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…
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…
Jeffrey Moidel
Choral Director, Spotlight Concert Choir
Conductor, pianist, composer, and vocal coach, he serves as the Choral Director of the Spotlight Concert Choir. A gradua…
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…
Eilish Rhoades
Teaching Artist, Dance for Musical Theater
A Seattle-based actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist. With just under 10 years of teaching experien…
Amanda Mathis
Teaching Artist, Middle School Improv / Summer Camp Coordinator
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…
Thomas Pierson
Teaching Artist, Middle School Improv
Bringing years of stage and classroom experience, he inspires students to dive into acting, singing, and dancing. His sp…
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
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!”
Cassy 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 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.