SHINE Company
For students who can’t get enough of the stage, this is the next step. Our award-winning SHINE Company gives our most dedicated performers real-world experience all year long, from performing for Broadway professionals at the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta to musical revues and community stages across Charlotte. SHINE offers the kind of performance opportunities that build confidence, artistry, and growth in ways rehearsal alone simply cannot.
In Their Words
Our students walk away from SHINE Company with more than a stage credit, they gain confidence, real industry experience, and a love for musical theatre that lasts. Hear it directly from SHINE families and Broadway professionals.
“I have participated in Annie Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Matilda Jr, and The Wizard of Oz. I most recently went to Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) Atlanta with CAM and it such was an unforgettable experience. I had so much fun on the trip and it gave me experiences with actual people that have been on Broadway.” Grace, CAA Student
“It was a joy to watch. 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.” Rob Rokicki, Broadway composer/lyricist of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
“My child participated in the Summer Production of Matilda Jr. as well as Jr Theatre Festival (JTF), and both experiences were exceptional. What made them so special was the way the teachers and directors at CAM fostered a positive, encouraging environment while still holding students to high standards. The leadership was professional, nurturing, and genuinely invested in helping students grow not only as performers, but as confident, resilient young people.” Kimberly, CAA Parent
“The production allowed students to perform with confidence and a strong sense of joy in the story. The presentation demonstrated a program that nurtures confident performers and joyful storytelling.” Sammy Lopez, producer and co-founder of P3 Productions (How to Dance in Ohio)
“My daughter has participated in several of their dance workshops, and most recently, she was part of the Matilda Jr. production that performed at the Junior Theater Festival (JTF) in Atlanta. The growth we’ve seen in her technical skills and her overall love for musical theater has been remarkable.” Leslie, CAA Parent
The World's Largest Youth Musical Theatre Celebration
SHINE Company travels to Atlanta for the Junior Theatre Festival, one of the largest gatherings of young performers in the country. Over the course of the weekend, our performers are adjudicated and receive direct feedback from Broadway professionals, take workshops in music, theatre, and dance taught by industry pros, and enjoy special concerts and exclusive previews of new musical theatre productions not yet officially released. It’s an immersive weekend that pushes our students creatively while giving them a glimpse into what a career in the performing arts can look like.
JTF holds a special place in our program’s history. Our Director, Marissa Hertzfeld, attended the very first Junior Theatre Festival and returned for several years as a performer, bringing home the Performance All Star Award. That experience shaped the vision for SHINE Company, and in January, our performers made their own first trip to JTF, bringing home the Excellence in Acting award.
We cannot wait to return for JTF 2027 with a more challenging piece, one we know our students are ready for. Each year at JTF builds on the last, and we’re excited to see how far this group can go.
Our SHINE Company Cast
Joining SHINE Company starts with our fall production. This year, that’s Shrek JR, and every student who enrolls is cast in the show, no auditions required to get a role. Being part of the fall production is the first step toward becoming a part of SHINE Company.
From there, families commit to attending the Junior Theatre Festival with us, where the full SHINE Company experience comes together, workshops, adjudication, and the trip to Atlanta that makes this group what it is.
Community Performances
Throughout the year, SHINE Company brings the stage to the Charlotte community. From local festivals to community events, our performers share their talent and passion for theatre with audiences across the city, building confidence and connection with every performance. These performances are included at no additional cost, there is no tuition or fee to participate.
SHINE Company will also perform in Charlotte Academy of the Arts’ spring musical revue, Ever After.
SHINE Families
Being a SHINE Company member means more than just being part of a show, it means becoming part of a group of dedicated performers who train, grow, and shine together. It’s real stage experience, real feedback from industry professionals, and real friendships built along the way, for students and parents alike. Many SHINE families find themselves building lasting friendships cheering each other on from the audience. (And we have a lot of fun together along the way!)
About CAAAcademy SHINE Company News
Matthews Award-Winning Theatre Troupe
July 28, 2026
Why Every Performer Needs Dance
July 13, 2026
SHINE Wins at JTF!
January 22, 2026We Believe
We believe in developing confident, creative students of character, through excellence in the arts, preparing them to thrive on stage and in life.
Lead with Kindness
Kindness guides everything we do. Our faculty model encouragement and respect while creating an inclusive environment where students feel valued and safe to grow.
Create with Excellence
Excellence shapes our work. Through exceptional instruction and high artistic standards, we challenge students to grow, create boldly, and take pride in their craft.
Grow in Character
Character develops alongside artistic skill. Students learn perseverance, responsibility, teamwork, and humility as they grow both as performers and as people.
Serve with Purpose
Purpose guides our work. Students are encouraged to use their gifts to uplift others and make a positive impact in our community by serving together.
Rave Reviews
Cannon, parent
Waxhaw, NCWe have had an incredible experience with The Academy, particularly regarding their dance education and choreography. My daughter has participated in several of their dance
Grace, student
Monroe, NCOver the amount of time I’ve been with the company I have built amazing friendships and connections with people. Everyone has an equal opportunity at bringing their skills to the table and getting to shine.
Kimberly, parent
Indian Trail, NCWe absolutely love our experience with this company. From the very beginning, the audition process stood out—it’s thoughtfully designed to help students feel comfortable, confident, and supported.
Ready to begin your journey?
If you need more information, let us know! For a fun intro to CAA, sign-up for a PopArts event. Already have a plan? We invite you to enroll for classes or private lessons.