The Star Center was founded in the Summer of 2000. The theater was officially incorporated in August of 2004. Programs offered began in a small space in a after-school center. We began rehearsal for our first production, An American Girls Revue during the fall. 15 children enrolled in the first program. We continued offering classes in acting and dance and our enrollment increased during our second production of Babes in Toyland. The local community theater allowed us the use of space to perform our shows for an audience. During the Summer of 2001, the Star Center received a small grant from the Corner Drugstore to provide arts education by combining industry professionals with at-risk youth. The Center , in partnership with the Center for the Performing Arts, was able to produce the Broadway musical, Once on this Island. This program increased our enrollment to 35 children and 15 adults. Classes and programs continued to grow so there was a need for more space. In 2002 the Center partnered with a local daycare that had a chapel that could be used for performances. Programs continued to expand and the community began to recognize and support The STAR Center as Gainesville’s Children’s Theater. In November 2002, the Star Center Youth performed the musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at the Florida Theater Conference. In the spring of 2003, the Star Center moved into a shared retail space with Gainesville Community Playhouse.

As of 2004-05, The Star Center is fully incorporated and a 501 (C) 3. The Center offers 8 main productions and 7 small shows that tour libraries, community centers and schools. The Center relies heavily on volunteer directors, musicians and choreographers. The center currently serves over 250 child performers annually. We have over 2000 patrons who attend the performances. Our goal is to one day have a Children and Family Fine Arts Center. The Star Center will continue to increase it's programming to reach more youth of the Gainesville community.

The Star Center is well-known in the community and has received several awards both locally and statewide. The Star Center received the local SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH AWARD, The City of Gainesville Cultural Affairs Award, The Alachua County Arts Award and statewide, received the GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INVESTMENT IN YOUTH.