FLORENCE — What began as a local summer arts camp serving 90 students in 2024 will
welcome 200 students from 44 schools across Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands next week as Spotlighters Show Choir Camp celebrates its third summer and launches a
new partnership with the University of North Alabama’s School of the Arts.
Enrollment has grown each year—from 90 students in its inaugural summer, to 165 students in
2025, and 200 students in 2026. This year’s camp reached capacity with all five performance teams
fully enrolled and operating from wait lists.
Founded by veteran educators and performing arts professionals Laurie Mitchell and Jeremy
Painter, Spotlighters was created to provide students with a high-energy, collaborative performing
arts experience centered on music, movement, leadership, and community.
The 2026 camp theme, “Better Together,” reflects both the collaborative nature of show choir and
the camp’s continued growth as a regional gathering place for young performers. With students
representing 44 schools across multiple states and territories, the theme celebrates the idea that
meaningful learning, creativity, and community happen when people come together around a
shared purpose.
“What excites me most is seeing students discover how much they can learn from one another,”
said Mitchell. “Our theme this year is ‘Better Together,’ and that’s exactly what Spotlighters has
become. Students arrive from diƯerent schools, communities, and experiences, but by the end of
the week they become part of something bigger than themselves.”
Campers represent 39 schools across Alabama and five schools in Tennessee, with additional
participants traveling from Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The growing geographic reach
reflects the camp’s expanding reputation throughout the region.
After two successful summers at Deshler High School in Tuscumbia, Spotlighters will be hosted at
the University of North Alabama’s School of the Arts for the first time in 2026. The partnership
marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues to grow while connecting young
performers with collegiate-level arts opportunities.
“This year’s theme reflects what we’ve seen since day one,” said Painter. “The magic of Spotlighters
isn’t found in any one performance or individual achievement. It’s what happens when students
encourage one another, take creative risks together, and realize they can accomplish more as a
team than they ever could alone.”
The camp will take place June 15–20 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily on the UNA campus. The
week culminates with two public performances featuring all five show choir teams:
• Friday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at spotlighterscamp.ludus.com.
ABOUT SPOTLIGHTERS SHOW CHOIR CAMP
Spotlighters Show Choir Camp is a week-long performing arts experience serving students in
grades 1–12. Through music, choreography, teamwork, and performance, campers develop
confidence, leadership skills, creativity, and lasting friendships. For more information, visit
SpotlightersCamp.com.
Media Release/Jeremy Painter/SPOTLIGHTERS SHOW CHOIR CAMP
