For fans of all ages, meeting a favorite character from a movie franchise or book series is a memorable experience. Since 2018, members of Utah Screen Stars, a group of volunteers who portray characters from across the universe of popular culture have created those special moments for many. Dressed in movie-accurate costumes and makeup, the volunteers interact with young fans at charity galas, school and library events and concerts. They have also helped to make wishes come true for children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

 When founder Mike Handy started the group, it was primarily focused on characters from Star Wars. In fact, the group’s first event took place on Star Wars Day, May 4, in 2018. “But then we wanted to branch out,” he said. Utah Screen Stars now also presents characters from Disney, Marvel, the Harry Potter series, Indiana Jones and more. 

“It takes a lot of time, effort and money,” Handy said. “But we get our payback in smiles. The expressions of joy make it all worth it.” 

Draper resident Glenn Berry first met Handy at a Star Wars costume contest years ago and has been a member of Utah Screen Stars almost from the beginning. He started out portraying a Sandtrooper from Star Wars but is now most often seen as the Mandalorian, complete with a life-sized Grogu. As a dad himself, Berry treasures the opportunity to create special memories for kids. 

“It’s the equivalent of being at Disneyland,” he said. “When you’re in costume it can be very powerful. It’s like you’ve walked off the screen and shaken their hand. Their imagination has come to life.” 

“I wanted to be a Disney Imagineer when I was growing up,” Handy said. A life-long Star Wars fan, he was inspired by watching a fan-made film set in that galaxy far, far away to take up building and wearing his own Star Wars costumes in the late 1990s.

 Handy had an inspirational moment one Halloween when he was greeting trick or treaters while dressed as a Stormtrooper. He was approached by the mother of a blind boy who loved the Star Wars movies but had only been able to listen to the music and dialogue. Handy let the boy feel his helmet and armor. “Suddenly he got this big grin on his face,” Handy remembered. “He said, ‘This is a Stormtrooper!’ I realized what the power of this was and how it could bring joy to kids and adults.”  

A resident of Lehi, Handy has been acting in local theatrical productions for the past 11 years. He has ties to the Draper community as an actor and set builder for Draper Arts Council’s shows. For the past few seasons, he has also performed in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s fall concerts celebrating the music of stage and screen as well as their Christmas concerts. Other members of Utah Screen Stars interact with audience members at those concerts offering photo opportunities at intermission with a variety of characters.

Utah Screen Stars currently has approximately 50 to 60 members who hail from communities across the Wasatch Front. “Over half of our volunteers have an acting background,” Handy said. “I’ve been recruiting a lot of theater friends to join us. Many of our events aren’t that different from performing on stage. When we’re interacting with the public we stay in character at all times. We want to maintain the magic.” 

Berry does not have a background in acting. “I have 35 years in the insurance business,” he said, but being in Utah Screen Stars is special to him. “My son was a Make-A-Wish recipient years ago. This is very close to my heart.”

“Last year, we did a big event with Make-A-Wish,” Handy said. “A young man, about 10 years old, wanted to create his own superhero.” The costumed members of Utah Screen Stars helped set the stage so that the boy could foil a “robbery” and rescue his grandma from “bad guys” at America First Field. “We had a whole bunch of superheroes there,” he recalled. “That was my very favorite experience.” 

 Berry also recalled powerful moments visiting with hospitalized children and families as the Mandalorian. “You’re wearing the helmet, trying to be this character, tears rolling down your face,” he said. “But you can bring joy and soften things just by being there and talking with them. It’s something magical.” 

Among their many charitable activities, Utah Screen Stars has often worked with The Best Seat In the House, a Sandy-based charity that provides fun activities for underprivileged children. They have visited families at Ronald McDonald House and interacted with guests at fundraising galas for a wide variety of causes. 

While Utah Screen Stars usually focuses on charitable and community happenings, they occasionally participate in commercial events. “We have brought characters to the Utah Symphony when they do a movie in concert to pose for pictures with audience members,” Handy said. “We ask for donations to charity.” 

The group also works on a smaller scale with local schools. By bringing characters from Harry Potter to life, Utah Screen Stars have added a special touch to school events. “A third-grade teacher, Mr. Bottita, at Legacy Elementary in American Fork goes all out every year to give his kids a Harry Potter experience with activities all day long,” Handy said. “We’ve been supporting him.” They performed similar roles at Hogwarts Night, a themed fundraiser and reading incentive event at Sage Hills Elementary School in Saratoga Springs.  

 Utah Screen Stars traveled to Springville Public Library for PopCon, which is similar to FanX but on a smaller scale. “We don’t consider ourselves cosplayers,” Handy said. “We act in character and go out into the community to make a difference.” 

Building the costumes, especially the armor for Star Wars characters, is an involved process. “We work together, sand down the pieces, paint it and weather it,” Berry said. “Mike is a master at making props and building costumes.”

“We’ve got a great camaraderie in our group,” Handy said. “We help each other with our costumes, work together. People will spend money on a piece then give it to someone who needs it.” 

This spring is looking to be a busy one for Utah Screen Stars, especially with a new movie in the Star Wars franchise coming out next month. Berry is looking forward to attending more events and creating more memories with fans. “It’s a great escape,” he said. “You can bring a little joy to people.”