About Spotlight Performing Arts
Spotlight Performing Arts was founded with one purpose - to build a space for all students to grow, learn and create with each passing day. Through a unique teaching approach and a truly passionate staff, we help students develop academically and personally to the highest level.
We invite you to explore our site and discover the academics and community Spotlight Performing Arts provides to each and every student. Get in touch with us today to schedule a tour, learn more about enrollment, or ask any other questions.
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Studio Information
Spotlight runs two terms during the school year:
September–December and January–May, with each term lasting 14 weeks.
Classes run weekly at the following locations:
Carrigaline (Mondays)
Model Farm Road (Tuesdays)
Carrigtwohill (Wednesdays & Thursdays)
Class durations range from 45 to 60 minutes and are led by experienced, passionate performing arts professionals.
We offer:
Drama & Musical Theatre Combo Classes
Rock it! Singing Choir
After-School Clubs in Drama and Dance (in local primary schools)
Acting Up! Summer Camps across Cork
We also work directly with schools, teaching drama during the school day, and providing direction and choreography for primary and post-primary school productions.
Where to Find Us:
Carrigaline Studio - P43 FR80 Model Farm Road Studio - T12 A9XE Carrigtwohill Studio - T45 XR40
Spotlight Performing Arts was founded by Tara O’Connor, with Kevin Tobin playing a key role in supporting the launch of the business. These two passionate creatives are driven to inspire the next generation of performers.
Founder and Studio Director
Tara O'Connor
Studio Director Tara O’Connor leads a dynamic team of teachers and mentors who bring professional training and infectious energy to every class and camp.
A proud Cork native, Tara’s love of performance began at age six and deepened through training at Cork Arts Studio and The Gaiety School of Acting. Initially pursuing a degree in Business, she quickly followed her heart into the world of theatre - earning a First Class Honours BA in Drama & Theatre Studies from MTU Cork School of Music.
Her talent was recognised internationally when she received the highest mark in Europe for her Dramatic Solo Performance from LAMDA. Tara was later invited to Los Angeles by I.M.T.A, she trained and performed with them as a child actress. In 2019 she returned to LA to train with top international choreographers at The Playground Dance Studios. A lifelong learner, Tara used Ireland’s 2020 lockdowns to complete a Special Needs Assistant diploma, a Wellness for Kids course, and engaged in many West End online performance courses.
Today, Tara is deeply involved in drama and dance education across Cork, working with schools, community groups, and young artists - infusing every project with professionalism, passion, and purpose.
Spotlight reflects her belief in the power of performance to build confidence, creativity, and connection - right here at home.
