WHAT SETS SPOTLIGHT APART

Spotlight Academy is so much more than just another theater class… it’s a year-long, immersive program at the pre-professional level designed to develop students both as performers and as leaders. At its core, Spotlight offers intensive training in acting, voice, dance, and stagecraft, giving students access to coaching and mentorship that goes far beyond what our shorter classes provide.



But what truly sets Spotlight apart is its intentional focus on real-life leadership development. We know not every student will choose to pursue theater professionally, and that’s okay! The skills they gain in Spotlight, the discipline, collaboration, confidence, responsibility, and the ability to lead by example, will equip them for success no matter what path they follow.



Because we are an educational theater, all students who participate in productions take classes, but Spotlight is a deeper commitment. Students grow together as an ensemble over an entire season, gaining experience that elevates not just their talent, but their character and readiness to take on greater responsibility both onstage and off.



In short, Spotlight Academy is for families who want more than great performances, it’s for those who want to see their student challenged, inspired, and prepared to stand out, whether they’re stepping onto a stage, into a classroom, or into their future career.

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

  • Students will either be cast in the Spotlight Production of INTO THE WOODS or they will play a vital role on the Artistic and Production Team for the show. The training students will receive during this process will open up employment opportunities within SOPA the upcoming Summer and beyond!

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.