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From Willy Wonka to College Stages: Addy and Gannon’s Spotlight Journey 🎭

Addyson Fischer performing as JoJo in 2026 Seussical with the Cat in the Hat behind her

Written by

Chad Hembree

Addyson “Addy” Fischer performs as JoJo in Spotlight Acting School’s 2026 Seussical the Musical, with the Cat in the Hat behind her. Addy’s Spotlight journey began in Willy Wonka KIDS in 2016, when she played Veruca Salt. She is now continuing her theater work at Eastern Kentucky University.

As I was gathering information for our upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory JR. auditions, I pulled out some old Spotlight photo albums. I found pictures of Addyson “Addy” Fischer and Gannon Stearns in our 2016 production of Willy Wonka KIDS. Seeing those photos again reminded me why I do this work, and how proud I am of the young people who grow up on our stage.

Both have since finished their time as Spotlight Acting School students. They kept performing, too. Addy is now at Eastern Kentucky University, and Gannon is at Northern Kentucky University. Their story is one reason I want families to hear about the next round of auditions.

The first chapter: Willy Wonka KIDS

We presented Willy Wonka KIDS at The Spotlight Playhouse in November 2016. The official cast list credits Addyson Fischer as Veruca Salt in the Blue cast. Gannon Stearns played Grandpa Joe in the Blue cast and Grandpa George in the Purple cast.

One of the old photos shows Addy in a red dress with a white ruffled collar and cuffs, standing among the candy-colored set pieces. In another, Gannon is in costume on the same stage. Those pictures bring back the excitement of seeing young performers take on a show, learn their parts, and work together to tell a story.

Addyson Fischer in a red dress as Veruca Salt on the Willy Wonka KIDS stage
Addyson Fischer as Veruca Salt in the Blue cast of Spotlight Acting School’s 2016 Willy Wonka KIDS.
Gannon Stearns in costume during Willy Wonka KIDS
Gannon Stearns played Grandpa Joe in the Blue cast and Grandpa George in the Purple cast of Spotlight Acting School’s 2016 Willy Wonka KIDS.

A final Spotlight show, ten years later

In the summer of 2026, Addy and Gannon shared their final performance as Spotlight Acting School students in Seussical the Musical. Addy played JoJo (Who), and Gannon played Horton (Jungle), both in the Purple cast.

The newer photos show how much the stage and the young performers have changed over the years. Addy is onstage with her arms raised and the Cat in the Hat behind her. Gannon is in Horton’s whimsical costume, holding a prop as he looks up into the scene.

Gannon Stearns as Horton in Spotlight Acting School’s Seussical the Musical
Gannon Stearns as Horton in the Purple cast of Spotlight Acting School’s 2026 Seussical the Musical.

In 2016, Addy was Veruca Salt and Gannon was Grandpa Joe. In 2026, Addy was JoJo and Gannon was Horton. Ten years of rehearsals, performances, new characters, and growing up happened between those pictures.

The next stage

Addy is now attending Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond and will perform in EKU’s Young Frankenstein the Musical. The university’s Gifford Theater calendar lists the production November 4 through 8 at the Campbell Building. I’m glad she is continuing to pursue theater at college.

Gannon is attending Northern Kentucky University and recently finished one of his first shows there. I’m proud to see him carrying his love of performing into a new school and a new company of fellow artists.

Not every student who comes through Spotlight will choose to perform in college, and that is not the only measure of what theater can give a young person. I have watched our students learn to listen, take direction, collaborate, solve problems, and find the confidence to step in front of an audience. Those skills matter wherever life takes them.

But when former students keep performing, I get a special reminder of how a first show can lead to another stage, another challenge, and a bigger sense of what might be possible.

Spotlight Acting School auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory JR.

Finding these photos while preparing for auditions felt like a timely reminder of what can begin with a show about Willy Wonka. We are holding auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory JR. on Saturday, November 21, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road in Berea.

The production is for ages 14 to 18. All experience levels are welcome, and everyone who auditions will be cast. You do not need to pre-register. The standard tuition is $105 per month, with sibling discounts and limited financial assistance available upon request.

The Blue cast performs April 2 and 3, 2027, at 6:00 p.m. and April 4 at 2:00 p.m. The Purple cast performs April 16 and 17 at 6:00 p.m. and April 18 at 2:00 p.m. All performances are at The Spotlight Playhouse. For the audition details and preparation information, visit the official show page.

If your teenager has been curious about theater, I hope you will consider bringing them to audition. We will help them learn. Questions? Email me at chad@spotlightactingschool.com or call 859-756-0011.

Ten years ago, Addy and Gannon were young performers stepping into Willy Wonka KIDS. Today, they are taking what they learned to university stages. I can’t wait to see what the next group of young people will do with their next opportunity at Spotlight.

✍️ About the Author

Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. A resident of Berea, Kentucky, and a former member of the Berea Council, he has spent decades working in community theater, arts education, and local journalism. Since 1995, he has operated BereaOnline.com, focusing on local news, civic issues, and stories that highlight community collaboration and grassroots efforts across Madison County.

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