Directors

Michelle Newman is a vocal coach, performance coach, artist development specialist, and vocal producer. Since 2001, she has remained one of the country’s leading vocal coaches, earning the trust of top talent agencies and major record labels across North America. In 2019, she co-founded Spotlight Academy with the goal of fostering a love of performance to a new generation of performers.

Michelle’s clients have performed in leading roles on Broadway, in Mirvish productions, on national tours, and on major television programs including The Next Step, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and CTV’s The Launch. She has also coached internationally recognized artists such as Johnny Orlando, Zendaya (The Greatest Showman), and Alexandra Shipp (Tik Tik Boom, Barbie).

She was the resident vocal coach and producer for the Mini Pop Kids from 2011–2017, playing a major role in their vocal development and success on the Billboard charts. She also served as the vocal coach for the Lifetime biopic Aaliyah: Princess of R&B.

As a performer, Michelle has shared the stage and studio with Tina Turner, The Black Eyed Peas, Donny Osmond, Jacksoul, and The Philosopher Kings.

With a rare blend of technical mastery, industry insight, and heartfelt mentorship, Michelle empowers her clients to find their voice and reach their full artistic potential.

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE COACHING

Amanda Silcoff is a performance coach, vocal expert, music producer, performer, and entrepreneur. She is proud to be fostering the next generation of Canadian talent both at her Private Vocal Studio, Amanda Silcoff Voice, and at Spotlight Academy.

She has a Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance from Sheridan College, a Master’s in Music Business from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and trained at CAP21 in New York City

In addition to her vocal pedagogy background, Amanda is a seasoned piano player and music producer. She worked for several years as the Vocal Producer for the Mini Pop Kids, with credits on three of their albums. Amanda continues to lead studio sessions all over North America and loves sharing her creativity and passion for the performing arts both on and off stage!

Amanda has worked with various Broadway Composers such as Stephen Schwartz, and has performed alongside David Warrack and the late Michael Burgess. She was a guest coach at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China, and also worked on the Artist Development Team at HYBE Corporation, in association with BigHit Music Co. Ltd., providing vocalists with performance skills to accelerate their careers.

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE COACHING

Leadership Team

Jaidyn is a dedicated arts administrator with a deep commitment to creative education. While completing her BA in English at the University of Guelph, she spent four years as a Program Coordinator in the camp industry, where she honed her expertise in creating engaging experiences for young learners. Now serving as the Operations Manager of Spotlight Academy, she combines her passion for youth development with her organizational expertise to ensure every students journey is filled with joy, growth, and show-stopping moments!

Halle is a Toronto-based actor, performer, and arts educator. Her passion for nurturing young talent stems from her own early inspiration—seeing The Sound of Music at age five and knowing immediately that performing would be her life's path. After earning a BFA in Performance from Toronto Metropolitan University, she now serves as Spotlight’s Creative Director. In this role Halle coordinates productions, structures programs, and oversees creative elements. On weekends, she delights audiences as a Disney Princess performer throughout the GTA.

Teaching Staff

Hailey is a multidisciplinary performer, choreographer, and arts educator with a deep love for storytelling through music and movement. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Musical Theatre Performance program,  Hailey has been an arts educator for over 10 years and is a strong believer that arts education can change lives. As a longtime member of the Spotlight team, she brings her creative vision to life as a lead program advisor and Triple Threat choreographer.

Brandon is a Toronto based performer who's been seen on stages all across the country. In 2022, he made his Broadway debut in the Original Cast of the jukebox musical & Juliet. After his successful Broadway run, he relocated back to Toronto to pursue his passion for teaching the next generation of young performers. As one of our two esteemed production instructors, Brandon is co-directing our Into the Woods production program as well as leading our Adult Triple Threat program, bringing his wealth of practical theatre knowledge to inspire and guide our students.

Andrew is a Toronto-based performer, musician, and York University graduate. As an esteemed musical director holding concurrent positions at both George Brown College and Spotlight Academy, he brings his wealth of performance experience, deep musical knowledge, and innovative creative vision to our team. Currently leading both our Adult Production and Advanced Teen Production programs, Andrew strives to instill a passion for performance in our students.

Originally from Ottawa, Clark is a Toronto-based performer who began his vocal training at age 5, studying with renowned coaches across Canada's major artistic hubs—Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. His dedication to perfecting his craft led him to train at both York University and the Canadian College of Performing Arts, where he honed his skills in musical theatre, acting, and performance. At Spotlight, Clark brings his skills to our Advanced Teen production program as a lead choreographer and co-director.

Marny is a professional choreographer and host based in Toronto. Currently, she divides her time between co-hosting "Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live" on weekends across the United States and choreographing several productions—including "RENT" at Spotlight, "Matilda" at Crestwood, and shows for both "Girl Pow R" and "The Legacy Project." Marny's passion and enthusiasm for community and connection shine through as she creates energetic, memorable experiences that will last a lifetime!

Naomi is a passionate theatre artist and graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Performance Acting program. She is dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence, and storytelling in young performers. With a dynamic, hands-on approach to teaching, she encourages students to explore, take creative risks, and develop their unique artistic voices. At Spotlight, Naomi is co-directing the Into the Woods production program and is thrilled to guide and inspire the next generation of performers.

Nadia is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in downtown Toronto. With a BFA in Theatre from York University, specializing in acting, she has spent the last two years at Spotlight Academy helping students discover and nurture their passion for musical theatre. As both a lead choreographer for the Advanced Teen Production Program and an experienced Triple Threat instructor, Nadia helps each of her students shine!

Originally from Newfoundland, Sarah is a multidisciplinary performer and educator. With a BFA in Theatre Acting, she has performed and taught throughout her home province since 2017. After relocating to Toronto in 2023, she joined the Spotlight team to pursue her passion for teaching performing arts. As a dedicated vocal and performance coach, Sarah leads both our Triple Threat group classes and private lessons, dedicating herself to helping each student reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Ariane is a passionate and versatile Triple Threat coach at Spotlight Academy. Currently pursuing her BFA in Production and Design at York University, her unique combination of technical theatre knowledge and performance experience allows her to bring a comprehensive understanding of performance to Spotlight. Having grown up in the performing arts, Ariane discovered her love for performance at an early age and has since developed her skills across singing, acting, and dance.

Evelyn is a multidisciplinary performer and recent graduate of Sheridan's Music Theatre Performance program. With three incredible years as a lead instructor at Spotlight under her belt, she specializes in unlocking each student's unique musical potential. She is passionate about helping students discover the joy of music while building their technical skills to sing in any genre they choose. As a versatile instructor, Evelyn offers private voice, acting, and piano lessons, as well as teaching our group classes!

Claire is a Toronto/New York based performer and educator. For the past 12 years she has worked with performers of all ages - as a private voice/acting coach, director, and teacher - directing shows like Legally Blonde Jr, Wicked, Shrek Jr, etc. Claire encourages her superstars to be their most confident selves, and of course to bring their best BIG SPARKLY ENERGY!

Sarah has been performing professionally since age six, captivating audiences across Toronto and Ottawa stages. Her extensive credits include roles in Seussical, Mamma Mia, and Oliver! Beyond the stage, she has recorded extensively in both pop and musical theatre genres. As a dedicated group class instructor and private coach at Spotlight for the past two years, Sarah strives to instill a lifelong love of theatre in each of her students.

Holly is a Hamilton-raised, Toronto-based performer and educator! A graduate from the Theatre and Drama Studies Program at UTM/Sheridan, she brings her enthusiasm and skill to the Spotlight team. As both an experienced group class instructor and dedicated private performance coach, she is dedicated to establishing safe and supportive learning spaces where her students feel confident to create, learn, and shine!

A skilled performer and arts educator with over a decade of experience, Isabelle built her strong foundation in music and performance at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts' renowned vocal program. Now studying theatre at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts, she continues to explore and refine her craft. A former Spotlight student herself, Isabelle has come full circle—teaching both private lessons and group classes as an integral member of the Spotlight family since 2023.

Eleni is a dedicated assistant teacher and front desk staff member at Spotlight Academy. With years of professional vocal training and a natural gift for working with children, she creates an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable to explore and grow. Through her genuine care and enthusiasm, Eleni demonstrates that the arts are not just about performance, but about building connections and fostering personal growth in a supportive community.

Alyx is an enthusiastic and energetic assistant teacher and front desk staff member at Spotlight Academy. Currently pursuing his passion for musical theatre at Etobicoke School of the Arts, Alyx brings his infectious energy and creative spirit to every class. Known for his silly sense of humour and warm personality, he fosters a welcoming environment where students can freely explore their creativity and build confidence!