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Our Instructors & Staff


Juliet Yaques, Executive Director
Juliet Yaques, the co-founder of Making Light, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of children's theatre. Her artistic...


Emily Geyer, Program Director
Emily grew up leaping, twirling, and pirouetting through life as a dancer, which planted in her a lifelong love for the arts. Now, she’s...


Janae Easton, Creative Director
Janae Easton is a distinguished artist and former Adjunct Professor at FSU, where she taught in the Painting and Drawing Department....


Joe Svisco, Technical Director
Joe brings a wealth of experience to his role as Technical Director at Making Light Productions, where he oversees the technical elements...


Hope Mallari, virtual assistant
Hope Mallari is Making Light Productions’ Virtual Assistant, providing vital support across our programs and marketing efforts. With a...


Cameron Garrett - Dance Director: dance, art
Cameron Garrett, an experienced dance and musical theatre instructor, brings 24 years of teaching performing arts in Tallahassee to...


Tonya John - Art Director: sewing, costuming, art
Tonya John is a highly skilled seamstress and passionate teacher with over 30 years of experience in costume design and creation. With a...


Taylor Petty - Theatre Director: art, stagecraft, acting
Taylor, a proud graduate of Florida State University's esteemed theatre program, brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set...


Julia Blagodir, voice and acting
Julia Blagodir brings a rich and diverse background in theatre and film to Making Light Productions, along with a deep passion for...


Darci Brown, dance
Darci Brown  wears many hats as an elementary school teacher and a dance instructor at Making Light Productions. She has been a dynamic...


McKenzie Carlson - acting, guitar, piano, voice
McKenzie is a singer/songwriter and lifelong performer with a deep love for music and theatre. She grew up immersed in choir, musical...


Lillian Deans, voice and acting
Lillian Deans brings a heart for education and a flair for performance to Making Light Productions. A proud Florida State University...


Erica J. Dowling, voice, acting, piano
Erica J. Dowling  is a classically trained vocalist and dedicated educator who brings both technical skill and heartfelt connection to...
Danelle Eckhart, Instructor, Voice & Instrumental Music
Danelle Eckhart brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education to Making Light Productions. She holds an Education...


Zola Geyer, dance
Zola Allen Geyer has quite literally grown up under the lights of Making Light Productions, where she has studied just about every art...


Margaret Giles, acting, musical theatre, voice
Margaret Giles is a Tallahassee native and graduate of Leon High School. Now, she studies at Florida State University receiving her BA in...


Rosemary Hoitt, acting, voice, piano
Rosemary Hoitt is a passionate educator, performer, and arts advocate currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Arts Administration at...


Leah Holewyne, voice, acting, musical theatre
Leah Holewyne, a current student of Florida State University in the BFA Musical Theatre Program, is thrilled to continue her artistic...


Alden Hutchison, acting, film
Alden Hutchison brings high energy, heartfelt enthusiasm, and a deep love of storytelling to every class she leads. She holds a degree in...


Erin John, makeup artist
Erin John  is a passionate performer and artist, born and raised in Tallahassee. A 2025 high school graduate, Erin has appeared in...
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