Welcome to our monthly Spotlight, where we celebrate the incredible cast and crew members who make 20 Performing Arts Academy shine. Each edition will highlight someone who stands out for their talent, dedication, and positive impact on our community. These are the people who inspire us, onstage and off.
February 2026
| LYDIA SMITH – |
| Since joining 20 Performing Arts Academy in 2024, Lydia Smith has truly been a shining star, growing from dedicated student and performer into a choreographer for Descendants. She is the company’s new Program Director for Not So Basic, Basics, even writing the script that brings the program to life. Cast as leading roles in two of our Musical Intensive Programs, she is also returning for her second year as a camp instructor. Lydia’s dedication, talent, and work ethic make us so proud to watch her continue to flourish. We asked her some questions so we could get to know her a little bit better. Question: What got you into theatre? Answer: When I was 6, my mom signed me up to do a homeschoolers drama class which I did for a long time, but when I encountered bullying it made it unenjoyable for me so I quit for awhile. I had also always done dance classes and I had always loved singing but I was too scared to sing in front of people. When I was in grade 7, I wanted to do musical theatre because I thought I was a good singer and I wanted to be in a professional company and get more comfortable with singing in front of people, so my mom looked up theatres near us and Theatre Ancaster popped up, and they were doing Frozen Jr so I signed up for that. (Theresa was the director) Now most of what I do is musical theatre. Question: What’s your favourite musical that you have been in? Answer: My favourite musical I have been in is probably Footloose because it was my first time being a main character in a musical and I met some really cool fun people. Question: What’s your dream role? Answer: My dream role is 100% Penny from Hairspray and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Question: How did you get involved with 20PAA? Answer: The director Theresa had messaged me telling me about the musical Fame she was putting on with her new company, and I was actually struggling to find a place to do theatre at during that time, so it was perfect timing. Question: What’s your favourite thing about 20 PAA? Answer: My favourite thing about 20paa is that I am so involved in not only the intensive program, but the basics program as well. It feels very cool and accomplishing that I’ve made it this far in the theatre world, and 20paa has been a huge part of my life since I first joined. I also really love the friendships I made, especially one of my closest friends Kyleigh. Question: Is Theresa hilarious? Answer: No. Jk jk yes yes (don’t hurt me) |
LAURA HUNTER-
| Laura Hunter, our incredible Costume Designer at 20 Performing Arts Academy, brings creativity and heart to everything she does. Always thinking outside the box and generously volunteering her time to ensure our costume department runs seamlessly. Her unwavering support of our students and readiness to jump in and help the entire crew makes her truly special; her talent, dedication, and spirit are such a gift to our company. We asked her some questions so we could get to know her a little bit better. |
| Question: What got you into theatre? My daughter, Myla. Question: What’s your favourite musical that you have worked on? Answer: Well I have only been fully immersed with theatre for the production of Footloose Jr. It was a learning experience and just the start of of my theatre journey. Question: What’s your dream show? Answer: Unfortunately at this point I have no idea of a specific show title. I am still learning and don’t keep up with movies/theatre that are out there. Once I gain more experience, I think a show that has flashy or historical costumes elements would be fun. Like a masquerade….. Question: How did you get involved with 20PAA? Answer: Myla’s dislike of repetitive dance instruction and an ad for 20PAA intensive program was the beginning. It lead to a conversation that started with Theresa complementing a dress and learning that I sew ” like on a machine.” Then I did some alterations for Beetlejuice Jr and was invited to be head of costumes for Footloose Jr and up coming shows. Question: What’s your favourite thing about 20 PAA? Answer: In my role I am able to observe youth find their place in society where athletics is usually dominate. The theatre process brings a variety of youth and adults together to accomplish a big task: the final show. By closing night the air is filled with excitement, familiarity, exhaustion, pride and community. The youth leave with memories of acceptance and celebrated uniqueness. Question: Is Theresa hilarious? Answer: Who ever says she isn’t doesn’t know Theresa. |