Owen’s Big Role, Bigger Heart

When Kindness Takes Center Stage

At Shine, we talk a lot about the magic of theater—of stepping into the spotlight, growing in confidence, and celebrating each other. But sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen behind-the-scenes, before the curtain even rises.

Meet Owen. He’s 12 years old and has performed in several Shine productions. He’s no stranger to the ensemble and has rarely played a lead role. But at every audition, he shows up with heart, focus, and a love for theater and his fellow castmates.

Recently, Owen auditioned for The Little Mermaid Jr. When the cast list was announced, his mom recorded a video of him reading through it for the first time. You can watch that heartwarming moment here. What unfolded in that video was something special.

Owen read each of his friends’ names aloud—one by one—cheering for them with genuine joy. He paused to express excitement for their roles, to celebrate their successes, and to recognize their hard work. When he finally saw his own name next to “King Triton,” his biggest role yet, his reaction was joyful—but understated. He smiled. Then he kept celebrating his friends.

That’s Owen. A quiet leader. A kind soul. A young artist who truly understands what Shine is all about.

Yes, King Triton is a big part. But Owen’s biggest role? It’s the one he plays every day—a generous, encouraging friend who brings out the best in everyone around him.

We’re so proud of Owen, and we can’t wait to see him shine in this next production.

Want to Learn More? Discover the kind of theater community that nurtures not just talent, but character. 👉 Learn more about Shine’s programs here.