About Us
Our Mission
Shining Light Theater is a Christian, community theater company that presents Biblical messages,
shining God’s light, love and grace to others through high-quality theatrical productions and training.
Our Vision
In the Arts:
To use the arts to reflect the glory of God, keeping Jesus at the center of all we do
To reclaim the theater and the arts for the Kingdom of Heaven
To offer excellence in faith-based education, training, and productions
For Participants:
To provide a wholesome, safe, Christ-centered environment where individuals of all ages can:
- Grow in their faith and God-given identity
- Develop and use their gifts to serve God, reach the lost, and uplift others
- Build unity, friendships, and a heart for ministry
- Experience the joy of creating art that honors the Lord
For the Audience:
To inspire, encourage, and invite all to encounter the love of Christ and the presence of God
To reveal God’s truth about Himself, humanity and salvation
To create opportunities for life-transformation and spiritual revival
Our Story
Shining Light Theater was incorporated in January 2025, but that’s not where the story began. God had been preparing this path for many years. Our founder and executive artistic director, Julie Nelson, grew up loving the performing arts and went to college to major in theater. It was there that she saw the corruption and darkness so often present in the theater world and in our broken world in general. In that season, God clearly told her that He wanted her to do theater differently – to do theater for Him! While raising their four sons, Julie directed drama for church groups and homeschool co-ops while the vision of a Christian theater company was waiting quietly in her heart. When the time was right, God opened doors for her to teach theater classes and direct Christian plays. Several years ago, while reading Philippians 2, these words jumped off the page: “For you will appear among them as shining lights in the world, holding out the words of eternal life.” What a perfect name for a Christian, community theater! The Lord is expanding our reach to all ages and the greater community with Shining Light Theater. This theater is not about us, it is all about Jesus. Jesus is the center of all we do.
“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:14-16