Our Board Members
Bailey Thompson
Executive Director
Born and raised in Danville, Illinois, Bailey Thompson has always had a deep passion for the performing arts and for building meaningful creative spaces for young people. That passion led her to a career as a professional actress and eventually to earning a degree in Theatre Education from University of Indianapolis, where she combined real-world performance experience with a love of teaching and mentorship.
Over the past several years, Bailey has poured that experience into founding and growing Spotlight Performing Arts. Now in its second season, SPA has become a thriving nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible theatre education and performance opportunities for children and teens in the community. Alongside her husband, Tyler, and their three children, Bailey has directed productions, taught workshops, written original shows, and helped shape a welcoming artistic home where young performers are encouraged to grow in confidence, skill, and creativity.
As Executive Director of Spotlight Performing Arts, Bailey remains deeply committed to the belief that the arts can change lives and that every child deserves the chance to be seen, heard, and supported through creative expression.
Preston Dildine
Secretary
Preston Dildine is so very excited to be on the board for Spotlight Performing Arts! Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Preston is an actor, director, playwright, choreographer, as well as teaching artist. Children’s theatre is one of his many passions, because he believes not only in the importance of working with youth to help them find their voice, but in the transformative work of storytelling, and the power the spoken word has to change the world.
Tyler Thompson
Treasurer
Tyler Thompson is a professional music educator who serves on the Spotlight Performing Arts board as Music Director and Treasurer. He has spent years teaching voice and music to students of all ages and has worked extensively in musical theatre as both a performer and music director. Tyler brings a strong education-first mindset to SPA, focusing on helping young performers build solid skills, confidence, and a real understanding of their craft, while also supporting the organization’s financial health and long-term growth.
Chad Cottrell
Board Member
Chad Cottrell joined the Spotlight Performing Arts board after his family became part of our theater community three years ago. What started as a leap of faith for his children has turned into a deep love for the magic that happens on and off our stage.
Over the years, Chad has watched shy first-timers step into the spotlight and blossom into confident, capable performers. He’s seen friendships form, creativity spark, and an incredibly supportive community grow stronger with every show. That firsthand experience of the joy, growth, and sense of belonging Spotlight provides is what inspires him to serve on the board.
Chad is passionate about making sure every child who walks through our doors feels welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated as they discover their own voice through the performing arts.