Our Story
About Spotlight
Repertory NW
Cultivating performing arts leaders in a safe, inspiring, and creative environment since 2017.
Our Mission
Spotlight Repertory NW creates and deepens community connections and elevates spirits through premier live music and performing arts programs.
We serve diverse youth and adult communities through music and theater productions, classes, summer camps, and music ensembles—vocals and jazz alike. Our focus is on cultivating future performing arts leaders in a safe, uplifting creative environment.
“Spotlight will help you find your inner voice and make it strong and joyful!”
Our Team
Meet the People Behind the Spotlight
Frances Garcia Hoffman
Executive Director & Founder, Teaching Artist
Click “Read More” to see full bio.
Marika Galvin
Artistic Director, Teaching Artist
Having been involved with Spotlight since 2018 and serving as a teaching artist since 2019, Marika is now the Artistic D…
Thomas Pierson
Teaching Artist, Middle School Improv
Fight Choreographer, The Lightning Thief
You may have just seen Thomas on stage as Percy Jackson in Spotlight Repertory NW’s The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jacks…
Sam Peters
Choral Director, Spotlight Concert Choir
Sam Peters (he/him) is a musical director specializing in community choruses and musical theater. Sam works with two sen…
Stephan Nieman
Director, The Lightning Thief
Stephan graduated from East 15 Acting School with his MFA in Theatre and CSUN in 2018 with a bachelor’s Degree in Theatr…
Rebecca Gelzer
Music Director, The Lightning Thief
Rebecca Gelzer (she/her) is delighted to return to Spotlight Rep after playing in the band for Spelling Bee last year! R…
Amanda Mathis
Summer Camp Coordinator, Teaching Artist, Middle School Improv
Amanda has loved theater since childhood, and that passion continues to shape her work. She enjoys working with students…
Ankit Madhira
Teaching Artist, Summer Camps
An actor, singer-songwriter, musician, and educator whose work spans international stages and the Seattle arts community…
Eilish Rhoades
Choreographer, The Lightning Thief
Teaching Artist
A Seattle-based actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist. With just under 10 years of teaching experien…
Denine Monet
Teaching Artist, Spotlight Jazz Vocals
A versatile singer and instructor in the Seattle area with over 25 years of teaching experience, originally based in the…
Jeff Messman
Piano Accompanist
Classically trained pianist specializing in classical and jazz music. Degree in piano performance. Professional musician…
Board of Directors
Guiding our mission and ensuring Spotlight Repertory NW continues to grow and serve the community.
Joannine Kramarsic
President
Patti Tornquist
Vice President
Erin Daniels
Treasurer
Catherine Patterson
Secretary
Jordan Hoffman
Member at Large
Paul Russo
Member at Large
Petra Johnson
Member at Large
Sreenivas Shetty
Member at Large
Vic Corrin
Member at Large
Jum Carroll
Member at Large
Voices from Our Community
Testimonials
“Spotlight Rep holds a very special place in my heart, as it was my first experience with theatre. I fully believe that if I were not in the shows and camps throughout middle school, I would not be attending college for m…”
Spencer B.
Spotlight Performer through Middle School, High School & Beyond
“My daughters have participated in the Rising Stars program the last three years. It has been a treasure to see growth in friendships, confidence, and the joy it brings them with each season. This program and the supporti…”
Caitlin S.
Sammamish Parent • Rising Stars Classes
“Spotlight Concert Choir is fun, challenging, exciting, and welcoming! The choir is about more than just the music. It also strives to create a real community and the members make time to get together outside of rehearsal…”
Cassy P.
Choir Member
“This show was exactly what I needed to revive myself after such a terrible year. With this company I always felt loved. I always felt included. I always felt like I was meant to be in this show with these people. People…”
Karly B.
Cast Member — The Lightning Thief
“My whole family enjoyed Spotlight’s recent production of The Lightning Thief—even my reluctant 13-year-old enjoyed it and the humor in the production. We were all impressed by the performances of the lead actors! The res…”
Nicole S.
Audience Member — The Lightning Thief
“Spotlight Repertory NW is an amazing local resource for children interested in drama and musical theater. Spotlight’s classes and camps have allowed my daughter to find, and develop, a passion for the arts. The atmospher…”
Catherine P.
Sammamish Parent • Classes & Camps
Moments on Stage
Gallery
A glimpse into our performances and the creative community that makes it all possible.
Our Journey
Key Moments in Spotlight Rep
What began as a small youth theater initiative in Sammamish has grown into a vibrant 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving performers and audiences across the Pacific Northwest.
The Curtain Rises
Spotlight Repertory NW is founded in Sammamish, WA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In its first year, the organization hosts two Teen Talent shows and launches improv classes and summer camps for youth in the community.
Expanding the Cast
Spotlight introduces Rising Stars (grades 2–5) and Shining Stars (grades 6–10) youth programs, along with the Encore adult performance class. The organization stages its first large-scale musical, Into the Woods Jr., and continues growing its summer camp offerings.
Building Momentum
All core programs continue, including youth classes, improv, summer camps, and community productions—building a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Resilience in the Wings
When live performance pauses, Spotlight adapts behind the scenes. In 2021, the Spotlight Carolers bring holiday music to the community, keeping the creative spirit alive.
New Harmonies
Spotlight launches its Concert Choir for adults and teens, along with the Spotlight Jazz program—expanding beyond theater to embrace a wider range of performing arts.
A Growing Stage
All programs—youth classes, choir, jazz, improv, and summer camps—continue to grow and mature, deepening Spotlight’s presence across the Eastside community.
Center Stage
Spotlight produces its first summer musical, Gutenberg! The Musical!, and expands its concert season—marking a major step forward as a full-spectrum performing arts organization.
Taking the Next Step
Spotlight introduces its Dance for Musical Theater class and prepares for its first Summer Stock Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, continuing to grow and serve performers of all ages.
Ready to Step Into the Spotlight?
Whether you want to perform, learn, or simply support the arts, there is a place for you at Spotlight Repertory NW.