Avery’s Journey from Performer to Prop Designer

A Star On and Off the Stage

When you think of a standout performer, you might picture someone belting out a show-stopping number under the spotlight. But at Shine, we know that being a true theater artist means so much more. It’s about creativity, collaboration, and stepping up in unexpected ways. That’s exactly what Avery, a Level 3 student in The Academy at Shine, has done throughout her years with us.

A Journey of Growth

Avery has been part of The Academy for many years, developing her skills in acting, singing, and dancing. Her well-rounded training has made her a strong performer, and she consistently challenges herself by auditioning for our productions. Most recently, she took on the role of The Stepmother in Into the Woods—a character that demanded both comedic timing and a commanding stage presence.

But Avery’s contributions didn’t stop there.

From Performer to Prop Designer

While working on Into the Woods, Avery took a special interest in the props department—particularly in bringing one of the show’s most iconic characters to life: Milky White, Jack’s beloved cow. She approached Amy Choate, the show’s Props Designer, and asked if she could help design and build the prop. Not only did she contribute ideas, but she took the initiative to draw a scaled design on graph paper—a testament to her precision and artistic vision.

Once her design was approved, she worked alongside Amy, Assistant Stage Manager Phoebe, and a few other volunteers to construct Milky White from lumber, chicken wire, muslin, and paint. Avery played a key role in the planning and framework, collaborating closely with the team as Phoebe dedicated many hours to sculpting Milky White’s head, Russ Hulme helped with the construction, and Joanna Reed completed the finishing touches with paint. The final result? A stunning, whimsical prop that not only enhanced the production but became a fan favorite among audiences!

🎥✨ Want to see Avery showcase Milky White? Check out our video where she walks us through the design and building process! Watch it here.

A Legacy Beyond Shine

Avery’s design was so impressive that our Milky White prop is now being used in the Stephen F. Austin State University production of Into the Woods! It’s a rare honor for a high school student’s work to be included at the collegiate level, and we couldn’t be prouder of Avery’s contributions.

Her journey is a perfect example of what makes The Academy at Shine so special. We don’t just train young actors—we cultivate well-rounded artists who think creatively, take initiative, and make a lasting impact in the theater world.

Want to Learn More?

Are you or someone you know ready to take the next step in theater education? Learn more about The Academy at Shine here.