How to access a var from stage using a class?

programming flash
1

Hi guys!

I need a clear understanding on my problem:

I have var on my stage and i want my class to be able to access
that var.

Here’s what is on my main.fla:


import ShapeOuts;

var ShapeDetect = 0;

var shaped:ShapeOuts = new ShapeOuts();

function showShape()
{
    trace("Show Shape");
    shaped.grow();
}

showShape();

Here’s what is on my class:


package
{
    import flash.events.Event;
    import flash.display.*;
    import flash.events.*;
    import flash.utils.*;
        
    public class ShapeOuts extends MovieClip
    {
        public function ShapeOuts()
        {
            addEventListener(Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, grow);
        }
        public function grow():void
        {
            if(MovieClip(root).ShapeDetect == 0)
            {
                trace("ShapeDetect = " + MovieClip(root).ShapeDetect);
            }
        }
    }
}

i keep getting this error: Cannot access a property or method of a null object reference.

Am i missing something here? Hope this one makes sense.