Spotlight Society
Overview
A Stage for Every Expression.
Whether you enjoy performing or find excitement in what happens behind the curtain, Spotlight Society is a space where creativity thrives. This Pathway Program is designed to help new students, especially freshmen and transfers, build meaningful relationships while exploring creative expression.
What You’ll Experience
Members of Spotlight Society will have opportunities to take part in a wide range of experiences, including attending regional theatre performances, participating in local productions, and supporting campus events through technical and creative roles. Whether you’re interested in performing, organizing, or just watching, Spotlight Society gives you the chance to be involved in a way that feels exciting and accessible.
Spotlight Society is perfect for:
Everyone! Whether you are into stand-up comedy, show choir, Shakespeare, or the spoken word, Spotlight Society welcomes you to join a creative and collaborative community. Your opportunity awaits!
Meet Your Spotlight Society Leader
Led by dedicated Barton Theatre staff, Spotlight Society offers a space where students are supported as they express themselves, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.
Dorothy Austin-Harrell is the Director of Pathways and Community Engagement Partnerships. In this role she collaborates with Student Engagement and local community theatre groups to bring unique experiential learning opportunities to Barton’s campus. Dorothy has been a theatre professional for over 15 years, designing costumes for musical theatre, opera, dance, and even cruise lines.
As a First Year Experience Mentor, and in her role as Director of Pathways, Dorothy focuses on building a supportive environment that helps incoming students feel connected to the campus community from day one. Whether in front of the classroom, behind the curtain, or advising a student one-on-one, her work centers on fostering a sense of belonging and direction for new students, ensuring they have the guidance needed to succeed academically and personally.
Spotlight Society Journey
Spotlight Society provides opportunities to engage, collaborate, and be part of a community that values your unique contributions. Through involvement, students can develop new skills, gain experience in theatre production, and build confidence in their creative abilities. Here are some of our past and future events:
- Bulldogs Got Talent
- Spoken Word/ Poetry nights
- Barton Karaoke
- Haunted House & Halloween Movie Night at the KFT
- Participation in Playhouse Wilson productions
- Trips to Theatre Raleigh and DPAC for professional performances
Admission Requirements
Spotlight Society is open to students who are curious about theatre and live events, whether they are interested in singing, acting, writing, lighting, sound design, or stage management. This program invites both seasoned performers and students who are just beginning to explore their artistic interests. The group meets monthly in a relaxed, welcoming environment. There are no academic requirements—just opportunities to connect, create, and contribute to our vibrant arts culture on campus.
Scholarship Opportunities
Qualified applicants will receive a $2,000 scholarship each year that they participate in Spotlight Society.