Meet Denise Parton of Murfreesboro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Parton.

Hi Denise , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved stories. From the time I was a child, storytelling was my joy—whether writing them down, performing them for my family, or simply spinning tales in my imagination. I don’t watch much TV; I prefer to create my own worlds. Over the years, I’ve written five novels, and I’m preparing to release a new series this year. For me, stories are about one thing above all else: character development. That’s what keeps us coming back to books, films, and shows—we connect with characters because we long to grow alongside them. Deep down, we all hope we can change too.

In 2013, I returned to Murfreesboro after several years in San Diego. By 2015, I had become the Director of Education at a local community theater where I launched a theatrical education program for children. What began as an after-school program quickly grew into a thriving year-round initiative, serving over 800 children annually.

Our mission was clear: to provide kids with access to Broadway-style productions while offering training in acting, dance, vocal coaching, choreography, and specialized skills like stage makeup, costume design, stunts, combat, improvisation—and most importantly, character development both on and off stage.

In 2023, after eight years of success, new leadership at the theater led to my departure. It could have been a devastating end—but instead, it became the beginning of something new. Together with my daughter, Brittany Griffin, we took that heartbreak and turned it into hope. With the encouragement of passionate parents and loyal friends, Inner Light Family Theatre was born.

Now three years into our journey, we still don’t have a building of our own. But we’ve learned that creativity thrives in limitation. What we lack in infrastructure, we more than make up for in vision, faith, and passion. In two and a half years, we’ve produced a wide range of productions—including The Phantom of the Opera, performed to sold-out audiences at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre.

How does a 501(c)(3) startup survive without major funding or a permanent space? For us, the answer is simple: we return to our core belief.

Our guiding principle at Inner Light Family Theatre is:

“If the light that is on you is brighter than the light that is inside of you, it will destroy you.”

We believe in building that inner light first. We’re committed to creating a positive, nurturing environment where performers feel safe to grow—not just as artists, but as people. We focus on excellence, encouragement, and heart-centered work that helps students gain confidence and discover who they truly are.

At Inner Light, we don’t just teach theater—we teach life. We instill work ethic, resilience, compassion, and integrity. We believe the arts have the power to transform not only the performer but the world around them.

Our dream is to become Middle Tennessee’s premier performing arts center—a space where family-friendly productions uplift and inspire, where students develop lasting skills, and where the community can come together to celebrate stories that matter.

We want every young person who walks through our doors to know: their light matters. And when they let it shine, it has the power to break through any darkness.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many start-ups, our biggest challenge has been the absence of a permanent home. Without our own building, we’re constantly renting rehearsal spaces and performance venues, which presents both logistical and financial hurdles.

As a new nonprofit, we’re also navigating the waiting period before we’re eligible to apply for most major grants—typically a three-year requirement. That means we’ve had to be incredibly resourceful and creative with our funding.

At the moment, we rely heavily on donors, local show sponsors, and ticket sales to keep our productions alive. Every dollar counts. But what we lack in resources, we make up for in passion, faith, and community support. The obstacles haven’t stopped us—they’ve refined us, strengthened our mission, and reminded us why we do what we do.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At heart, I’m a storyteller. I’m an author of fantasy novels—epic, thrilling, heartwarming stories that explore courage, transformation, and the power of identity. I believe stories shape us, and I love crafting characters who grow in ways that inspire my readers to believe they can grow too.

But storytelling is just one piece of what I do. I also teach acting and direct for the stage. My daughter Brittany is a gifted choreographer who believes everyone is a dancer—no matter their background or experience. Together, we make a dynamic team at Inner Light Family Theatre.

What sets us apart is how we see our students. We treat them as if they are limitless—and because of that, they rise to the challenge. We’ve watched children who came in shy or uncertain completely transform on stage. We believe in them before they believe in themselves. That belief… that’s our superpower.

What we are most proud of is watching our performers grow—not just as artists, but as people. When they step off that stage taller, braver, more confident than when they stepped on, that’s when I know we’ve done something meaningful.

We’re not just putting on shows. We’re changing lives—one story, one child, one breakthrough at a time.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We love collaboration, and we’re always open to connecting with individuals, artists, organizations, and supporters who share our passion for creativity, character, and community.

If you’re a performer, teaching artist, choreographer, designer, or creative professional who loves working with young people, we’d love to hear from you. Inner Light Family Theatre is growing, and we’re always looking for like-minded artists to join us in cultivating meaningful, uplifting productions.

If you’re a business or individual who believes in what we’re doing and would like to support us, we welcome donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions. As a nonprofit, 501 ( c ) 3 we rely on the generosity of our community to keep our programming accessible and thriving.

You can also support us by attending our shows, spreading the word, or simply encouraging the young performers in your life to get involved in the arts.

To connect, collaborate, or support us, you can visit our website, follow us on social media, or email us directly. Whether you’re looking to share your talents, lend your voice, or sow into our mission financially—we’d be honored to partner with you.

Together, we can shine a light that reaches far beyond the stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.innerlightfamilytheatre.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerlightfamilytheatre?igsh=MXN5Nmk5enI4OGhpbg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ANpRoKdC2/?mibextid=wwXIfr