From seasoned performers to theatre newcomers, at Spotlight, everyone shines!
Pam Savell - Artistic Director/Drama Mama
Pam has always been a performer. Singing long before she could talk, and putting on one-woman shows as nightly entertainment for her family, Pam always dreamed of being on stage. Growing up in Blount County, she was an active member of community theatre in middle school and high school. She was also a featured player in her high school theatre program and competitive Forensics troupe, and she is a classically trained singer and pianist. In college, Pam discovered a passion for teaching from a multi-faceted perspective. She studied theatre production at San Diego City College, working as a professor’s assistant in costume design. In the midwest, she worked with National Pastime Theater in marketing, props, and costuming, she was a Teaching Artist and Education Assistant with Adventure Stage Chicago, and she is a founding member of Top Note Performing Arts Academy in the Chicago suburbs. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from DePaul University. After almost two decades of studying many facets of an art form she is so passionate about, Pam returned to her roots of East Tennessee, and she has been teaching theatre with a twist ever since. Her biggest motivator in teaching is that the theatre is a collaborative effort - no one role or job is more important than another and the entire ensemble is the heartbeat of every production.
Destiny Clark - Artistic Producer
Destiny is a vocalist, performer, and performing arts educator based in East Tennessee. With experience in rock, pop, metal, alternative, and musical theatre performance, Destiny is passionate about helping students develop confidence, technique, and their own unique artistic voice. As an instructor, Destiny has worked with students of varying ages and skill levels, teaching healthy vocal technique and performance skills like stage presence and characterization. Her teaching philosophy focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging environment where students can grow as artists, while building confidence both on and off the stage. Destiny is excited to partner with Spotlight Studios to help students discover their potential, develop strong performing arts foundations, and find joy in making art for the stage.
Sean Downen - Technical Director
Sean Downen serves as Technical Director for Spotlight Studios, bringing a love of building, problem-solving, and creative design to the production team. With hands-on experience in carpentry, construction, and set building, Sean enjoys taking an idea from the page and figuring out how to make it work on stage—from scenery and set pieces to the practical challenges that happen behind the scenes. Sean became involved in theater through his family and quickly found a home on the technical side of productions, where creativity and building come together. He especially enjoys creating immersive environments that help young performers step into the world of a show. He is excited to be part of Spotlight Studios and to help create memorable, imaginative productions where students can learn, perform, and have fun.
Chris Rivera - Light/Sound Designer
For Chris, the world of production and design has been a lifelong home. Chris’s journey in creative storytelling began at just eight years old through the San Diego Junior Theatre program at the Old Globe, sparking a deep love of theater that would shape an entire career. This foundational dedication was later formalized at San Diego State University, where Chris graduated with a degree in Theater Arts, sharpening the technical and artistic skills necessary for high-level industry production. Today, Chris operates as a versatile technical director, scenic designer, and lighting designer, working seamlessly across both traditional entertainment and cutting-edge corporate spaces. By masterfully bridging the gap between structural engineering and visual artistry, Chris transforms ambitious creative concepts into breathtaking realities. This unique ability to execute complex, immersive environments has led to high-profile collaborations with some of the world’s most influential brands, including Disney’s Imagineering, Google, and Workday, just to name a few. Driven by an enduring passion for the performing arts, Chris continues to give back to the craft by volunteering for local children’s theater, helping to inspire and nurture the next generation of creative minds just as Chris was inspired decades ago.
Alexa Downen - Props Master
Alexa is thrilled to be joining Spotlight Studios and contributing behind the scenes as part of the props team. A lifelong lover of creativity, she has always found joy in turning ordinary materials into something unique and memorable. Friends and family often jokingly refer to her as the "Pinterest mom" because she's constantly dreaming up DIY projects, crafting decorations, and bringing creative ideas to life. Whether she's transforming everyday items into stage props or decorating for special events, Alexa loves the challenge of making imaginative ideas a reality. She is especially excited to combine her passion for crafting, decorating, and hands-on creating to help bring productions at Spotlight Studios to life. She looks forward to collaborating with this talented team and helping create magical experiences for performers and audiences alike.
Marilyn Coleman - Dance/Movement Coach
Marilyn is a vocalist, performer, dancer, and instrumentalist, playing multiple instruments throughout her creative journey. From small town East Tennessee, she has always be an advocate for a more alternative mindset. In her time as a private metal vocalist coach, she took individuality and creativity for every student very seriously. Marilyn has worked with individuals of all walks of life, teaching safe screaming, pop, and musical theatre techniques, and she always pushes the importance of show etiquette and showing support of other artists. Specializing in live performances and collaborative shows, she is so excited to be a part of Spotlight Studios, continuing her dream of spreading positivity through art and creating a safe space for all.
Holly Brennan - Stage Manager/Tech Lead
Holly graduated from Maryville College in 2023 with a Bachelors of Arts in Theater Studies. She has been involved in all aspects of theater including writing, performance, tech, and stage management. She grew up here in Maryville and has always been heavily involved in community theaters all around East Tennessee. She is so excited to be a part of such a special and accepting program like Spotlight Studios!
Damien Delyea - Assistant Stage Manager
Damien is a second-year student at Pellissippi State Community College, where he is pursuing a degree in Vocal Music Education. A passionate vocal performer, he performs with PSTCC and has also had the opportunity to play Kenickie in Grease the Musical. As part of his major, Damien is taking piano classes, but his love of music extends far beyond one instrument—he has always wanted to learn as many instruments as possible! He is excited to be part of Spotlight Studios and looks forward to experiencing a new environment, meeting new people, and continuing to grow as a performer, musician, and educator.
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1505 E. Broadway Maryville, TN
1509 E. Broadway Maryville, TN