A Weekend to Remember
Our SHINE Musical Theatre performance troupe had the unforgettable opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia January 15-17 to participate in the Junior Theater Festival—and what an extraordinary experience it was! Our troupe proudly presented an adjudication piece from Matilda Jr., pouring heart, focus, and storytelling into every moment on stage. Their hard work was recognized with one of the festival’s highest honors, the Excellence in Acting Award, a true testament to their commitment and growth as young performers. We were also thrilled to celebrate two of our cast members, Gwyn Clark and Miriam Lee, who were named Performance All-Stars—an incredible individual recognition highlighting standout talent, preparation, and stage presence. These moments were exciting, yes—but even more meaningful because they reflected months of training, encouragement, and belief in what our students are capable of becoming.
“What a beautiful company,” said Taylor Iman Jones, a Broadway actor who has starred in SIX and Hamilton. “It is clear that they are learning and growing from each other and their teachers. I was so inspired after watching their performance, and felt very lucky to have worked with them.”
Rob Rokicki, educator and Broadway composer/lyricist of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, said SHINE Musical Theatre did an excellent job with a challenging piece. “It was a joy to watch,” Rokicki said. “There was fantastic acting and specific characterization. You can tell this program is developing smart and savvy performers who can tackle big shows. Musically, they were lovely and the acting work was thoughtful and smart.”
Sammy Lopez, producer and co-founder of P3 Productions (How to Dance in Ohio), also enjoyed the performance. “The production allowed students to perform with confidence and a strong sense of joy in the story,” Lopez said. “The presentation demonstrated a program that nurtures confident performers and joyful storytelling.”
Beyond the adjudicated performance, our students immersed themselves in the heart of the festival: a full weekend of acting, dancing, and music workshops led by Broadway professionals. They participated in panels and discussions, watched inspiring performances, and learned directly from artists actively working in the industry. These experiences expanded their understanding of theatre not just as performers, but as collaborators, listeners, and creative thinkers. None of this would have been possible without the incredible leadership and support surrounding our students. Marissa Hertzfeld and Brandy Caton guided the troupe with encouragement and inspiration every step of the way.
We are deeply grateful for the many supportive family members who traveled with us, serving as chaperones and helpers, and creating a strong sense of community that carried our students through the weekend. While awards and accolades are exciting, what we value most are the connections formed, the confidence built, and the spark that was clearly ignited in our students. Experiences like Junior Theater Festival are a reflection of the training, workshops, classes, and productions we are proud to offer at the Academy every day. They show what is possible when young artists are nurtured, challenged, and surrounded by a community that believes in them. We already can’t wait to return—and we are so excited about the students we’ll bring with us next year. The journey continues, and the future is bright for our SHINE Musical Theatre family.
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