Emma Center- Owner/Director
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Emma Center has been studying theatre and dance since age 5 and is a 2018 BFA Acting graduate from the University of Texas in Austin. After graduation, Emma moved to Los Angeles, working as an actress and model for various theater, film and commercial projects.
Her work has received recognition by the Austin Critics Table (2016 nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role) and the International Christian Film Festival (2019 nomination for Best Actress in an inspirational short film). Her work in film and on the stage has been presented in numerous festivals in Texas and California.
Emma's education experience includes teaching children with varying levels of ability, ages 4-20, at programs in Houston, Austin and the Los Angeles area. These programs include Theater Under the Stars, The Adderley School, The River Visual & Performing Arts Center, and The Houston Academy of Dance.
Emma believes studying the performing arts is vital to all young minds and encourages creativity, bravery, teamwork, and empathy. Similar to how participating in team sports/physical activity is vital to a child's physical health and development, being in a theater ensemble strengthens a child's emotional intelligence.
Whether through teaching students, Directing employees, interacting with parents, or creating artistic projects, Emma aims to use her gifts to make magic, spread joy, and have a positive impact on those around her.
Ally Center- Lead Teaching Artist/ Class Coordinator
Ally Center is a recent graduate of Pomona College, in Claremont, California. She received a degree in Theater, with a focused in performance and technical design.
Most recently, Ally has performed in productions in local houston theaters, as well as in The Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los angeles, ca. During her time at school, performed and worked on the design team for multiple main-stage productions, specializing in sound design.
Ally has been a teacher at The Spotlight Project since its beginning, and loves spending her teaching such amazing young actors. She is passionate about inclusive programming, and comprehensive theater education. Ally loves watching her students shine on stage!
Allison Hall- Lead Teaching Artist/ Set Designer
a houston native, Allison hall is an actress, director, designer, and performing arts educator. She is a graduate of the university of st thomas, receiving two degrees, in drama and psychology.
most recently, she has performed, directed, and assistant-directed multiple productions at the local theater “company onstage.” highlights of her work include Charlotte’s web and dorothy meets alice, both theater-for-young-audiences productions.
In 2021, Her passion for theater education found its home at spotlight. she has been teaching with spotlight ever since! allison hopes to continue to use her talents to create productions that inspire audiences, young and old.
Staci Merrit- Teaching Artist
Staci Merritt is a native Houstonian and lifelong performer with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She grew up performing at HITS Theatre and is a proud graduate from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, later continuing her journey in New York City and most recently Los Angeles. A first-time guest teacher with Spotlight Theatre Project, Staci is excited to share her love of dance and storytelling with the next generation of performers!
Amia Langer- Teaching Artist
Amia Langer (soprano), was a 2024 Studio Artist with Chautauqua Opera Company. Engagements in the 2025–2026 season include Gretel with Annapolis Opera, Bastienne with Mercury Chamber Orchestra, and Euridice/La Musica in L’Orfeo with Ars Lyrica Houston. Previous highlights include Sandmännchen/Taumännchen in Hansel und Gretel with Grand Teton Music Festival, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi with Salt Marsh Opera, and concerts with Ars Lyrica Houston.
Ms. Langer was in young artist programs with Festival Napa Valley, Brevard Music Festival, and Houston Grand Opera’s Young Artist Vocal Academy. She is a 2023 Regional Encouragement Award recipient, and North Dakota-Manitoba District Winner in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
In addition to performing Ms. Langer has been a music and arts teacher for six years and counting! She grew up performing in community theatres and dancing, and is excited to join the team at The Spotlight Project. A proud University of Houston MM ‘23 alumna, she has been based in the Houston area since 2021.