Spotlight Studios for the Performing Arts

The Teachers

John has been teaching, directing and performing in Rochester since he moved here in 1996.

John devotes his time to many theatre and dance groups. He is a regular performer with Out of the Box Improv, and Joey and Maria's Comedy Wedding with Great Lakes Productions, where he is also their director. John has been featured in productions performing in Montreal, Milwaukee, Las Vegas and New York City. He has also recently relaunched "The Happy Pirates!"

During the day John is an instructor of Computer Science and Acting at St. John Fisher College.

John's greatest joy is working with children in theatre. Outside of Spotlight Studios he can be found directing school productions and workshops all over Monroe and Wayne counties. John dedicates all his work to his parents who are forever an inspiration to him, especially his mom who never missed a show John was in.

Kaitlyn Barthelmes • Musical Theatre, Dance

Kaitlyn first stepped foot on stage in sixth grade and hasn't left! She can be seen all over the Rochester Area choreographing, directing, stage-managing, technical operating, costuming and performing!

Kaitlyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts for Children and has loved teaching students of all ages to sing, act and dance! Groups she works with are: Spotlight Theater Arts, Great Lakes Production, Gananda Middle School, Wayne Middle School, Victor Middle School, Victor Parks and Rec, Webster Parks and Rec, Brighton Summer Theater and at Gananda Community Youth Theater.

She can also be seen getting married regularly with "Joey and Maria's Comedy Wedding" and making people laugh with Out of the Box Improv. She is also excited to be married to one of the newest Happy Pirates!

Lani Hoskins • Musical Theatre, Voice, Piano

Laura Mueller • Musical Theatre, Voice, Piano