The Team
Who are we?
Kate Paxton
Director
Martha Wingfield
Voice Coach
Lauren
Kolmetz
Dance Coach
Kate was born and raised in the UK. She has a bachelor of arts in drama from Liverpool John Moores University and studied classical acting at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in the UK. She worked as a professional actress in London, in theatre and tv, and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Kate also sang in the band, The Nod. She began her 15 year teaching career as an elementary school teacher in London before moving to Singapore and then here to Panama City.
Kate continues to act in shows here in Panama City and has directed a number of children's shows including 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', 'Peace Child', 'Oz', 'Twelfth Night' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream’.
Kate is excited to be heading up Spotlight and Stars, bringing this amazing, creative team together here in Panama City!
Martha Wingfield was born and raised in Iowa. She has since been blessed with a wide range of artistic opportunities as she has traveled with her husband serving in the US Airforce. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance, and has spent her professional life developing and practicing the performing arts around the world. She has served in a variety of capacities, including chapel choir directing, musical directing of musical theater, directing vocal ensembles, and owning and running her own vocal studio, both nationally and internally. She also loves performance opportunities, participating in local theater, and vocal performance showcases. She is excited for her next adventure in serving Spotlight and Stars as musical director.
Lauren Kolmetz is a GCSC alumni with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of South Florida. She has been an adjunct professor at Gulf Coast State College for 15 years and also teaches for Audience of One Dance and INV Performing Arts. NYC acting credits include Law & Order, Hope & Faith, Third Watch, The Stepford Wives and The Producers. Choreography credits include: Spamalot, Nunsense, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Godspell, Cabaret, Guys & Dolls, Into the Woods, and Annie. Lauren is the Artistic Director of Redeemer Dance Company and guest choreographer for Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Lauren recently completed a certificate in Dance Education from the National Dance Education Organization. She is so thankful to be welcomed into the Spotlight and Stars family!