STEP INTO
THE SPOTLIGHT

Shaunagh Burge

Principal & Company Director

I hold a Secondary Teaching PGCE, a diploma in Musical Theatre from the Guildhall in London, and an A-level in dance. Over the years, I've directed numerous musicals and concerts in Newcastle and Leeds, including Rent, Into the Woods, Elf, and Made in Dagenham. I've also directed productions for the Beaconsfield Operatic Society, such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, and several other shows. My directing and performing work has been recognized with NODA awards for Best Individual Role within my district in 2016 (as a junior) and 2023. I have worked professionally across commercial and theatrical contracts and travelled around the world in order to perform.

Theatre has been the biggest passion of my life. It has given me extraordinary opportunities, from singing at the Grand Prix in Bahrain to playing Jemima Potts in the professional tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Theatre gave me the confidence to step into the professional world as a young adult, brought me lifelong friends, and created some of my most treasured memories. It's also how I met my husband, and now, as a new mother, I hope to share that same zest and love for theatre with my daughter.

Since becoming a teacher, I've found incredible joy in helping children grow — seeing their confidence blossom, watching their abilities develop, and witnessing the lifelong friendships they form. This love for teaching, combined with my passion for performing and directing, inspired my husband and I to launch Spotlight Performing Arts. At Spotlight, progress is at the heart of everything we do — in every sense.

Daniel Burge

Company Director

I first got involved in theatre through school productions, and after playing one of the Ugly Stepsisters in Cinderella, I quickly developed a real interest in performing.

Since then, I've gained a qualification in Performing Arts and performed in a range of productions, including playing Sonny in Grease, appearing in Made in Dagenham and The Vicar of Dibley, as well as performing as the comedy lead in pantomimes and other more serious roles.

Since becoming a director of Spotlight School of Performing Arts, it's been great to turn a shared interest in theatre into a growing school where young people can develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of performing.

Treacey Kelly

Company Director & Safeguarding Lead

I bring over 20 years' experience as a professional chaperone, supporting young performers with care, discretion, and professionalism. I hold a recognised chaperone licence and am trained in first aid and child protection (NSPCC qualified), with strong expertise in safeguarding and welfare.

I have worked across theatres in Blyth, Whitley Bay, and Newcastle, supervising children during rehearsals and performances and ensuring full safeguarding compliance. I am also the Lead Safeguarding Officer for three local societies, with a clear commitment to protecting children and vulnerable individuals.

Sarah Robinson

Choreographer

I've loved dancing and performing since I was two and have developed a real passion for musical theatre and its history. Over the years, I've taken on a variety of roles, including Maria in West Side Story, Elsa in Frozen and Rusty in Footloose, and I'm currently playing Izzy in The Great British Bake Off The Musical with Beaconsfield Operatic Society.

Alongside performing with both Blyth and Beaconsfield Operatic Societies, I work as a choreographer for Youth BMTC and here at Spotlight School of Performing Arts. I'm currently studying Drama, Music and French at A Level while also working towards my dance teaching qualifications at Simply Dance Academy and Lilia Jane School of Dance, where I'm trained in a variety of dance styles but specifically Ballroom, Latin and Musical Theatre!

Choreographing here at Spotlight is such great hands-on experience — I get to craft fun routines, work with all the students, and learn so much about bringing ideas to life on stage!