FALL 2026
RISING STARS
DAY/TIME:
Fridays - 4:30pm - 6:00pm (1.5 hour class/9 weeks)
DATES: August 28th, 2026 - October 23rd, 2026 (followed by 2 shows)
Registration Fee: $179
Monthly Fee: $179 (2 months)
Total: $537 total
Discount of 10% if paid in full at registration (Register for the $179 to lock in your spot and then email operations@shineonperformingarts.org to be invoiced for the remaining amount)
Sibling Discount of 10% off available. Please email.
(*price includes a Show T-Shirt to memorialize the production with your students name on it!)
Join us for our EXCITING after-school theater training program, RISING STARS!
This program will focus on building the skills needed to put together a full musical!
Students will learn acting, dancing/choreography, singing, staging, and even help out
with props and costumes!
Each Rising Stars session will culminate in a FULLY produced production performing 2 shows on the stage!
We have a limited number of spaces for our Rising Star classes.
Every student will be cast to perform in this production with a lead role!
*NOTE: There are no mandatory parent participation, ticket sales, character sponsor/ad sales
requirements for our RISING STARS PRODUCTIONS. There are no hidden fees.
ABOUT THE ARTISTIC TEAM:
Director: Regina LeBlanc
Regina LeBlanc is thrilled to continue being a part of SOPA. She has been involved with theatre for most of her life and has always loved working with kids of all ages. She has directed, choreographed, and stage managed many plays and musicals including Alice in Wonderland, Annie, Frozen Kids, and Finding Nemo Kids. Recently, she performed in Little Women as Beth and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a dancer and wife. When she isn’t working at SOPA she teaches theatre and art at Jarrell High School. Regina is so excited to continue to share her love of theatre, dance, and the arts with students.
Assistant Director: Evan LeBlanc
Evan LeBlanc was in shows in middle and high school, but he hid his theatrical talents for several years. He has recently made a return to the stage as Joseph in Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat and John Brooke in Little Women. He has been assistant director for Frozen Kids and Nemo kids. He is very excited to continue working at SOPA in all aspects of the stage
Stage Manager: Emily Feldman - I am 17 years old and have worked as a Stage Manager at Shine On Performing Arts for nearly two years. In this role, I support rehearsals by helping students stay focused, taking detailed notes for the Director, and ensuring all elements of the production run smoothly. During show week, I coordinate sets, props, and student performers to make sure every scene is executed correctly. I have stage managed multiple productions at SOPA, including Alice in Wonderland, Finding Nemo Kids, Frozen Kids, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Although I plan to pursue a career in early childhood development after high school, stage management has given me valuable experience that will benefit my future. I’ve learned how to engage with children who are on the spectrum and other learning or physical differences, support students when they’re upset, and apply first aid when needed. I’m grateful for all that I’ve learned at SOPA and look forward to continuing to grow here!
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS is a 30-minute musical based on the classic A.A. Milne stories and the 2011 animated film Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS | Music Theatre International. The plot follows Pooh and his Hundred Acre Wood friends as they set out to rescue Christopher Robin, who they mistakenly believe has been captured by a mysterious monster called "The Backson."
The musical opens with Pooh on an urgent quest for his favorite snack—honey Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS - While searching, he comes across a note left behind by Christopher Robin Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS - Music Theatre International. The animals take the message to Owl, the resident expert, who misreads the note and announces that Christopher Robin has been taken captive by a fearsome creature called "The Backson" Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS | Music Theatre International.
Determined to save their friend, Pooh and the rest of the gang—including Piglet, Tigger, Rabbit, and Eeyore—form a rescue operation Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS | Music Theatre International. They devise a clever plan to dig a deep trap and disguise it as a picnic to lure and catch the Backson. Ultimately, the trap works a little too well, leading to humorous mix-ups involving the friends themselves Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS - Music Theatre International. Through their adventure, the characters learn valuable lessons about teamwork, sharing, and the strength of friendship Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS - Music Theatre International.
The stage show is specifically designed for young performers and features upbeat songs from the Disney movie as well as new tracks by songwriting duo Robert and Kristen Lopez Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS | Music Theatre International.
LIST OF CHARACTERS:
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is sweet, simple, honey-loving, and full of heart. Cast a strong singer who can make Pooh lovable and sincere while keeping the character gentle and funny.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–D5
Piglet
Piglet is shy, nervous, and quiet, but also smart, noble, and a surprisingly good problem solver. This role needs a performer who can project clearly while still showing Piglet’s timid personality.
Gender: Any | Vocal range: C4–B4
Tigger
Tigger is energetic, loyal, adventurous, and always bouncing. The role depends heavily on personality, movement, and excitement. A strong singer is helpful, but the character’s energy matters most.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: D4–C5
Eeyore
Eeyore is gloomy, loyal, and constantly unlucky, especially when it comes to losing his tail. This is mostly an acting role that requires strong diction, deadpan timing, and disciplined delivery.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: C4–Bb4
Rabbit
Rabbit is nervous, well-meaning, and often unsure how to help his friends. Cast a strong actor who can show different kinds of worry and frustration without making the character one-note.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: A4–Bb4
Owl
Owl is educated, pompous, and quick to lecture, even when he may not actually know the answer. His “Backson Song” solos are rhythmically challenging and can be spoken if needed.
Gender: Male | Vocal range: B3–C5
Kanga
Kanga is gentle, caring, and motherly. She looks after Roo and the other animals with patience and warmth. This is a good role for a performer with a lot of heart.
Gender: Female | Vocal range: A4–Bb4
Roo
Roo is young, playful, energetic, and adores Tigger. This is a great role for a student new to theatre, especially one who can bring natural excitement and charm.
Gender: Any | Vocal range: E4–A4 :
Seven Narrators
The Seven Narrators, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet, introduce the Hundred Acre Wood and guide the story. These non-singing roles are ideal for strong speakers with clear projection and good audience connection.
Gender: Any
Animal Chorus
The Animal Chorus includes Squirrels, Frogs, Beetles, Gophers, Chipmunks, Birds, Raccoons, and any other animals your school wants to add. This ensemble sings in nearly every song and is essential to the storytelling.
Gender: Any :
Word Chorus
The Word Chorus sings “Halfway Down” and helps the animals escape the Backson pit. This group is a great place for strong choral singers, and the Narrators or Animal Chorus may double here if needed.
Gender: Any | Vocal range: A3–C5
Christopher Robin
Christopher Robin is kind, thoughtful, and loved by the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood. His disappearance creates the Backson scare, and his return resolves the story. This is a non-singing role for a clear, confident speaker.
Gender: Male :
Pooh’s Tummy
Pooh’s Tummy is the hungry, endearing part of Pooh. This can be one performer or several, staged onstage, offstage, or however best fits your production.
Gender: Any | Vocal range: A3–C5 :
Bees
The Bees are energetic, flashy, and fun. They help Pooh get his honey and can be expanded for more students. The more Bees you cast, the fuller the honey songs can sound.
Gender: Any | Vocal range: Eb4–C5 :