Our Instructors & Staff

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

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

Erica J. Dowling is a classically trained vocalist and dedicated educator who brings both technical skill and heartfelt connection to every note she sings and every student she teaches. Originally from Kissimmee, Florida, Erica holds a BA in Music from Florida State University and an AA in Education from Tallahassee State College. A proud graduate of Osceola County School for the Arts, Erica’s foundation in classical voice is complemented by her vibrant experience in musical

Cameron Garrett, an experienced dance and musical theatre instructor, brings 24 years of teaching performing arts in Tallahassee to Making Light Productions. Former owner of The Edge Dance & Fitness and a member of Dance Masters of America, Cameron has directed dance programs for various organizations and her own company, DancEffects, and has been with Making Light since 2017. With a passion for nurturing young talents, many of Cameron's students have pursued teaching or prof

Tonya John is a highly skilled seamstress and passionate teacher with over 30 years of experience in costume design and creation. With a Bachelor of Art degree from Pensacola Christian College and a background in core curriculum and art instruction for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Tonya's expertise ranges from crafting custom costumes, including mascots and character designs, to intricate alterations and pattern d

Taylor, a proud graduate of Florida State University's esteemed theatre program, brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set to Making Light Productions. With a deep-rooted passion for theatre that originated in high school, Taylor has been involved in various capacities both on and off stage throughout her journey. Her invaluable years of experience working with touring Broadway companies at her hometown theatre, the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, have shaped her into

Vanessa Wray (she/her) serves as Director of Musical Theatre at Making Light Productions beginning July 2026. A director, intimacy coordinator, stage manager, and choreographer with more than 25 years of theatrical experience, Vanessa is passionate about the collaborative nature of theatre arts and creating inclusive, engaging environments where performers of all ages can grow creatively and confidently. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Vanessa teaches a wide

Jack Jammer is a local scenic designer and master carpenter who is honored to be a part of the incredible team at Making Light Productions, where he serves as Scenic Director. He previously served as Production Manager and Master Carpenter at Quincy Music Theatre and holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. He spent five years working as an architectural designer for BKJ Architecture before transitioning to full-time theatri

Erin John is a passionate performer and artist, born and raised in Tallahassee. A 2025 high school graduate, Erin has appeared in numerous productions on stage while also building a strong reputation behind the scenes as a skilled makeup artist. Their artistry has brought countless characters to life, and in recognition of that talent, Erin earned a prestigious Critics’ Choice award in makeup design as a Thespian. Now teaching Makeup 1 at Making Light, Erin combines their lov

Hope Mallari is Making Light Productions’ Virtual Assistant, providing vital support across our programs and marketing efforts. With a strong background in design, organization, and digital communication, Hope helps keep our systems running smoothly and our community connected. She helps to manage registration and scheduling through Opus1, maintains shared files and calendars, designs graphics and flyers in Canva, and creates engaging content for social media and email newsle

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

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 brings a heart for education and a flair for performance to Making Light Productions. A proud Florida State University...

Danelle Eckhart brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education to Making Light Productions. She holds an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Florida State University (earned in 2024), along with a Master of Music Education, Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois State University. She also earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Theatre from Illinois Central College. Dane

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 is a Tallahassee native and graduate of Leon High School. Now, she studies at Florida State University receiving her BA in...

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

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