene Center for the Arts welcomed Sharon Hunter, a St. Louis native and life-long performing artist.
Hunter has worn many hats over the course of her career, but some St. Louisans may recognize her from her time as a radio personality with local stations KEZK, where she was the original host of Pillow Talk, and Y98FM.
She continued to work in radio for some time, but she found herself pulled toward different forms of live performance. Her acting portfolio includes credits like “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, “Falsettos” and the popular CBS political drama “The Good Wife”. She has also found herself playing the roles of director, producer, costume and set designer for various stage productions. Her years of experience in the arts are what inspired her to create her own professional performing arts organization: Moonstone Theatre Company. She will serve as the company’s artistic director and producer.
While her work has taken her across the country…
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Moonstone Theatre Company announces first show!
Moonstone was founded by St. Louis native Sharon Hunter, who serves as the company’s artistic director and producer. Hunter has made a name for herself nationally as a professional actor, singer, director and producer. Most recently Hunter was performing and producing in New York City, but decided to move back home to start Moonstone. St. Louisans may recognize her as the original host and producer of KEZK’s “Pillow Talk” or her time hosting at Y98.
“Moonstone Theatre Company was founded in response to my vision for creating a cultural theatrical environment in St. Louis to inspire actors and artists to do their best work,” Hunter says. “St. Louis is a great theatre city and I think it’s wonderful to be a part of that cultural conversation. It is essential for the arts to contribute to this conversation particularly during challenging times.”
Hunter says the name Moonstone combines two things close to her heart.
“I have always loved the moon. I gain energy, clarity and inspiration from the moonlight. I knew I wanted the word moon somewhere in the company title,” she says. “I was also committed to finding a way to incorporate my former NYC acting coach, the late Peter Flint, and his name in there as well. He was like a true father figure to me, and I thought that since “flint” is a stone then I could put that together and create Moonstone.”
Hunter says Moonstone will focus on producing works that challenge and enlighten audiences on important and socially relevant topics including equality, diversity, mental illness, addiction and sexual harassment and assault.
“Theatre truly is a reflection of life,” says Hunter. “I’m happy to be back in my hometown where I began and collaborate with so many talented artists and actors. There is something very special about returning to St. Louis and having the opportunity to bring new ideas and experiences to an art form I dearly love.”
“How exciting for St. Louis that another wonderful Theatre Artist with great entrepreneurial chutzpah is broadening our vibrant theatre community,” enthused Edward Coffield, the artistic director and producer at New Jewish Theatre. “There is such great legacy here in St. Louis when savvy theatre practitioners are willing to plant roots and continue the tradition of great theatre in St. Louis.”
Moonstone’s debut production, “The House of Blue Leaves” by John Guare, will open at the Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center (2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur, 63146) on Thursday, July 16, 2020, directed by Annamaria Pileggi. Auditions for the show will be held Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the JCC, and callbacks will be held at the theater on Monday, October 28. Those wanting more information about the audition process can register online here or email moonstonetheatrestl@gmail.com.
Moonstone Theatre Company’s Mission Statement
Moonstone Theatre Company is a new professional performing arts organization which will offer the community a wide range of quality theatrical productions while supporting local arts and education. Moonstone Theatre looks to inspire, entertain and challenge audiences with productions that range from the classics to new works. Moonstone Theatre Company celebrates the power of the theatre to illuminate our diversity and enlighten our shared humanity.