Our Story
About Spotlight
Repertory NW
Cultivating future performing arts leaders through a safe, uplifting 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 Journey
From One Stage to Many
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, opening its doors with youth theater productions designed to give young performers a stage of their own.
Expanding the Cast
Summer camps launch, bringing weeks of immersive performing arts experiences to youth across the Eastside. The first community-wide productions draw audiences and volunteers from surrounding neighborhoods.
Resilience in the Wings
When live performance pauses, Spotlight pivots to virtual workshops and online showcases, keeping the creative community connected and the spotlight burning.
New Harmonies
An adult choir and jazz ensembles join the repertoire, welcoming performers of all ages and broadening the organization’s reach across the community.
A Growing Stage
With a full season of classes, camps, and productions, Spotlight continues to cultivate the next generation of performing arts leaders while enriching the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Our Team
Meet the People Behind the Spotlight
Frances Garcia Hoffman
Executive Director & Founder, Teaching Artist
Award-winning singer with 25+ years of stage experience. Holds a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Peabody Conservatory. Recipient of the Drama Logue Critics Award and Metropolitan Opera Regional Competition finalist.
Marika Galvin
Artistic Director, Teaching Artist
Involved with Spotlight since 2018, serving as teaching artist since 2019. Plays a key leadership role in production planning, repertoire selection, and performer development.
Jeffrey Moidel
Choral Director, Spotlight Concert Choir
Conductor, pianist, composer, and vocal coach. Graduate of Mannes College of Music. Held leadership roles at Tacoma Opera, Skagit Opera, and Seattle Opera’s Young Artist Program.
Denine Monet
Teaching Artist, Spotlight Jazz Vocals
Multi-style singer and instructor with 25+ years of teaching experience. Jazz vocalist with album Lady Bird appearing on the Gavin Jazz Chart Top 50 and Grammy pre-nomination list.
Thomas Pierson
Teaching Artist, Middle School Improv
Brings years of stage and classroom experience. Specializes in improv comedy, stage combat, choreography, and acting fundamentals.
Eilish Rhoades
Teaching Artist, Dance for Musical Theater
Seattle-based actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer with nearly 10 years of teaching experience. Performed with Second Story Rep and Sky Performing Arts.
Jeff Messman
Piano Accompanist
Plays classical and jazz piano. Accompanies student and professional singers and instrumentalists with nearly 20 years of professional experience in the Seattle area.
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
Susana Valencia
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
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 musical theatre in the fall. The whole organization and all of the faculty and members are all so loving and caring and do such a great job of supporting and helping young artists.”
Spencer Barber
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 supportive environment builds our children up and I really appreciate how Spotlight Repertory NW builds community in Sammamish.”
Caitlin S.
Sammamish Parent • Rising Stars Classes
“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 atmosphere is relaxed and fun, so the kids can work on building up their confidence and skills in a low-stress environment.”
Catherine P.
Sammamish Parent • Classes & Camps
“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 rehearsals. Spotlight made it easy to bring music back into my life!”
Catherine P.
Choir Vocalist
“Participating in Spotlight Repertory has been a wonderful experience for my son and daughter. They always have a lot of fun during the rehearsals and performances, and have gained a great deal of confidence. They also feel like they are part of a community where they can grow and feel supported.”
Charlotte H.
Sammamish Parent
“These programs have been an amazing experience for our daughter. She was always excited to go to rehearsal. Performances challenged her courage but she felt supported by her directors and cast mates. It has been a positive influence on all aspects of her life.”
Elizabeth F.
Sammamish Parent
Moments on Stage
Gallery
A glimpse into our performances, rehearsals, and the creative community that makes it all possible.
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.