Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Fortner.
Hi Courtney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started teaching a few years ago and quickly fell in love with the process. However, as I fell in love with teaching and working with kids, I struggled to work in disorganized environments, and I began to dream of how I would run my own studio. Based on my training, I wanted to create classes that were more creatively expressing, offered more variety, and had more fun as opposed to the repetitive class formula I noticed many studios using. I went off on my own, opening my own studio, Starlight Children’s Theater. Combining musical theater with improv makes my classes a fast-paced, fun learning environment, where kids not only learn how to tell stories but learn how to create their own!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new business during a pandemic has been a great challenge and has given me lots of fun problems to solve. Zoom lessons and masked, socially distanced backyard lessons with kids who are in “learning pods” has been the safest way to hold classes, but I’ve been determined to make staying safe fun! In my socially distanced classes, I use cones and bean bags and fun colorful props to keep the kids safely apart in ways that feel like a game! During zoom lessons, we use the camera as the audience, like we’re creating tiny movies! I feel so grateful to be able to give kids an outlet in a time that has been so limiting for them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I found theater when I was twelve and absolutely fell in love! From there, I began learning everything I could, taking classes at school and joining community theater outside of school. I went on to get my BFA in Performing Arts from SCAD and moved to Los Angeles quickly after. I specialize in improv and comedy, as well as singing. In addition to being the creator of Starlight Children’s Theater, I am an LA-based actor represented by Quartz Talent Agency, a board member of Buzzworks Theater Company, and a YouTuber “Courtney Glow” where I break down how to sing popular songs and use voice techniques in your own singing! I am so honored to be able to follow my own creative pursuits while helping the next generation find their creative voices. Using my variety of knowledge and skills and my ability to connect with children keeps my classes unique. You won’t find many studios teaching five years old kids to do improv, but you will at Starlight! And trust me, you’d be amazed what those kiddos come up with!!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is about setting goals! Some are big goals, and some are small. I feel successful when a kid smiles in class or sings with a big voice instead of a shy one for the first time, or when I see my students actively cheering each other on! These are all daily successes. Then, there’s long-term successes! Starting my own business was a long-term success, and the next one will be when we open our official studio space! To me, success is something that flows with you, not one ultimate state to find and exist in. As soon as I have one success, I’m on to the next!
Pricing:
- Private Lessons: $50 for 45 minutes
- Private Lessons: $60 for an hour
- 1 hour Group Classes: $25 per student
- 2 hour Group Classes: $50 per student
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.starlightchildrenstheater.com/
- Instagram: @fortneycourtner
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/CourtneyGlow
- Other: www.courtneyfortner.com
Image Credits:
Sean Kara Headshots
