Our mission
Established in 2017, SPARK THEATRE COMPANY produces works of Theatre to promote topics of social awareness while opening the door to dialogue about the needs of those in both the audience and community as a whole. SPARK stands for Theatre that meets people where others can’t, and provides a safe space to be seen and heard.
SPEAK THE TRUTH. PROVOKE A CHANGE. ACT YOUR CONSCIENCE. REACH YOUR AUDIENCE. KEEP ARTS RELEVANT.
SPEAK THE TRUTH. PROVOKE A CHANGE. ACT YOUR CONSCIENCE. REACH YOUR AUDIENCE. KEEP ARTS RELEVANT.
Our team
Lara Benavides
Founder and Artistic Director
A Director, educator, and performer, Lara's livelong passion for theatre lead her to pursue a vision of establishing a socially minded theatre company in San Antonio. She holds a Masters of Arts in Directing for the Stage from Texas State University, and has served in various professional avenues in the past 15 years including Director of Theatre for Incarnate Word High School and Adjunct Professor of Theatre at San Antonio College. With over 100 theatre credits from design to acting to directing, Lara's career has proved a dedication for producing exceptional works of theatre for audiences of all ages.
Tony Shanklin
Executive Director
Tony comes to SPARK Theatre Co. with a strong background in community theatre and a desire to provoke audiences to thought and action through live theatre. He views theatre as an outreach opportunity, and his passion is ultimately to see lives changed and people brought to salvation through Christ Jesus. His Bachelor's in Practical Ministry makes him well equipped to help SPARK impact the city of San Antonio. Tony's past acting credits include Scrooge, How Great Thou Art, No Greater Love, The Glory and the Fire, Eurydice, and Dangerous Theatre: An Evening of Joyce Carol Oates.
Tony Shanklin
Executive Director
Tony comes to SPARK Theatre Co. with a strong background in community theatre and a desire to provoke audiences to thought and action through live theatre. He views theatre as an outreach opportunity, and his passion is ultimately to see lives changed and people brought to salvation through Christ Jesus. His Bachelor's in Practical Ministry makes him well equipped to help SPARK impact the city of San Antonio. Tony's past acting credits include Scrooge, How Great Thou Art, No Greater Love, The Glory and the Fire, Eurydice, and Dangerous Theatre: An Evening of Joyce Carol Oates.
Jayne Shanklin
Secretary
Although a relative newcomer to theatre, Jayne brings her Bachelors in English, classroom teaching, and professional training experience to help grow SPARK Theatre Co. She is excited by the opportunity to engage audiences with thought provoking productions in the hopes of seeing lives changed and restored. Jayne has previously served as stage manager for No Greater Love, How Great Thou Art, The Glory and the Fire, and Eurydice with her acting debut for SPARK in Dangerous Theatre: An Evening of Joyce Carol Oates..