Our Board Members
Bailey Thompson
Executive Director
Born and raised in Danville, Illinois, Bailey Thompson has always had a passion for the performing arts. She began her journey in DLO Musical Theatre’s kids shows, where her love for the stage blossomed. Her dedication to the craft led her to a career as a professional actress, gaining invaluable experience that she brought back to her hometown. Bailey went on to earn a degree in Theatre Education, allowing her to combine her expertise with her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Bailey’s family has been with her every step of the way over the past four years as she’s built Spotlight Performing Arts from the ground up. Together with her husband Tyler and their three children, she has directed productions, taught workshops, written original shows, and created meaningful opportunities for young performers in the community. Her family’s unwavering support and involvement have been instrumental in shaping SPA into a thriving nonprofit, dedicated to enriching lives through the performing arts.
Preston Dildine
Secretary
Preston Dildine is so very excited to be on the board for Spotlight Performing Arts! Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Preston is an actor, director, playwright, choreographer, as well as teaching artist. Children’s theatre is one of his many passions, because he believes not only in the importance of working with youth to help them find their voice, but in the transformative work of storytelling, and the power the spoken word has to change the world.
Alex Houmes
Treasurer
Alex Houmes is known for his dedication to enhancing local life through various roles and projects and his passion for service. Professionally, Alex is the Demand Planning Manager at Watchfire Signs, where he oversees production scheduling, job processing, and project management teams. Alex previously served 6 years on the Hoopeston City Council and currently serves as Chair of the Hoopeston Police Commission. In addition to his public service, Alex is President of the Lorraine Theatre Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation has seen significant growth and revitalization, including leading multiple renovation projects, producing music and theatre productions, and successfully reintroducing first-run movie showings.
Alex's journey in theatre began with his involvement in high school, where he ran sound and lighting for various performances. Since then, he has contributed to multiple productions through the Lorraine Theatre, preserving a historic landmark and connecting area performers with this cherished venue. Although he prefers to work behind the scenes, Alex's enthusiasm for managing the business side of theatre underscores his belief in its importance to the community.
Kate Cox
Board Member
Kate Cox is Danville, Illinois native who was actively involved in the fine arts and theatre community while growing up — she loved to perform in dance, show choir and theatre productions. When it came time to decide where to settle and raise a family, Kate and her husband, Mike knew that coming home to Danville meant bringing the richness of the fine arts community to their children. Their three children embraced the arts wholeheartedly from a young age. Being involved in the arts community has become a passion for the entire Cox family.
Over the past few years, all of the Coxes have jumped feet first into productions throughout the entire season; Kate as a producer and manager of front-of-house elements; Aidan and Allie as performers and choreographers; Erin as a performer and crew member; Mike as a videographer and prop-crafter extraordinaire. “We do this fine arts life as a family and love every second of it. Watching my own children fall in love with not just performing and the stage but all elements of theatre life has been the greatest gift. All of us have become passionate about being an active role in cultivating a space of love and encouragement for this next talented generation of singers, dancers, actors, stage managers, producers, and tech crews.”