From Winnie to Mae: Anna’s Full Circle Story

Five years ago, young Anna stood on stage as Winnie Foster. She was wide-eyed, curious, and just beginning to understand the magic of storytelling.

“I remember how much fun I had,” she says. “The whole cast was so welcoming and talented. It made the entire process so special.”

At just 11 years old, she brought Winnie to life with a sincerity that left a lasting impression on audiences and on everyone who watched her grow.

This year, Anna returned to Tuck Everlasting.

But not as the little girl searching for answers, as Mae Tuck, the one who holds them.

When Anna found out she had been cast as Mae, her reaction said everything.

“I screamed and cried,” she laughs. “I was so excited for this full circle moment.”

Returning to the same story that shaped her as a young performer, Anna stepped into it again, older, wiser, and with a new perspective.

“It feels surreal, special, and exciting,” she says. “This show is really close to my heart. Getting to do it again, but from a different perspective and with a new cast, makes it even more meaningful.”

Growth in theatre often shows up quietly in the way a performer delivers a line, connects to a lyric, or understands the story they’re telling.

For Anna, that growth has been undeniable.

“My voice has matured, my range has expanded, and I’ve learned how to deliver lines with emotion and intention,” she explains. “I understand how to tell a story in a deeper way now.”

But perhaps the most powerful realization came during rehearsal.

The first time she sang “My Most Beautiful Day,” something shifted.

“At the end of the song, Winnie comes up and hugs Mae,” Anna recalls. “And in that moment, I realized… I’m not Winnie anymore. I used to be the little girl hugging Mae. And now, there’s a younger girl hugging me.”

That moment captures what Shine is all about.

Students don’t just perform here, they grow up here. They learn, they stretch, and one day, they become the ones guiding the next generation.

Anna now understands Tuck Everlasting in a way she couldn’t have before.

“When I was younger, I appreciated the story,” she says. “But now that I’m older, this show is much more meaningful to me. It teaches us how beautiful life really is, that time goes fast, and you should treasure each moment. Life is such a gift and it should be treasured as an opportunity to live for the Glory of God alone.”

It’s a message Mae carries with quiet strength.

“Mae understands the value of time, family, and love,” Anna explains. “She shows the audience the importance of treasuring your past memories while still looking forward to new ones.”

Behind that growth is a community that has walked alongside her every step of the way.

“Shine has challenged me with difficult roles and pushed me to be my best,” Anna says. “And Miss Daniella has impacted me the most. She’s taught me so much about acting and telling a story through my facial expressions and my movement. ”

For Anna’s family, the transformation has been just as meaningful to see.

“Watching her perform as Winnie at 11 was so amazing to witness,” her mom shares. “She has matured greatly in the past 5 years. Her vocal control and range have expanded, and her acting skills have grown as well!”

But the impact goes far beyond the stage.

“Anna's involvement with theater has helped give her confidence to do big things,” her mom says, “from singing on the worship team to starting her princess appearance business. I believe theatre has also helped her develop a strong ability to converse with and relate to people of different ages and backgrounds with ease. It has helped to instill a level of discipline and hard work in her life.”

For their family, Shine has been more than a program, it’s been a place to belong.

“Shine has been a wonderful, wholesome place for Anna to enjoy the process and art of musical theatre. It has been comforting to know that Anna has a place to grow as a performer in a Christian environment, while still participating in excellent shows. We are so grateful for Shine! “

And her advice to families just beginning this journey?

“Enjoy every moment because time really does fly! Attend as many shows as you can, even if your child isn't performing. Anna and I have attended many Shine productions together over the years, creating some of my most beautiful memories with her. Treasure the gift of Shine not only for its free tuition and excellent production quality, but also for its wholesome environment. In our experience, this combination is hard to come by in the theatre world! ”

As Anna looks ahead, her hope is simple but powerful:

“I hope that younger students are inspired by this story and its message. Life is such a gift and it's a privilege to live it.”

From the little girl who once looked up to Mae… to the performer now inspiring the next generation, Anna’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when young artists are given the space to grow.

And at Shine, many more of these full circle moments are just beginning.