There have been many horror stories from former students at Shining Studios, but it’s time that I share mine. When I first went to Shining Studios, Kyle Savage had popped up in Port Washington and I was ecstatic to join his theatre company. I was 14 years old when I first auditioned for ‘13’ and ‘Seussical’. Thus was when the true horror began. I realized that Kyle Savage was a conman, who somehow has a teaching degree and is way too unprofessional to be working with children.Children should be met with love and kindness, especially when working in theatre and the arts. Kyle Savage treated most of his students terribly. He made me show up to rehearsals where I had a 101 degree fever and threatened to cut me out of numbers if I didn’t show up with this fever. He would use other students who would travel from towns outside of Nassau County as “good examples” of cast members and use me, and other sickly students as “bad examples” of cast members. I can recall many times where Kyle would yell at students, most under the age of 16 and make them cry. One special time, I recall when he yelled at my friend because she had a prior conflict with a rehearsal and called her a ‘disgrace’ and told her to never show her face at his studio after the show.The culture, as a result, is very toxic at Shining Studios. There seems to be an environment where if you donate enough money to his “nonprofit” theatre company, you will then receive very special benefits, such as playing the lead consistently in his shows. While I believe that community theatre tends to be overrun with favorites, it’s not fair to let the students who cannot afford to pay Kyle Savage as much as $700 fall behind.At the age of 14, I had learned that Kyle Savage, a grown man, had been bad mouthing me to his customers and his actors, many of which were my friends. Among other things, he blamed me for a lack of revenue for his business and for the lack of new students. Maybe he should’ve blamed himself for the way he treated young, impressionable children.Now, I had given Kyle Savage the benefit of the doubt that he could have changed from 2016. Clearly he hasn’t. I went to see his production of Heathers: The Musical in 2019 with some friends. We were extremely shocked that there was no warning for the type of content that was in the show. The show featured explicit talk about suicide and even depicted a teenage girl hanging herself. This was extremely triggering to my friends and I, who all suffer from mental health issues.Long story short: Save your money and go somewhere else. It’s not worth it to be dehumanized by Kyle Savage.

Shining Studios is a great theater company that puts on amazing shows. Kyle and Amber are great teachers and they help kids become better actors!

The employees dont care for the children properly

Has the distinct odor of grifting well-meaning parents. Having a fundraiser for a for-profit business, asking local businesses to donate items for a silent auction without having tax-exempt status. Who does that? Apparently a guy who owes our school district $6,000. WHAT A CON.

An amazing drama school for kids interested in musical theatre, acting, and production. Kyle does expect his students to be their best, but I truly believe that teachers who expect this from children help them to reach their full potential.

I had a very poor experience with Shining studio, particularly Kyle. I found him to be very unprofessional and childish. He also frequently yells at the children and does not provide a warm and nurturing environment. Go elsewhere! There is a great, professional theatre group in Roslyn.

The reviewer Iann Fines review mirrors very closely the experience we have had with Kyle and Shining Studio. Pay to play is apparent and an environment detrimental to children is the other.If you care to know more, feel free to be in touch; Im not hard to find.

I love Kyle and Amber! Charlotte is amazing with my daughter. Would 100% recommend the Curtains and Clef Musical Theatre.

They owe the local school district over $6,000!!! Mary Callahan, Assistant Superintendent, Port Washington School District. Certainly wouldnt give them any stars but couldnt post message without at least 1 star.

I love Shining Kyle is an amazing director and you come here this is you second home

Kyle is unexperienced, and started this buisness with his friends. Amber Holloman, and other staff there, do not care for children the right way. Threatening to be kicked out of the show is one thing, but he would constantly theeaten to replace me with anther student who could supposedly learn the part in 3 days. Then, he even went as far as telling me that I shouldn’t come back, because if I did, I would get a horrible part. Then, after I have disassociated myself with this disgraceful company, he blames me for telling my friends to give them a bad rating on yelp, based on rumors he heard from students. I didn’t even know he had a yelp page, but when I found out, I decided to write this review. Lastly, when choosing parts, kyle uses what is called “The Kyle System”. If a student and their parents give kyle props and money, kyle will give that student a good part. This is my opinion, and everyone is entitled to try it. Although, I suggest that people stay away from this ‘acting studio’.

LOVE