Spotlight On
CREATIVE COURSES FOR ADULTS
Reignite your creative spark at a fun interactive course for adults this summer. From playwriting, to acting to musical theatre, Spotlight On courses are designed for people 18 years and over, of all levels of experience from beginner to professional. Everyone is welcome.
Led by our accomplished and welcoming teaching artists, Spotlight On offers a casual, supportive environment that inspires life-long learning and community. Courses are offered as a Summer series and a Fall/ Winter series in 6-7 week sessions, with weekly 2-hour classes.
La Jolla Playhouse is known for developing innovative new works for the stage, and Spotlight On courses are a perfect way to get a taste of the magic that goes into creating a play or musical at one of the country’s most renowned theatre companies.
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER COURSES IS NOW OPEN
Who: For adults, 18+, at all levels of experience
When: 2 hr evening class, once a week for 7 weeks. See dates below.
Venue: La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093
Classes have min 6, max 18 participants. Sign up early to secure your spot.
Intro to Acting
Monday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 9 – July 21, 2025 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Abby Huffstetler (they/them)
Step into the spotlight with our Intro to Acting class, where imagination and self-expression take center stage! This course is designed for beginners who are eager to explore the fundamentals of acting and build a strong foundation in performance skills.
Throughout this dynamic class, you’ll discover the basics of character development, improvisation, and monologue work. We will guide you through exercises that enhance your vocal delivery, physical presence, and emotional range. Whether you’re looking to overcome stage fright, develop your acting technique, or simply enjoy the thrill of performance, this class offers a supportive and collaborative environment to help you grow.
No previous experience is required — just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to explore the world of theater! Please dress comfortably for movement with closed toed shoes.
Musical Theatre Cabaret
Tuesday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 10 – July 22, 2025 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Jeffrey Scott Parsons (he/him)
Over the course of 7-weeks, this Musical Theatre experience focuses on the art of “acting a song” in a live, theatrical setting. The course will culminate in a cabaret-like public performance where each participant will choose a musical theatre song and perform a curated excerpt. These solos will be woven together with interstitial scenes, monologues and choreography to create a true ensemble performance. Ultimately, this course will result in a synthesis of singing, acting and dancing.
Movement Narratives
Wednesday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 11 – July 23, 2025 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Nicole Diaz-Pellot (she/her)
This dynamic and collaborative workshop invites participants of all abilities and backgrounds to explore storytelling through movement. Focusing on improvisation and embodied expression, participants will engage in exercises that emphasize spontaneity, emotion, and physical storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences and collective energy, the group will co-create a living, evolving narrative through movement.
The workshop fosters collaboration, creativity, and new ways of expressing stories without words. No prior dance experience is required—just an open mind and a willingness to explore the expressive power of movement. Please wear comfortable clothing for movement and closed-toe shoes suitable for dancing (e.g., sneakers or jazz shoes).
Contemporary Scene Study
Thursday Evenings: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June 12 – July 24, 2025 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Justin Lang (he/him)
This dynamic, performance-driven acting class is designed to deepen your understanding of the craft while exploring rich, engaging characters and scenes. Through in-depth text analysis, character development, and focused work on physical and vocal control, students will refine their technique and enhance their overall performance. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident in your abilities and inspired to bring compelling, authentic performances to life. Please come dressed comfortably for movement and wear closed-toed shoes. Prerequisite: Intro to Acting or similar.
Instructor Bios
Nicole Diaz-Pellot (she/her)
Nicole Diaz-Pellot (she/her) is a passionate dance educator and performance artist from San Diego, committed to using movement as a holistic and inclusive practice. She began her dance journey at the age of five and later spent six years with the San Diego Civic Dance Company.
Nicole holds a BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she also performed with Group Motion Dance Company under the mentorship of the late Manfred Fischbeck. Since 2014, she has been an active member of the Katherine Dunham Technique Certification community and is currently pursuing her Dunham Technique Teacher Certification.
Specializing in Afro-Modern dance, Nicole has taught extensively across San Diego, cultivating inclusive spaces for students of all ages and abilities. Her classes—ranging from Creative Movement and Afro-Modern to Dance with ThisAbility—highlight community, self-expression, and the joy of movement. Through her teaching and workshops, she brings together diverse bodies and abilities, celebrating the unifying power of dance.
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them)
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them) thrives within the intersections of creative expression, arts education and mental health. They recently earned their MFA in Theatre & Dance from UC San Diego. Abby holds certifications in multiple weapons within The Society of American Fight Directors. They are an actor, educator, intimacy choreographer, actor combatant and clown. UC San Diego credits: DANCE NATION, Hells Canyon, Twelfth Night, End Days, Uncle Vanya. Regional credits: Streetcar Named Desire; Miles For Mary; How to Defend Yourself (Humana Festival of New American Plays) Dracula, The Many Deaths of Nathan Stubblefield (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Free Free Free Free (Exponential Festival); Noises Off (Rome Little Theatre). Film credits: Redrum, Dirt, CBGB. Intimacy Direction credits: 900 Years (UCSD); Two Kids That Blow Shit Up (Endless Summer Productions); Staged Intimacy & Violence (Teaching Assistant, UCSD). Abby is an Actors Theatre Professional Training Company alum. They hold a BFA in Performing Arts from SCAD. There is no space for the perpetuation of white supremacy in their process and exploration.
Justin Lang (he/him)
Justin Lang (He/Him/His) is thrilled to be returning to lead Contemporary Scene Study! Justin is a San Diego based actor, director, producer, writer, and teaching artist. He is an inspired and welcoming personality with vast theatrical skill-sets. Notable talent in identifying strengths that promote positive growth and developing healthy work habits for on the job practical application. Recently he was in Critics Circle Award recipient for Outstanding Dramatic Production of August: Osage County with Backyard Renaissance.
Jeffrey Parsons (he/him)
Jeffrey Parsons (he/him) returns to Southern California after directing the musical theatre program at Maui Academy of Performing Arts for the past three years. Onstage credits include Bill Calhoun in Kiss Me Kate (Central City Opera), Bobby Child in Crazy for You (San Diego Musical Theatre/Moonlight Amphitheatre), and the Emcee in Cabaret (Welk Resort/Craig Noel nomination). He has directed productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Freaky Friday, as well as youth productions of High School Musical JR and Finding Nemo JR. His choreography for Dames at Sea (Sierra Madre Playhouse) was nominated by the LA Stage Alliance for an Ovation Award. He’s the creator and host of “A Musical Theatre Podcast” on the Broadway Podcast Network and is a member of Actor’s Equity.
A Spotlight On class takes a break from learning to smile for the camera
Two students perform a scene in their Intro to Improvisation class
Students perform a scene in their Spotlight On class
Read what students from our most recent Spotlight On classes had to say:
“As someone who loves musicals, taking the musical theatre dance class gave me such a greater appreciation for the performers I watch on stage. What a great experience! This is my 4th Spotlight class, and each one has been filling and interesting. I can’t wait for the next series of classes!”
“The class was fun and creative. The skills I learned help me with both work and interpersonal relationships. It has made me a better listener and collaborator. And I made great friends and got to laugh a lot.”
“Great experience. Instructor was very accommodating to all levels of knowledge in class & made all feel comfortable in exploring & trying new things.”
“This was not the first time I have taken this course at the LJP but it was a different experience with new classmates. I learned something new and really enjoyed myself. Invaluable experience of interaction and fun. Highly recommend.”
“Farah is fabulous, superb, delightful. Best class of the three I’ve taken through LJP. Would take another class from her in a heartbeat.”
