Tina Smothers is the visionary founder and Artistic Director of Ignite the Light Performing ArtsTina Smothers is the visionary founder and Artistic Director of Ignite the Light Performing Arts and the driving force behind the studio’s mission to develop great humans who happen to be great performers. With more than 20 years of teaching, directing, vocal coaching, and mentoring experience, Tina has become known throughout Loudoun County and beyond for her ability to inspire young artists while building a positive, inclusive, and high-level training environment.

Tina holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Bluefield University and has dedicated her career to helping students discover confidence, creativity, leadership, and a lifelong love of the arts. Through both Ignite the Light Performing Arts and Voice by Tina, she has trained hundreds of young performers in musical theatre, vocal performance, acting, and audition preparation.

Under Tina’s leadership, students from her programs have gone on to perform, study, and create in incredible places throughout the entertainment industry. These are just some of the stages, productions, and programs where her students have been seen:

Broadway Productions

National Tours

The Kennedy Center Honors

Arena Stage

Ford’s Theatre

Signature Theatre

Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Lincoln Center

Disney On Ice

Walt Disney World

Disneyland Paris

Cruise Ship Productions

54 Below

The Green Room 42

Tina’s students have also been accepted into some of the nation’s most prestigious college and conservatory training programs, including:

New York University

Elon University

Point Park University

Baldwin Wallace University

Shenandoah University

University of Miami

Rider University

Montclair State University

LIU Post

AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts

Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts

In addition to her students’ professional and collegiate success, Tina has built an award-winning performing arts community through Ignite the Light. Her programs have received multiple recognitions at the Junior Theater Festival, and Ignite students are known for their strong performance training, leadership, kindness, and collaborative spirit.

Tina’s teaching philosophy goes far beyond technique. She believes the arts should be a place where students feel safe, encouraged, challenged, and celebrated. Her motto, “Be a good human,” is woven into every rehearsal, lesson, class, and performance experience at Ignite.

Known for her heartfelt leadership, dynamic directing style, and ability to connect deeply with students of all ages, Tina has helped create a studio culture where performers are empowered to shine unapologetically both on and off the stage.

Whether working with a preschool student stepping into a dance class for the first time or mentoring advanced performers pursuing professional careers, Tina is passionate about helping every artist discover their voice, build confidence, and realize their full potential.

Tina Smothers is the visionary founder and Artistic Director of Ignite the Light Performing Arts and the driving force behind the studio’s mission to develop great humans who happen to be great performers. With more than 20 years of teaching, directing, vocal coaching, and mentoring experience, Tina has become known throughout Loudoun County and beyond for her ability to inspire young artists while building a positive, inclusive, and high-level training environment.

Meghan Eyerman is thrilled to join the Ignite the Light team Meghan graduated from Millikin University with her Bachelor of Find Arts in 2017, where she performed in a variety of Main Stage theatrical productions. 

Meghan has spent the last decade working with students in the performing arts throughout the Loudoun County area. Some of those education roles include creative development and dance instructor at Bella Ballerina, private vocal and guitar lessons and curriculum development for varying age groups. She currently teaches Music & Drama at Destiny School of the Arts, where she works with elementary and middle school aged students through the school year. 

Meghan currently lives with her husband, dogs, and cat in Western Loudoun where she enjoys spending time outdoors and participating in community theatre productions.

Born, raised and trained in Northern Virginia,Michelle has been performing and teaching since the age of 16. Over the years she has taught multiple dance styles and enjoyed watching her students grow in both size and skill.

Michelle has performed in productions of West Side Story, Grease, Crazy for You, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Barnum, Oklahoma, Josephs…Dreamcoat, many holiday reviews and children’s shows. For several years she was a member of the Stage Crew Dance Ensemble and a cast member on the television series Talent Hunters. One of her most interesting roles was being the Dance Captain and a performer aboard the Spirit of Washington. 

In 2004 she was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography for her work on a professional production of Crazy for You. Michelle has also choreographed for many high school show choirs, dance teams and musicals. Her focus is to provide excellent dance instruction while also nurturing the student as a whole. Michelle believes that fun hard work produces happy well-trained dancers.

Kennedy Keller, a recent graduate from James Madison University, began dancing recreationally at the age of 2 and competitively at the age of 4. Kennedy has extensive training in a variety of disciplines including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Modern.

She danced competitively and trained at Strictly Rhythm and Studio Bleu Dance Center and attended Colgan High School for dance. She is proud to share that she was chosen for a residency with the amazing Savion Glover and continues her training through tap residences and conventions. She was also a member and social chair for Madison Dance Club where she trained and performed throughout her years at JMU.

Kennedy has a passion for teaching and choreographing and works with various studios in the DMV area. She loves working with students of all ages and spreading her love for dance with others!

Angelique Melendez is a versatile dancer, choreographer, and instructor from the DMV area.

After a youth full of extensive training in classical and theatrical styles and assistant teaching, Angelique continued her training in Shenandoah University’s Dance BFA program.

Angelique joined DC-based company DHH Dance Collective in 2022 producing new works for annual performances at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, benefit concerts, and emerging choreographer dance festivals.

In recent years, Angelique has been dedicated to evolving studio culture, developing programs for dancers of all ages and abilities and managing studio administration. She now partners with programs across the DMV with the goal of providing nurturing classroom experiences to support the goals of every dancer.

Jordan McEachin is a dancer, singer, and actress who received her BFA in Musical Theatre at AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. She has been performing since a very young age, with extensive training in dance, acting, and singing. She has performed in various musicals, including Beauty and the Beast, 9 to 5, and Edges.

In addition, Jordan has worked on various film productions, including films on Netflix and other streaming channels, commercials, music videos, and short films. Her most recent professional credits include performing as a dancer and character performer with Disneyland Paris and Disney on Ice.

Aside from performing, Jordan has a multitude of choreography credits for youth performing arts, including Mamma Mia, Grease, and Singin’ in the Rain in which she was presented with the National Youth Arts Award for Outstanding Choreography (2023).

She is excited to share her passion for the performing arts as an instructor and looks forward to providing a safe and comfortable space for students to learn and grow to their best abilities.

Maddy Mirabella is thrilled to be teaching at Ignite the Light this year! She is a rising freshman at Riverside high school this fall. Maddy has been dancing competitively and for 9 years training with a variety of genres including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, musical theater, hip hop and ballet. She has been performing in theater for 9 years and continues to learn and grow. She has been apart of student leadership for 4 years and has helped with 12 shows, she started assistant teaching and teaching 5 years ago and has worked with all ages of children. Maddy is overjoyed to help kids develop new skills and confidence while creating an environment that encourages every student. She is looking forward to a great year!

Since beginning her dance journey at 2 years old, Heidi has dedicated her life to the art. After training in tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, pom, and hip hop throughout her earlier years, she continued to dance as she pursued a degree in athletic training and minored in dance at Virginia Commonwealth University. After college, she returned to the studio where she had grown up dancing and devoted 25 years to teaching dance there.

Specializing in lyrical, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, conditioning, and technique, Heidi has garnered numerous entertainment and choreography awards on the competition circuit and has judged collegiate-level dance competitions.

Heidi is passionate about bringing her vast experience and unwavering dedication to the studio. Her mission: to provide rigorous training, expand students’ dance vocabulary, and foster a loving and nurturing environment where kids can grow and develop their art. She is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers to reach their fullest potential, both in dance and in life.

Reagan Murphy is a junior at Riverside High School with a passion for both theater and acrobatics. She spent eight years as an elite gymnast, where she developed strength, flexibility, and discipline, and has been involved in theater for the past three years. In addition to performing, she has experience working with young children through babysitting and as a counselor at local summer camps. She is excited to share her love of movement and performance by creating a fun and supportive environment where preschoolers can build confidence and develop new skills. She looks forward to helping each child grow while making lasting memories in class.

Nilton Rodney brings over 16 years of experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and producer of urban dance events throughout Costa Rica and Central America. His artistry and expertise have taken him to international workshops in the Netherlands, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, where he has shared his passion with dancers around the world.

Nilton has performed on stage with internationally recognized artists such as Macka Diamond, Ding Dong, and Merital Family, and has proudly represented Costa Rica in some of the most respected urban dance competitions, including Hip Hop International (USA) and Hip Hop Kingz (The Netherlands).

For the past three years, Nilton has been an active instructor throughout the DMV area, teaching at ten different breaking studios and leading a wide range of youth and adult classes. His teaching blends strong foundational technique, musicality, and authentic cultural roots—empowering dancers at every level to grow, express, and shine.

Josiah Smothers is a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist who is passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers through creativity, confidence, and a love of the arts. Drawing from his professional performance experience and years of working with young artists, Josiah creates an encouraging, high-energy environment where students are challenged to grow while having fun.

As a professional performer, Josiah appeared in the National Tours of Finding Neverland and A Christmas Story, The Musical, performing alongside Broadway-caliber artists and creative teams. His performance career has also included regional theatre productions, award-winning performances, and appearances at prestigious theatre events, giving him a well-rounded perspective that he brings into every class and rehearsal.

At Ignite the Light Performing Arts, Josiah teaches musical theatre, dance, acting, and audition preparation while choreographing productions and helping lead the studio’s Junior Theater Festival teams. His classes emphasize strong technique, storytelling, teamwork, and building confidence both on and off the stage.

Josiah believes every student has something unique to offer. His goal is to help each performer discover their own voice, develop their skills, and leave every class feeling more confident than when they walked in. Whether coaching a first-time performer or mentoring an experienced student, he is committed to creating a positive, supportive space where every child can shine.

Madi Saunders is a rising junior at Potomac Falls High School with a passion for both theatre and working with young children. At 16 years old, she is thrilled to be teaching Preschool Imagination Factory this season. Having been involved in theatre for many years, Madi has developed a deep appreciation for creativity, storytelling, and self-expression. She loves helping young performers build confidence, use their imaginations, and discover the joy of being a performer. Madi is excited to combine her love of theatre with her passion for teaching, creating a fun, encouraging environment where every child can shine.

Gracie Vosburgh is a senior at Woodgrove Highschool with around nine years of experience in technical theatre and performance, as well as twelve years as an artist. She has been in over 30+ productions around Loudon County as a theatre technician, more commonly as an artistic crew member or lighting and sound. At Ignite the Light she creates the artistic tech for shows. Outside of theatre Gracie works as a face painter for Hilt Face Painting. After her graduation, Gracie wants to pursue fine arts teaching and a technical theatre minor.