Sharla Mandere - Owner
Acting, Dance, Circus, Playwriting
Upon opening SOPA in 2007, Sharla felt she was finally "home". Sharla had her 1st stage performance at 3 years old in a dance recital and has been on stage ever since. She holds a BA in Theatre Performance from SDSU, and has performed all over San Diego and California, including PCPA's prestigious summer rep program. Sharla has over 16 years of teaching children dance, gymnastics, acting, voice, circus, cheerleading and even rock climbing! She has taught at various companies in San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and at Purdue University. Her encouraging and no-nonsense teaching style has been heard as the childhood acting expert on radio shows across the country, and has caught the eye of television producers. It is her mission to promote self-confidence through the many different areas of performance SOPA teaches. She believes strongly in offering children the tools to find their personal strength and enrich their personal growth, and is forever grateful to be able to do that on a daily basis through Spotlight Ovations Performing Arts.
Jacob Gardenswartz - Acting, Playwriting
Jacob Gardenswartz was recently seen in NY, NJ and Washington DC, touring with San Diego Repertory Theatre’s Blessing of A Broken Heart. He was recently the recipient of Francis Parker’s Distinguished Individual Achievement Award in Dramatic Arts. Jacob’s favorite shows and roles include: Steve in Scripps Ranch Theatre’s The Shadow Box, The Artful Dodger in Such N Such Production’s Oliver, Aladdin in Young Actor’s Theatre’s Aladdin, Gavroche in YAT’s Les Miserables and Colin in CYAC’s production of The Secret Garden. In the future, Jacob hopes to perform on stages throughout the world, as well as pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Nathan Nichols - Acting, Circus, Playwriting
Nathan has been working with SOPA for the last 3 years and developed his love for theatre and performing during his time touring with Teen Connection. A former football player and wrestler, these sports helped Nathan develop the self discipline and strength required to teach classes such as circus, character education and playwriting. He was also a featured actor in the movie "Boyfriends" directed by Robert Hubbel. Nathan is an energetic and fun teacher and is excited to be part of the teaching team at SOPA.
Zack King - Hip Hop, Acting, Playwriting, Circus
Born and raised in San Diego, Zack has been dancing and performing since he was 13. He has performed all over San Diego and Los Angeles. A self-taught hip hop dancer, Zack has taught at San Diego High School, Dance Motion Studios and The Studio At North Park. Zack continues to study various forms of dance to further his skills and fulfill his love of dance. Zack was also a member of SOPA's 2008-2009 "Teen Connection" touring troupe, writing and performing inspirational assemblies for the youth of San Diego. You can see videos of him performing with his dance troupe "Statik Soundtrac" on YouTube.
Spotlight Ovations Performing Arts
P.O.Box 99775 San Diego, CA 92169
(858) 220-9180 info@spotlightovations.com
P.O.Box 99775 San Diego, CA 92169
(858) 220-9180 info@spotlightovations.com