Production Manager

Bruce Price

Production Stage Manager

Kelli Karen

Technical Director

Dan Yerman

Costume Shop Manager

Susan Angermann

Casting/Hiring Coordinator

James Ashford

Assistant to Artistic Director

Will Willoughby

Literary Manager

Amanda Cayo

Resident Pianist

Jim Prosser

General Manager

James Lemons

IT/Business Manager

Lee Schlosser

Bookkeeper

Luba Khasik

Public Relations Manager

Danae DeShazer

Marketing Associate

Audra Lange

Development Manager

Jon Donk

Development Associate

Steve Turrisi

Grant Writer

Nicole Bonito

Box Office Manager

Josh Peters

Asst. Box Office Manager

Katie Daniels

Asst. to the Managing Director

Phyllis Silverman

Cabaret Manager

Tom Curry

Volunteer Coordinator

Kaylene Torregrossa

Director of Education

Beth Duda

Education Administrator

Pam Smith

Teaching Artist/YPF Coordinator

Adam Ratner

WRITE A PLAY Manager

Jennie Cole

Artistic Intern

Mark Bracken

Literary Intern

Kati Frazier

Literary Intern

Margaret Medwedew

Literary Intern

Jessica Mingoia

Literary Intern

Bree Windham

Development Intern

Blake Ricciardi

Company Management Intern

Meg Watson

Costume Intern

Courtney R. Alfrey

Production/Lighting Intern

Kate DeWall

Production/Sound Intern

Thomas Korp

Production/Props Intern

Danielle Udchik

Stage Management Intern

Kayliane Burns

Stage Management Intern

Kristin Kerr

Stage Management Intern

Tommy Rosati

Stage Management Intern

Kari Wertz

Acting Apprentice

Daniel Bontempo

Acting Apprentice

Brian Burger

Acting Apprentice

Carine Eyoum

Acting Apprentice

Victoria Fragnito

Acting Apprentice

Marilyn Gormon

Acting Apprentice

Andy McCain

Acting Apprentice

Corbin Puryear

Acting Apprentice

Anthony Rockford

Richard Hopkins
Artistic Director, CEO
41 years professional theatre experience
31 years at Florida Studio Theatre

Kate Alexander
Associate Director
34 years professional theatre experience
31 years at Florida Studio Theatre

Rebecca Hopkins
Managing Director
20 years professional theatre experience
14 years at Florida Studio Theatre

Bruce Price
Production Manager

Mr. Price joined the FST staff in 2002 as the Production Stage Manager and Stage Managed 14 productions.  In 2004 Mr. Price was promoted to Production Manager and has overseen the technical aspects of over 75 productions here at FST. Mr. Price has a MFA in Directing from the University of Houston where he studied with Edward Albee, Jose Quintero and Stewart Ostro.  He was a partner of Tightrope Production in Charleston, SC from 1991 – 1993. Mr. Price has worked regionally at The Alley Theatre and Stage Repertory Theatre both on stage and backstage. He has found his home here at FST.

Kelli Karen
Production Stage Manager

Ms. Karen has been an integral member of the Florida Studio Theatre for the past 17 years. Kelli began at FST as a dance teacher in the education department in 1993. In addition to her classes at FST, Kelli has created and taught outreach programs and has taught playwriting at numerous local elementary schools as well as our sister city of Dunfermline, Scotland. Stage management credits at FST include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Edward Albee’s Occupant, Motown Cabaret, …and LA is Burning.

Dan Yerman
Technical Director

This is Dan's sixth season with FST. He has worked on hundreds of shows and has many years of experience in technical direction, lighting and scenic design. He has worked with: Southern Scenic, Orlando Convention Center, Universal Studios, Promise Art and Entertainment, and The Mark II: Newmark Scenic, Last Stage out of Town Studios, Patterson Studio', Lakeland Convention Center and Polk Theatre: Playmakers Theatre and USF Theatre. He has designed for Riverfront Theatre, Players Theatre, Golden Apple, Theatre Winter Haven, Richey Suncoast Theatre, and others. Dan has a M.A from Miami of Ohio.

Susan Angermann
Costume Shop Manager

Ms. Angermann started her career in costuming in New York where she designed and constructed costumes for various productions in theatre, opera, film and television . In 1993 she moved with her husband Chris and son Erik to Sarasota, and designed several productions at FST. She returned to FST in January 2009 as Costume Shop Manager and designed Night Train to Memphis, The Wanderers, and That's Life Again in the Cabaret.

James Ashford
Casting/Hiring Coordinator

Mr. Ashford coordinates the casting & hiring of all FST Guest Artists (actors, directors and designers), full time staff members and members of the Intern Company including interviews, pre-employment testing, negotiations and contracting for all artists and employees. In addition to his Casting & Hiring duties, James coordinates play solicitation for FST's New Play Development program and contracts plays for FST's three stages. He received his BFA (cum laude) from Otterbein College in Westerville, OH.

Will Willoughby
Asst. to the Artistic Director

Mr. Willoughby worked in professional theatre for over 20 years. He began his career working with Inherit The Wind playwright Jerome Lawrence and then became literary manager and production supervisor for multiple productions of Lawrence and Lee plays both in the U.S. and abroad. He worked for four years as a consultant for a fi lm and theatre production company with offi ces in both Los Angeles and New York City. He is a recent arrival to FST as Executive Assistant to Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Will received his B.A. in cinema television production from the University of Southern California.

Amanda Cayo
Literary Manager

Amanda Cayo is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where she double majored in Theatre and Plan II Honors and minored in Business. While at UT she served as a performer, playwright, dramaturg, and director for numerous shows. Most recent projects include performing in The Vagina Monologues, dramaturging Our Lady of 121st Street, and staging her original play Writing a Letter to Fidel in the The University Coop Presents the Cohen New Works Festival for which she won a George H. Mitchell Award for Academic Excellence.

Jim Prosser
Resident Pianist

Jim has been involved in the creation of many of FST’s cabaret productions, including Laughing Matters 2009, Steppin’ Out, European Cabaret, Harry Who?, and British Invasion. He has also written scores for numerous children’s musicals at FST, including The Emperor’s New Clothes, Androcles and the Lion, The Princess and the Pea, Poof, and Immigrant Children. Jim has also been featured as the pianist for the FST Improv Troupe.

James Lemons
General Manager

For the past ten years, James has worked WaterTower Theatre, a small professional theatre located 15 minutes north of downtown Dallas, where he served as the Associate Artistic Director and Communications Manager. During his tenure, he directed over twenty productions and helped to grow the subscription audience by 150%. James is happy to now be exploring Florida's gulf coast.

Lee Schlosser
IT/Business Manager

Mr. Schlosser grew up in St. Charles, Illinois. He attended Indiana Institute of Technology for his Bachelor’s degree and did post-graduate studies at UNC Chapel Hill.  In 1971, he moved to Sarasota and worked with his parents in their store, the Rainbow Shop. He started a computer consulting company in 1983, which eventually led to his joining Florida Studio Theatre in 1996.

Danae DeShazer
Public Relations Manager

Miss Danae Michelle DeShazer is not in Kansas anymore... originally from Overland Park, Kansas (GO JAYHAWKS!), Danae moved to Sarasota from New York City in September 2009. While in NYC, she worked at Elle Magazine and In Style Magazine. Now at Florida Studio Theatre, she manages and oversees all Public Relations and Communications at the theatre. You may also hear her voice around the theater, as she happily holds the title of "Voice of FST" and does all recorded announcements, phone hold messages, automated calls and more. Danae is currently on the Board of Directors for the Central West Coast Chapter of Florida Public Relations Association. She also has been seen on the stages at the Venice Theatre (in Venice, FL) in roles such as Janet Van de Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone and Linoleum in The Great American Trailer Park Musical. She has been featured in SRQ Magazine and Biz941 Magazine for her work at Florida Studio Theatre, and could not be happier to be living in such a thriving arts community!

Audra Lange
Marketing Associate

Audra Lange comes to FST from a small town in Wisconsin. As the Marketing Associate, Audra coordinates all advertising, marketing, and graphic design for Florida Studio Theatre. She graduated in December 2010 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she completed three internships, and obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Management/Promotions, with a Dance Minor. Audra is excited to share her passion for the arts, and her creativity with the thriving organization of Florida Studio Theatre.

Steve Turrisi
Development Associate

In December of 2000, an old college buddy told Steve I had to visit and see Sarasota and in August of 2001, he moved here from snowy Rochester , NY . In 2004 while managing a bar, a fellow co-worker invited him to an FST Improv class. Since that day, he's been a part of the FST Improv cast. In March of 2011, Steve joined the Development office in the role of Development Associate. Today, he says he's very fortunate to be able to work and entertain all in the same place.

Nicole Bonito
Grant Writer

Nicole first moved to Sarasota in 1991 where she obtained her A.A. in art from M.C.C., then went on to earn her B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Georgia. A true "Florida Girl," she moved back to Sarasota in 2001 after being landlocked for 10 years. Having worked in real estate marketing, magazine journalism and media relations, Nicole is excited to now broaden her horizons as grant writer for the performing arts theatre that boasts the biggest subscription base in the State of Florida.

Josh Peters
Box Office Manager

Josh Peters has been working as a teaching artist with the FST summer education program for the past three years and is thrilled to join the theatre year round as the box office manager. Josh graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and has worked at several theatres in addition to FST, most recently CENTERSTAGE (the state theatre of Maryland).

Katie Daniels
Asst. Box Office Manager

Katie has been in the Box Office for ten years, and remarkably has aged only two years during that time.

Phyllis Silverman
Asst. to the Managing Director

In 1994, Ms. Silverman and her husband, Sandy, left Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Sarasota. Shortly after arriving, Phyllis found FST and has been working in the Box Office and in the Administrative Office ever since. Phyllis says "I enjoy my job. Every day is different. It keeps me busy. It keeps me young." When not working, she enjoys golfing, tap dancing, reading, and taking an American Sign Language class. Phyllis also enjoys travel and visiting her 9 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.

Tom Curry
Cabaret Manager

Mr. Curry runs our Cabaret theatre during the Winter season, and assists in the Box Office during the summer season.

Kaylene Torregrossa
Volunteer Coordinator

Kaylene graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona, where she majored in Theatre Arts and Gender & Women's Studies. During her time there, she directed the Arizona premiere of Any One of Us: Words from Prison, organized and directed The Vagina Monologues, one of the University’s largest student-run fundraisers, and assisted in the development of the one-woman show Coming in Hot. She is thrilled to be in sunny Florida, and looks forward to reading plays on the beach!

Beth Duda
Director of Education

Ms. Duda has been affiliated with FST since 1991 as an actress, playwright, teaching artist, and director. As Director of Education, Ms. Duda teaches a variety of classes for Youth and Adults. Classes include Musical Theatre, Play Production, FST's Playwrighting Workshop, Behind the Scenes and a class for special needs students. She has written, co-written, and conceived several one act plays including, Rumplestiltskin, a modern twist on a classic tale, Pinocchio, and Jack and the Enchanted Beanstalk. Her full length play, Up To Home, was a semi-final selection at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, and a selected play for the Richard and Betty Burdick Festival of New Plays. Ms Duda is the director of UNDER SIX, the compilation of winning plays written by Elementary School students.

Pam Smith
Education Administrator & Scholarship Coordinator

Ms. Smith has been associated with FST since 1993.  She serves as the Education Administrator, handling registration and scholarship coordination and also serves as the Administrative Assistant to Kate Alexander.

Adam Ratner
Teaching Artist

Mr. Ratner has been a part of the FST family for nearly 25 years. A graduate of Florida State University’s Theatre Program, for the past 10 years he has been a member of the Education Staff as a Teaching Artist, actor, playwright, Coordinator of the Young Playwrights Festival and director of the Kids Komedy Club. He has traveled to several countries teaching playwriting for the WRITE A PLAY Program. Adam is also a member of the FST Improv Troupe.

Mark J. Bracken Jr.
Artistic Intern

Mark J. Bracken Jr. is thrilled to be at Florida Studio Theatre for 2011-2012 seasons. He hails from Middletown, NJ and is a graduate of Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. He has been seen on stage in numerous roles including the world premiere of Honest (Irene Ryan nominee), Sunday....George, Room Service, Children of Eden, 25th...Spelling Bee, and The Good Woman of Setzuan. He graduated with degrees in directing and theatre production and design. He is currently serving as the Artistic Intern at FST and looks forward to what the year brings. Here's looking at you Sarasota!

Kati Frazier
Literary Intern

Kati graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 2008 with degrees in English and Theatre; She has been writing plays (and sometimes directing them too) for the past three years in North Carolina. She is thrilled to be working in the literary office where she is surrounded by books all day long.

Margaret Medwedew
Literary Intern

Margaret is an excited literary intern originally from Tampa, FL. A recent graduate of Florida State University School of Theatre, she is also a writer and director in her spare time. Favorite productions include directing her own adaptation of Titus Andronicus, the premiere of her first ten minute play Discrepancy, and writing/acting in the project Orestes 2011. She plans on continuing both her first loves: writing and trying to develop super powers.

Jessica Mingoia
Literary Intern

Jessica comes to FST as a recent graduate of SUNY New Paltz in New York where she earned Bachelor Degrees in History and Theatre Studies. She has past experience in dramaturgy and stage management, as well as musical theatre performance. She's excited to be here at FST as a literary intern, where she also works as a House Manager in the Goldstein Cabaret.

Briana Windham
Literary Intern

Briana Windham is from Trussville, AL and is a recent graduate of Auburn University's theater department. She is very excited to be working as a literary intern at FST!

Blake Ricciardi
Marketing/Development Intern

Originally from Muncie, Indiana (also home of Garfield the Cat), Blake moved to the sunny city of Sarasota in September 2011. While in Indiana, Blake attended Ball State University and graduated with a BA in Theatre Studies and a minor in Telecommunications. Past credits include Production Assistant for the Indie film, My Name Is Jerry, where he worked with actors like Doug Jones (Hocus Pocus, Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy), Catherine Hicks (7th Heaven), and Don Stark (That 70s Show). Now, at Florida Studio Theatre, he is a member of the Development and Marketing teams while also gaining experience in production and audience engagement. Blake could not be more excited to work in such a rich arts community, and loves the added bonus of beaches and beautiful weather.

Meg Watson
Production/Company Management Intern

Meg is extremely excited to be joining FST for her first season in the Production and Company Management Departments. Originally hailing from Canton, NY, she is a recent graduate of the Crane School of Music with a BM in Music Business (Vocal Concentration) and a minor in Acting. Meg has performed in a number of productions across NY State; a few favorites include Snug the Joiner in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Thea Elvstead in Hedda Gabler, Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, and most recently was able to sing the National Anthem at a New York Met's game in New York City. She now is enjoying her new love of Art's Administration, and spends her time here at FST doing just about everything!

Courtney R. Alfrey
Costume Intern

Courtney R. Alfrey is blessed to be in warm weather at FST this year haling originally from small town Kellogg, ID. In May 2011 he received his B.A. in Theatre Performance with minors in Business and Dance from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. Court was the recipient of the 2011 Whitworth Theatre Limelight Award and was a Dean's List Student. After "walking the plank" and a couple fun-filled last summer months, this Pirate Alum brought his "booty" to Sarasota and now loves every moment of his costuming experience. Court assists in the build and construction of our season as well as serves as a dresser for FST's many shows. Court already has grown vast amounts in his time at FST and loves that he gets to work with passionate designers, directors, and actors everyday. This is Court's first experience at the professional theatre level and he is grateful for this opportunity. This step in life wouldn't be possible without the abundant support of his university mentors, family and friends. He is grateful his friends and family wish him the best on this adventure even thought it takes him from them. And don't you worry; this Pirate spends any free moments on the white sandy beaches looking for buried treasure!

Danielle Udchik
Production/Props Intern

Danielle is a recent college graduate of Illinois State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Theatre Design with an emphasis in props. She is extremely eager and excited to be part of the FST team and is looking forward this coming year's shows. She has a passion for history and art and enjoys writing and photography in her spare time. She is also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Kayliane Burns
Stage Management Intern

Kayliane is thrilled to be back at FST for a second year, where she previously worked on Pinocchio, Race, Two Jews Walk into a War, and Cowgirls. She is originally from Syracuse, New York, and is a graduate of Syracuse University where she received her BFA in Stage Management. Her past credits include stage management intern for both Fiddler on the Roof and Fences (Syracuse Stage), stage manager for The Song from the Sea (the 2009 Syracuse Stage Children's Tour), and stage manager for The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Syracuse University Drama).

Kristen Kerr
Stage Management Intern

Kristin, originally from Scarborough, ME, is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a BA in Theatre and Music. Her recent credits include stage manager for The Tempest, CATS, and director of Harvey. She is very excited to join FST this season!

Tommy Rosati
Stage Management Intern

Tommy is delighted to be back at FST for his second year. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, last year he served as the Production/Sound intern and is honored to join the Stage Management team and work in the cabaret this season. Past SM credits include Under Six and Channel, both here at FST.

Daniel Bontempo
Acting Apprentice

Daniel Bontempo is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Acting Apprentice Company here at FST. He is a recent graduate of DeSales University where he received his B.A. in Theatre. He was last seen this summer at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, where he performed in Sleeping Beauty (King Phillip), Hamlet (Reynaldo & Priest), Pride and Prejudice ( Ball Guest & Officer), and South Pacific (Herbert Quale).

Victoria M. Fragnito
Acting Apprentice

A 2010 graduate of DeSales University, Victoria hails from Allentown, PA. Her previous acting credits include: Ophelia in Hamlet (WillPower Tour- PSF) Annie in Robin Hood (PSF), Jody in Quilters (Act 1, DeSales). Her directing credits include Associate Director Romeo and Juliet (PSF), Assistant Director Playboy of the Western World, South Pacific, A Midsummer Nights Dream (PSF), Gilgamesh (Circle of Stones). She is very grateful for this opportunity.

Andy McCain
Acting Apprentice

Andy McCain is honored to be making his debut with FST and to be a part in the new Acting Apprentice program. Andy is originally from Mequon, WI. Since graduating Catawba College, he has worked at the Charleston Stage Company, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, National Theatre for Children, California Theatre Center, Sierra Repertory Theatre and the Lake Dillon Theatre Company. www.andymccain.com

A. A. Corbin Puryear
Acting Apprentice

A. A. "Corbin" Puryear is excited to be an acting apprentice at FST. Since graduating from UVA, he studied at the American Theatre Wing's Springboard NYC program and taught Improv for teenage actors. Some of his favorite roles during college include Eddie (13), Scrub (The Beaux Stratagem), Joseph Swane (By the Bog of Cats), Glendower/Chief Justice (Henry IV), Michael (Tick... Tick... BOOM!), Coach Van Buren (Damn Yankees), and Old Man Gregorson (Musical: The Online Musical). www.AACorbinPuryear.com

Anthony Rockford
Acting Apprentice

Anthony Rockford is blessed and honored to have been given the opportunity to be an acting apprentice at FST. Anthony is originally from Hamden, CT. Since attending Pace University, he has blazed not only the stage in the NYC Play Fesitval but also on the screen. Some of his latest featured roles was on Law and Order, The Goodwife, 2-2, PC Richard and Son commercial, and many more.