Shane Estes

Entertainer

I am 25 years old and live in Green, OH. My life has been changed several times by Disney, entertainment galore, friends, family and my disability (Asperger's). I've loved performing since I was in elementary school, and it didn't occur to me until before 6th grade when Michael Jackson passed away and I had first heard about him. Because he helped inspire me to get into being on stage, I was able to be a part of Cinderella in 6th grade, followed by Annie in 7th grade. I was in Choir from 5th grade to senior year and I was in ensemble in 8th grade only. In between my middle and high school eras, I danced on the Akron Aeros (now RubberDucks) 3rd base dugout for Michael Jackson fireworks night in front of thousands of people, which was unforgettable! It wasn't until Junior year that I finally got to do what I love once more in Shrek for my Muiscal Theatre class (and Anne Frank for Drama), and who'd have thought several months later I'd do it again with students from other schools at Akron Civic Theatre through All-City Musical! Following that, I was in Mary Poppins and was going to do ACM again, but my mom's breast cancer diagnosis (thankfully she's 7 years cancer free and counting!) stopped everything I had hoped to do in my tracks and my senior year went to the crapper. An unexpected opportunity came along in the form of MTP when I was sent an invitation to audition for Seussical (which we don't talk about despite having good memories and it being my first MTP show). It was a huge success and after that, I was able to be a part of Bonnie & Clyde, Sweeney Todd, and Hairspray. I decided to take a small break then COVID halted everything for everyone. It wasn't until All Shook Up came around that I was able to return to doing what I love, and that's where and how we met! We didn't interact much since you were choreographing the show, but I got to know you through your podcast and through Fran, your sister! Then it was time to attend the tale of Sweeney Todd once again and I got to know you and Evangeline better thanks to the many rides you provided for me from time to time. It wasn't easy, but we still pulled it off and I gained 2 special friends in you and your daughter. I never would've imagined I'd meet someone who is life changing, inspirational and has made me a better person, and since returning to the stage, it has taught me that #TheatreIsTherapy, and I'll stand by that for life! My disability has been a gift and a curse several times in my life and I look at it like I was bitten by a spider and given powers like Spider-Man, except it's given me (high funcitoning) autistic abilities and weaknesses, all of them good or bad I see as blessings in disguise. There's so much more I wish I could talk about, but I won't go off on tangents or send us falling down my rabbit holes. I think this would be fun and it'd be an honor. Looking forward to the next season and whatever you have up your sleeve!