Why are YOU a Spotlight Kid or Parent? Let us and others know what your SKC experience has been like!
My daughter first got involved in productions at SKC when she was in 6th grade and is now a sophomore. What I love most about SKC is that Kathryn and Kristin have created a family atmosphere where any student of musical theater will thrive. After every show, I say, that was the best show I have seen. Most importantly, I could never thank them enough for continuing to be such strong and amazing role models who have inspired my daughter in so many ways. SKC has become my daughter's second family. I am so proud to say that my daughter is in Spotlight Kids with the entire McManus family!!! - Mr. Fink, Parent
Joining SKC is probably the best decision I have ever made. The amazing people in this company have taught me everything I know about theatre. When my nervous 7th grade self walked into my first audition, I was terrified. But Kathryn and Kristin were there with welcoming smiles eager to listen. In that moment I knew, this place was so much more than a company it was a family. I would not be where I am right now if it weren't for SKC. I want to thank all the spectacular people that have helped shape me into the performer and person I am today, and for giving our community the gift of theatre. - Isabella R, Cast Member
I started with Spotlight 3 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Besides getting great theatre training and getting to be a part of spectacular performances I really found a family at Spotlight. I’ve met some of my closest friends here and everyone is so supportive, sweet, and welcoming! I can’t imagine doing theatre anywhere else because Spotlight is my home. You’ll always catch me in the next musical or trying the next class because I never wanna to grow up and have to leave this place. - Isabella C, Cast Member
I have been in 2 SKC productions, the first being The Sound of Music where I played Kurt Von Trapp and Peter Pan where I played John. Overall, these have been two great experiences and I hope to be in some more. How I found out about SKC was through Les Mis at the Madison High School (I played Gavroche) where I met the amazing director of Spotlight, Kathryn. Kathryn is a great director that is always friendly and makes sure that the show is as good as it can be! Also, Spotlight is a great program for everyone: whether you are a beginner or have had past experience. I started theatre at a relatively late age but the friendly environment at rehearsals made me fit right in. I really do feel very fortunate to be able to take part in such a great program! Thank you to Spotlight Kids Company for making me a better actor and giving me such a great experience! - Ben S, Cast Member
SKC has been a part of my life since I was 12 years old. So basically when it all started. Kathryn, the founder or The Spotlight Kids Company was my director for many years but is also my sister. I've learned so much from being in this company and am still learning every day. I have become the Assistant Director alongside my sister for a few years now. It is incredible watching kids of so many different ages grow up and become amazing young men and women. I have a special connection to many of the girls who are a part of SKC. They are my students but also my friends and I can't imagine not knowing them. If you're thinking about doing an SKC show, you will be so welcomed into our little family and will feel like you have been a part of it your whole life. Don't hesitate to email Kathryn and ask questions!! Thank you Spotlight Kids, for shaping my childhood and helping me grow as a person. - Kristin M, Cast and Crew Member
I have been involved with SKC since their very first production of Laurel's Gift. The experiences I have had with this group have been truly life changing. The people in SKC are truly one of a kind. The director is so supportive, and so is everyone else in the cast and crew. I know that I, and everyone else in SKC's productions could consider SKC another family. As a performer, I have grown immensely through my productions with SKC. With the help of Kathryn's wonderful directing, I have gained confidence, as well as improved my singing and acting skills. I do not know the person I would be today without the experiences I have shared with SKC. Thank you Spotlight Kids Company for being another home for the past 5 years, and for teaching me so much! - Hope P, Cast Member
I haven't even been with SKC for a year, and I already feel at home. Kathryn and the entire cast welcomed me in from the moment I walked through the door, and I will always be grateful for that. There is such an amazing relationship between the cast and crew, where anyone can feel free to be themselves without fear of embarrassment or ridicule. I've been able to see a side of myself with SKC that I never knew I had. When I first started with SKC last summer, I was an incredibly shy, nervous little girl, and now I can walk through the door, looking forward to this rehearsal, eager and excited to learn. In the past 10 months, I have learned so much from this group, and they've influenced my decisions and paved the way I want to see myself going with theatre. I would never be in the great place I am without them. Thanks so much, Kathryn and others! If I decide to continue acting for a career, I'll be sure to thank you if I ever win a Tony! - Erin S, Cast Member
I first joined SKC in their summer production of The Wizard of Oz. From that first audition I felt welcomed into a community of people who respect and love musical theater. I have gotten to know so many amazing people who have shaped the way I think and act around others. This theater group is more of a family then anything else, welcoming everyone who steps foot into this crazy and loving community. Kathryn, who puts together incredible shows has boosted my confidence on stage and helped bring out a side of me that loves to sing and act. It's always a proud moment when people ask what theater group I'm apart of because I get to say Spotlight Kids Company. Thank you Kathryn and everyone in SKC for pushing me to be a better actor and of course a better person. - Helen S, Cast Member
Spotlight Kids Company is so much more than just a theatre group, it's a family. I've been apart of 5 productions (cast/crew) with this group and there is such a close bond between the kids from all different ages. Kathryn McManus, the director, producer, and choreographer of all SKC productions, and also a close friend, taught me from a young age that you should honor and enjoy each other because every show has a different cast and crew and I believe the kids at SKC live up to that. Kathryn is unbelievably incredible at what she does. She inspires me and is one of my biggest heroes. The productions she puts on are so phenomenal and leave me awestruck every single time. I am so fortunate to be apart of a group where I can be myself and be comfortable in my own skin. Thank you Spotlight Kids Company for being my second family and all the crazy good times I've been able to experience over these past few years. - Jasmine W, Cast Member
I did my first SKC show when I was in 7th grade and I have done 6 shows since then. I found out about SKC from one of my best friends, Kathryn (founder of SKC), and she told me about a show she was directing called The Christmas Doll. I had never done an outside of school show before, so I was nervous, but I ended up facing my fear and I auditioned. I am so happy that I did because I loved it. Musical Theatre has been a part of my life forever. I grew up seeing Broadway shows and I always knew that I wanted to be on that stage, but I never thought that I was good enough, but Spotlight showed me that I was good enough to make my dream a reality. I can never thank Kathryn enough for all that she has done for me. Thank you SKC for being a second family to me for the past 3 or so years. - Fiona D, Cast Member
I did my first show in SKC in April of 2019 (Doll 10). I heard of this company through many of kids in my school. I have been waiting to do a show with this company for almost a year before that. I am so incredibly happy that I started doing shows with SKC (2 so far :D) Rehearsals for a show with this company is what I look forward to in the day. I was a part of Dear Edwina jr, and the cast has really bonded together. I have made many friends through that show. I just wish that I had found this company earlier. Kathryn and Kristin work really hard to make these shows happen, and I really appreciate them. Even through the hard work, we really have fun! - Julia S, Cast Member
I started SKC when it started as five years old. I remember watching the big kids on the stage saying that’s gonna be me one day. That’s where I am now. The directors Kathryn and Kristin are my sisters. I started out with the first show I was old enough for, The Christmas Doll. Then I did lots of other shows because I just felt really connected to the cast and crew. It’s so amazing to think about how we started with just a small group of people and now here we are doing shows still with new faces at every audition! Thank you to all cast and crew members I have worked with for making my life so exciting. Thank you Kathryn and Kristin for making these rememberable, but crazy times. I have so many memories. Skc is my home. - Libby M, Cast Member
I joined Spotlight Kids Company in 2014 and I felt welcome the first moment I sat down to get the scripts. I have made so many great memories that I couldn't forget. And how could I forget about the amazing friends I have became so close to on the journey. Spotlight Kids Company has helped my voice get stronger as the years went by. I don't know how I could skip a Spotlight Kids Company show ever. Spotlight has showed me that you should never give up on your dreams. They have made my dreams of being a singer come true. I'm always proud to be recognized with the Spotlight Kids Company. I don't know what I would do without Kathryn(Director), and Kristin(Assistant Director). I don't know what I would do without you guys. I want to thank the Spotlight Kids Company for making me a stronger, and more passionate singer and actor. - Lily B, Cast Member