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 passion for creating meaningful and memorable experiences for young people. While completing her BAH in English at the University of Guelph, she spent four years working as a Program Coordinator in the camp industry, where she developed a strong background in youth programming, leadership, and creating engaging experiences for young learners. As Spotlight’s Operations Manager, Jaidyn works behind the scenes to keep our programs, studios, and community running smoothly. Jaidyn loves getting to know the students and families who make up the Spotlight community and is passionate about creating an organized, welcoming environment where every student can feel supported, celebrated, and excited to be part of the magic.

Halle is a Toronto-based actor, performer, and arts educator whose love for theatre began at age five after seeing The Sound of Music and knowing immediately that performing would be part of her life. She went on to earn her BFA in Performance from Toronto Metropolitan University and has since worked professionally across television, film, commercials, and live performance. As Spotlight’s Creative Director, Halle plays a key role in shaping the creative vision of our programs, overseeing productions, developing and structuring programming, and supporting the artistic elements that bring each Spotlight experience to life. She is also a passionate acting coach and loves working directly with students, helping them strengthen their skills, build confidence, and discover their own unique voices as performers.

Nikki is a trained dancer who developed an interest in the operational side of the performing arts. Her dance background has shaped her discipline, creativity, and passion for performance. She brings years of management experience and is a highly organized and goal-driven individual who thrives in fast-paced environments. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Wilfred Laurier University where she strengthened her communication and leadership skills. She is passionate about working with children and the performing arts and enjoys creating positive, engaging experiences for young learners

Teaching Staff

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.

Callum Lurie is a Toronto-based actor, director, and arts educator, as well as a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. His professional experience spans both stage and screen, including We Will Rock You at the Ed Mirvish Theatre and appearances in Dare Me and Cross. As a Production and Adult Triple Threat Director at Spotlight, Callum combines his professional and educational experience to create an engaging, collaborative rehearsal room where performers can build their skills, take creative risks, and find confidence in their work.

Brandon is a Toronto-based performer, director, and teaching artist who made his Broadway debut in the Original Cast of & Juliet and most recently performed in the show’s Canadian production at the Ed Mirvish theatre. As a Production Director at Spotlight, Brandon brings his professional experience into the rehearsal room, guiding students through the process of building a full-scale musical while helping them grow as confiden performers in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Originally from Ottawa, Clark is a Toronto-based performer who began his vocal training at age 5, studying across Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. His passion for the performing arts led him to train at both York University and the Canadian College of Performing Arts, where he developed his skills in musical theatre, acting, and performance. At Spotlight, Clark is a Production and Triple Threat Instructor, bringing his training and performance experience into the classroom to help students strengthen their skills, build confidence, and grow as well-rounded performers.

Hazel is a versatile singer and actor currently studying at Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Originally from Ottawa, she has trained with industry professionals across Ottawa, Toronto, New York City, and Los Angeles. As a Production Director and Triple Threat Instructor at Spotlight, Hazel combines her professional training with a genuine passion for working with young performers. She creates a fun, supportive rehearsal environment where students can build their skills, grow in confidence, and discover their own love for performing.

Nadia is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in downtown Toronto. A graduate of York University’s Theatre program, where she specialized in acting, she brings both professional training and a passion for education to her work. Nadia teaches both Production and Triple Threat and serves as the lead choreographer for our Advanced Teen Production and Adult Triple Threat programs. She combines her expertise in acting, performance, and choreography to create an engaging and supportive environment where every student can grow in confidence and shine.

Cimone grew up surrounded by music, performing from a young age and beginning to write her own songs at 12. A professionally trained R&B vocalist with additional training in Hindustani classical music, she brings a diverse background in live performance, songwriting, and contemporary vocal styles to her work. At Spotlight, Cimone teaches Triple Threat and private vocal lessons, where she is passionate about helping young performers strengthen their voices, develop their musicality, and build confidence in their own unique artistry.

Johevah is a teacher, coach, and multidisciplinary artist currently studying Music Theatre Performance at Sheridan College. An experienced professional performer, her recent work includes Shrek and The Drowsy Chaperone. At Spotlight, Johevah brings a fun and collaborative approach to teaching, with experience across a wide range of vocal styles, acting, and songwriting. She loves helping students discover their unique voices, strengthen their skills, and grow in confidence.

Lila is a theatre artist, musician, and writer based in Toronto. With over 10 years of performance and teaching experience, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, explore their creativity, and find joy in self-expression through theatre. As a Triple Threat coach at Spotlight, Lila brings both her professional training and her background as the founder and director of a theatre education program in her hometown. She is also a Registered Early Childhood Educator and is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for theatre-lovers of all ages.

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.

Grace is a passionate performer who loves to sing, act, and dance. With a wealth of experience coaching and working with young students, she brings a warm and encouraging energy to the Spotlight classroom. As an Assistant Coach, Grace loves supporting students, helping them build confidence, and creating a fun environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.

Noa has been part of the Spotlight community since the age of eight, growing up as both a student and performer. Now beginning her first role as an Assistant Coach, she is excited to give back to the community that inspired her and to share her love of musical theatre with a new generation of students. Noa brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a true passion for learning, and she is eager to grow alongside the amazing team at Spotlight.

Evelyn is a multidisciplinary performer and graduate of Sheridan’s Music Theatre Performance program. With several years of experience at Spotlight, she brings a strong understanding of our students and teaching approach to her private lesson studio.As a Private Lesson Instructor, Evelyn offers personalized coaching in voice, acting, and piano, helping each student strengthen their technique, build confidence, and work toward their individual goals in a supportive one-on-one environment.

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, Holly is available for lessons and offers one-on-one coaching sessions in voice, acting, and performance. She is passionate about creating safe and supportive learning spaces where students feel confident to create, learn, and shine!

Naomi is a passionate theatre artist and graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Performance Acting program. She is dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence, and strong storytelling in young performers, encouraging students to take creative risks and develop their unique artistic voices. As a Private Lesson Instructor at Spotlight, Naomi offers personalized acting and performance coaching, creating a supportive one-on-one environment where students can strengthen their skills, build confidence, and work toward their individual goals.