We’re looking forward to introducing you to Katie Martin. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Katie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My daughters are my biggest source of joy—every single day. Watching them grow and become their own people is the most meaningful part of my life. They inspire me, challenge me, and remind me of what really matters: love. Of everything I’ve done, being their mom is what I’m most proud of—but honestly, I’m just most proud of them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Katie Martin, founder of Spotlight Acting Academy — Houston’s premier On-Camera Acting Studio for kids, teens, and adults. I’m proud to be the only certified instructor of the Ivana Chubbuck Technique in the Houston area, bringing a powerful, emotionally driven method used by A-list actors directly to our students. Spotlight began in 2012 with a passion for teaching actors of all ages and levels, and we’ve grown into a vibrant community offering classes in acting for film and TV for ages 8 through adult.
Beyond the studio, I’m a mom to three amazing daughters, and when I’m not coaching or directing, you can usually find me off the grid camping in my 1970s pop-up camper or hunting for vintage treasures. I believe in creating a supportive, challenging, and joy-filled space where actors can grow—and where their uniqueness is their greatest strength.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Fear-based thinking. As an acting coach and certified Chubbuck Technique instructor, I work with actors every day on transforming pain into power. That process has challenged me to do the same in my own life—to let go of insecurities and step fully into who I am, both as an artist and a teacher. The Chubbuck Technique teaches us to use our emotional history as fuel, not baggage. That mindset shift—from fear to purpose—has been transformative for me, and it’s what I aim to pass on to every actor I work with.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Like so many actors, I hit a point where I felt like I was constantly chasing validation—waiting for callbacks, approvals, and someone else’s permission to feel like I belonged in the room. It’s easy to feel invisible in this industry if your self-worth is tied to audition results. But something shifted when I started focusing on the art itself—on telling stories, connecting with other creatives, and growing my craft. I stopped asking for permission to create and started owning my space. That mindset shift didn’t just keep me in the game—it made me fall in love with acting even more and gave me a lot of freedom in my work.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Authenticity, equality, and acceptance. I believe deeply in creating a space where people feel safe to be exactly who they are. In the acting world—and in life—it takes courage to show up fully and vulnerably, and that’s only possible when people feel seen, respected, and supported. At Spotlight, we protect that space fiercely. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong, both in front of the camera and in their personal lives.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve never been someone who just does what they’re told—in fact, I usually lean toward doing what I’m told not to do (my parents were thrilled about that). I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. I’ve always followed my passions, even when the path wasn’t traditional or easy. I believe it’s more important to live a life filled with purpose than to chase financial success. Stability is important, sure—but happiness, creativity, and doing work that lights you up? That’s real success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spotlightactingacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spotlightktx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightKTX/
Image Credits
I took all the pictures myself.
