Our Spotlight Academy is a rigorous, application-entry training program designed for students serious about pursuing the performing arts in college or professionally. At its heart, Spotlight Academy is also a leadership program, developing the discipline, confidence, and initiative students need to succeed both on stage and in life.

✅ Program Details:

  • Runs September 8th – May 18th

  • Mondays from 5:30pm–9 pm weekly

  • $179mo - Full commitment - Discount for payment upfront - Please email Operation@shineonperformingarts.org

✅ Who Can Apply:

  • Students entering 9th–12th grade or in a gap year after high school

  • Experienced younger students not yet in 9th grade but turning 13 this school year may also apply

  • Application required

  • A select number of students will be accepted

✅ Tracks and Training Areas Offered:

  • Musical Theater

  • Story Thru Song

  • Acting Methods

  • Acting for Film

  • Commercial Acting

  • Resume, Headshot, and Song Book Building

  • Dance Techniques

  • Vocal Anatomy and Physiology

  • Magic Words and Twang Farm

  • College Audition Prep

  • Broadway Now!

  • And much more!

✅ Academics:

  • We are working toward partnerships with accredited academic programs so that SOPA Austin work may count toward high school diplomas and college credits!

✅ Performances:

  • One full-scale Musical Production each year

  • A Performing Arts Revue annually

  • Student Artistic/Production Team Opportunities

✅ Additional Benefits:

  • Counts as an enrolled class for Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions when auditioning for Main Stage Productions

  • Excellent leadership opportunities within the Academy and across SOPA Austin programs

  • Builds teamwork, initiative, and professional etiquette in a supportive but challenging environment

Spotlight Academy gives students the chance to learn, grow, lead, and perform at a higher level than single-class training or shows alone allow—preparing them to excel in the arts at the next level and beyond.

Our SPOTLIGHT ACADEMY Students will be leading and performing INTO THE WOODS February 2026.
Students must be actively registered and participating in SPOTLIGHT Academy the 2025/2026 year to audition.