A Backstage Prayer We’ll Never Forget

It was the final Saturday performance of Shrek the Musical. Backstage, one of our staff members happened to glance toward the stage door just in time to witness something special.

Three fairytale creatures, Quinn, Lila, and Stella, stepped quietly out from backstage and formed a little huddle. Stella’s expression said it all: something was wrong. Without hesitation, the two older girls leaned in, listening and offering comfort.

Then came the question: “Can we pray over you?”

The three of them wrapped their arms around each other, heads bowed. In the middle of the performance and backstage bustle, they asked God to bring Stella comfort, peace, and strength for the moments ahead.

It was a glimpse of what makes Shine more than a theater company. Yes, we teach performance skills. Yes, we set high artistic standards. But at the heart of it all is something deeper: an intentional Christian community that fosters care, courage, and compassion.

Our 10-year anniversary is coming up this fall, and moments like this remind us why we began in the first place: to create a space where young people can grow in character as well as talent, and where friendships are built on prayer, encouragement, and shared purpose.

This wasn’t on the rehearsal schedule. It wasn’t in the script. It was simply the fruit of years of pouring into our students, showing them that they can be leaders - onstage and off - who bring light into the world.

We can’t wait to celebrate 10 years of stories like this with you.