A Golden Ticket Moment

Sometimes the most meaningful moments at Shine happen when no one is trying to make a moment at all.

During curtain call for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of our students, Ardyn, stood on stage with the rest of the cast, still in costume as Veruca Salt. The show had just ended, the audience was cheering, and we moved into the Shine Golden Ticket drawing—a raffle for a 2026 Season Pass.

When Ardyn’s name was called, the moment was pure surprise. She had no idea it was coming. A photo was taken afterward of her holding the Golden Ticket, still in costume, still glowing from the show…and it was undeniably sweet.

📸 Click here to see the moment!

But the more we reflected on that moment, the more we realized that the story worth telling wasn’t just about a raffle win. It was about who Ardyn has become in a very short time at Shine—and what a special part she is of our community.

Every Role Matters

When asked what she’s most proud of learning at Shine, Ardyn didn’t talk about lines, costumes, or applause.

She said:

“I learned that every part in a show is equally important to making the show great—every Oompa Loompa, every dancer, every single person on the stage matters the same amount. I also learned that making mistakes is how you get better, so never be embarrassed about them!”

That mindset doesn’t happen by accident. It grows in an environment where students are consistently taught that ensemble work matters, that growth comes through effort, and that excellence is something we pursue together.

Finding Belonging from Day One

For Ardyn’s parents, one of the most powerful parts of her Shine journey began before she ever stepped on stage.

They shared:

“Ardyn was so nervous about being the new kid. Within two minutes of walking in the doors, another student complimented her bag and introduced herself. Shortly after, Ms. Daniella came out, tucked Ardyn beneath her arm, and walked her to class chatting the whole way. When I picked her up, she was waving and saying goodbye to everyone by name. She hasn’t looked back since.”

That sense of belonging - being seen, welcomed, and known - is foundational at Shine. It’s the soil where confidence and courage take root.

Growth Onstage and Off

During Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ardyn discovered more than just how to play a role.

She learned (with a laugh) that her mom might have been right about ballet classes being important. She grew as a performer. And she found herself surrounded by peers and teachers who believed in her and pushed her to be her best self.

When asked who made the biggest impact on her at Shine, Ardyn didn’t hesitate:

“Honestly, everyone has made me feel welcome. But if I had to pick one person, I’d say Ms. Jewel. She was my very first teacher at Shine. She made me want to come back. She believes in me and pushes me to be my best self.”

More Than a Moment

Winning the Golden Ticket was a joyful, unexpected moment but what mattered more was where Ardyn was standing when it happened: surrounded by a cast she felt connected to, confident in her place, and proud of the work she had done.

When asked how it felt, she joked:

“I was way more excited than Veruca was when she won her Golden Ticket!”

We love moments like this. Not because they’re flashy, but because they reflect something deeper.

At Shine, students grow as performers, yes. But they also grow in confidence, humility, faith, and community. They learn that they matter. That others matter. And that when they show up with kindness, courage, and effort, something beautiful happens.

That’s the culture of our theater…and we’re so grateful Ardyn is part of it.