Why we do what we do.
Listen to our students talk about what theater means to them and why they think you should do it too!
“Denise Parton is the master of discovering everything a story has to share, and encourages actors to find their own relationship with a story. I have grown as an actor and as a person through her wisdom. She creates a warm and loving community full of support rather than competition. Any environment that is nurtured by Denise automatically becomes a safe-space, because she is full of light and love. And the theatre world is desperate for more people like her.”
— Caroline Humphries
“I have been doing theater since I was eight years old. Getting to tell stories through acting, singing and dancing is something that I think is truly amazing! Over the years I have learned so much from my director, mentor and friend, Denise Parton. Denise is one of the best story tellers you will ever meet! With every show I do with her, I get to grow and perfect my craft more and more. She is great at helping you understand the true meaning of the characters and stories you are portraying. She has helped me build my character both on and off stage. She always tells us that, “The light in us is way more important than the light on us.” I have never met someone who cares more for their students than Denise. The light in her is always shining even when there is no spotlight on her. She is an amazing teacher, and I will never stop learning from her.”
— Alana Shirk
“Ms. Denise and Brittany, over the span of just a year, have changed my life for the better. I’ve been taught many skills acting wise, but more importantly, I was shown and taught how to love others more. These women and CSA meant the absolute world to me. I’m beyond stoked to be a part of a new era with nothing holding us back. Ms. Denise has been a friend, teacher and mother to me and I can’t express enough how much you need these people in your life. I promise you, from the bottom of my heart, your life will not only be better, but filled with love. This is a family and when you’re with us, you will be treated as such.”
— Charlie Jones
“I have worked with Denise Parton and Brittany Griffin for about six years, and through that time, I have grown as an actor and as a human being. They have introduced me to the art of Theatre, and thus have sparked my passion for storytelling. I hope to carry their lessons and guidance with me as I progress into the theatrical world, and all that it has to offer! I can’t wait to see how far Inner Light Family Theatre goes, and how many people they will continue to inspire!”
— Jude Williams
“Denise and Brittany have held a special place in my heart ever since I met them. Over time they have helped me find my inner light and without them I do not know where I would be. Telling stories through acting, dancing, and singing is such a delight to do with them. They have helped me, along with many other kids, find our place. I will never stop learning from them. They are two of the wisest people I have met, even with things that have nothing to do with theatre. From life lessons to casual conversations, it’s always a pleasure to talk to them. Denise has such a wholesome spirit and is such a light to those who meet her. Brittany is so creative and committed to everything she does and is such a great role model. I look up to them both so much. I’m proud to call Inner Light Family Theatre my new second home and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!”
— Grace Cook
“If you would’ve told me seven years ago that I would’ve been doing theater, and that it would impact me the way it had, I would’ve laughed in your face. I had no interest in it. I knew nothing about it. And I didn’t even want to go to my first show… my mom made me. But as time went on, I realized that not only did I love participating in theater, it allowed me to meet so many amazing people. Many of those people have come and gone, but I still remember them to this day, and cherish the time we had. The guidance Ms. Denise and Ms. Brittany fostered a beautiful program that encouraged friendship and community. I’ve learned so much under them; and I can honestly say that I would not be the man I am today without them. Theater and Ms. Denise’s program have done so much for me. I’ve discovered my passion for music, decided my career path, made a supportive and loving friend group, received counsel during trying times, and over all grown into someone I can be proud of. To say that Ms. Denise is the sole reason for my growth would not be truthful. But to not say that I would be half the person I am without her would be criminal. If you are looking for a place where your child can be included, feel loved, grow in character, receive coaching in both their talent and their lives, appreciate the importance of community, learn to express themselves, and ultimately find something they couldn’t find anywhere else, this is the place. And don’t forget parents, theater is for everyone, so don’t be afraid to join. You’re always welcome!”
— Zach Dame
“All the world’s a stage” a quote by Shakespeare. Some brush this off as a silly little quote and so did I at first. My whole life I was always a crowd person. You’d find me, singing, telling jokes, and making up skits of my favorite movies. Starting with the The Lion King Jr in 2016, I did my first production! Since then, I’ve done over 25 productions, most being with Ms. Denise Parton and Ms. Brittany Griffin. Ms. Denise has taught to me to be not only a better performer, but a person with character and a heart for our creator! I’ve learned that the world is a stage so you must always have good character. Denise has been with me through all my ups and downs in performance. Watching her the past few years, I’ve realized that’s what I want to pursue as a career, a theatre teacher. I’m so thankful to be apart of this amazing theatre! I hope one day I can teach theatre in a positive environment like this!!!
— Zaden Dill
“When I think of Ms. Denise, I don’t just think of her. I feel her through my thoughts. I feel her love and compassion for the people she cares about as deeply as if it were my own. Ms. Denise is someone who takes a small sprout of opportunity and turns into a beautiful flower. She’s an optimist and never stops trying to bring out the best in people. She is wise, encouraging, loyal, and would go through a hundred storms just for one person to know their worth. She brings so many amazing qualities to the world and not only does she shine her light, she shares it with anyone and everyone she can. “
- Lyric