How Spotlight Theatre Company is giving kids space to shine

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from the Washington Pavilion.

Simplified: A Washington Pavilion program designed to give kids an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of theatre has a new name, and with it a hope to better communicate the message that theatre is for everybody. Here's what you need to know about Spotlight Theatre Company.

Why it matters

  • Spotlight Theatre Company – formerly the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) – has impacted thousands of kids over the last two decades through classes, summer camps and professional-quality performances.
  • But the program has evolved past its prior name, Assistant Director of Performances Bob Wendland said. While DAPA used to include orchestra classes, it has zeroed in on teaching kids all aspects of theatre, from lighting and set design to performing.
  • There was also a perception that the "academy" was a bit exclusionary. In reality, the Pavilion is looking to help all kids interested in theatre find opportunities to participate.
"We really want to break down any of those perceived barriers to anyone in the community to know this is a safe space for young artists to perform and create and participate in theatre," Wendland said. "We really want our program to reflect our community."

Tell me more about the new name

"Spotlight" was chosen for a number of reasons:

  • It refers to the literal spotlight that lights performers on stage.
  • It also is a common call and response teachers use in theatre classes at the Pavilion. The instructor will put a hand in the air and say, "Spotlight!" as a way to get students' attention at the start of class.

There's also an element of inclusivity to the new name, Wendland said. Nearly every person involved in a production will impact where the spotlight shines.

"A technician has to turn it on, and a light board operator has to program it, and a stage manager has to cue it," he said.

Tell me more about the theatre company

Spotlight Theatre Company is for kids age 6 to 18, and there are a number of ways to participate.

  • Kids can take classes, audition for performances, develop leadership skills and have unique opportunities to learn from professionals in the industry.

Spotlight also hosts summer camps, and puts on Plays for Living, a series of performances in local schools designed to help educate students and start conversations around sensitive issues.

"The heart of the program doesn't change," Senior Program Specialist Debbi Jones said, "We’re just trying to more clearly communicate who we are, what we do and what our goals are for kids – which is to provide them opportunities to excel."

How can I support Spotlight?

Go to a show, Wendland said. You can find the fall schedule here.

You can also offer direct financial support to help provide scholarships for kids who are unable to afford Spotlight classes and programs.