Meet our teachers…

Executive Director of Spotlight Performance Academy, Director of Bel Canto Choir Program, Mini Musicals, Spotlight Show Choir

Carrie Bonanotte serves as the Executive Director of the Spotlight Performance Academy, where she executes the mission of the organization by curating programming and teaching high quality performing arts classes. Carrie holds a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and Master's Degree from VanderCook College of Music, both in Music Education with vocal emphasis. Carrie has been directing award winning Children’s Choirs, Show Choirs, and Musicals since 2002. She has been a sought after adjudicator and clinician for the Illinois Grade School Music Association since 2008. Carrie is the founder of the Bel Canto Children’s Choir which has grown to be the largest community children’s choir in the south suburbs of Chicago. Carrie takes pride in connecting with her students while creating an atmosphere of compassion and excitement for every class.

Miss Angie’s Music classes/ Children’s Choir

Angie Pope has been teaching early childhood family music classes since 2010, when she became a certified Musikgarten educator. In 2012 she founded "Miss Angie's Music" and currently teaches baby, toddler, and preschool level classes at various locations in the south suburbs. Angie is also a professional vocalist with Beatmix Music and performs with the band “BKO” most weekends at private events. She was a member of TheatreBAM! Chicago for 16 years, with whom she performed several educational musicals including "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" at theaters and elementary schools throughout the country. Angie is extremely passionate about music and feels blessed to be able to share her love of music with people of all ages!

Click HERE to learn more about Miss Angie’s Music!

Find her on FaceBook and Instagram under “Miss Angie’s Music LLC”.

Improv

Kate Wiersema has been involved with the Chicago area improv community for the last 12 years. She has trained with Comedy Sportz Chicago and has completed The Music Program at The Second City. Kate has played with various groups in the suburbs including No Limit Laughs in Orland Park and Improductions LLC in Northwest, Indiana. Currently, she plays with Comedy Sportz Chicago Minor League. Kate has taught children's improv though park districts, theater organizations, and through her club at school for the last ten years. Kate has also been an elementary special education teacher for the last twelve years.

Song Writing

Doug has been writing and performing music for over 30 years.

His influences are vast and include Gospel, Country, Rock-n-Roll, and Punk Rock, all of which he experienced during his childhood all the way to present day. While in college, he studied jazz and received his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance with an emphasis on the alto sax and piano.

As the singer/guitarist and founding member of the band Judge Nothing, he toured throughout the United States with bands such as Uncle Tupelo, Joan Jett, Fugazi, The Descendents, Green Day, and countless others. They released two albums with the Chicago-based label THICK Records and had other songs featured on various compilations and TV shows.

Today, he calls Homewood his home where he continues to write music as well as freelance in mixing audio and Voice Over work. He also works as an ESP in Special Ed. at Willow Elementary School. Music is undoubtedly a passion and driving force for Doug. He’s always looking for new opportunities to challenge and broaden his skills as a singer, songwriter, and voice-over artist.