Henry’s Circle Time Moment – A Quiet Act of Courage

Bravery Doesn’t Always Start on Stage

At Shine, we believe some of the most powerful moments in a young performer’s journey don’t happen under the stage lights—but in the quiet moments just before.

One of those moments happened during the run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat—and it left a lasting impression.

Before every Shine performance, our cast gathers for circle time—a moment of connection, reflection, and prayer. Students are invited to take turns leading this time, and it often becomes a powerful opportunity for leadership and personal growth.

On one particular night, Shine student Henry was invited to lead the pre-show prayer. His immediate response? A gentle but firm shake of the head. He wasn’t ready. And that was okay.

But the next evening, something shifted.

When Henry was asked again, he stood tall and said yes. In front of his castmates, he led the prayer with calm and courage, stepping into the moment with quiet confidence. As he finished, the cast cheered him on with pats on the back—just in time for Henry to take the stage as Reuben.

Later, he shared that it was the first time he had ever prayed aloud—in front of anyone.

In just 24 hours, Henry had overcome a fear and grown into a more confident leader—not through rehearsal or applause, but through trust, support, and the culture of belonging that Shine is built on.

This is what theater education at Shine looks like: students growing not only in skill, but in strength of character.

🎥 Want to hear the story in Henry’s own words? Watch the video here.