Is there a way to animate a group of shapes/objects similar to text?

It might be best if you actually provided a screenshot of what you are trying to do. Your post is confusing beyond the most basic answer anyone can give: No, you cannot use text animators on shape layers. that being the case, whatever you have in mind will likely require a different, more complex approach than you had expected, but based on your rather vague statment nobody can advise.

Mylenium

AI files can be separated into layers, with each element you want to animate on a separate layer. Then you import as a composition retaining layer size and start setting keyframes. 

You can convert Audio to Keyframes so that any property can be made to animate rhythmically. Unfortunately, I have no idea what you mean when you say, "similar to choosing: animate-position & selection." I know what animate position is. I have no idea what animate selection means. Is it part of an animation preset, script, or template?

Are you new to AE?