KATE ALEXANDER ministers to the artistic needs of the theatre and its many community and state educational programs: she pioneered the acting training method for children which serves as the foundation for the FST school and co-developed the award-winning WRITE A PLAY program which touches the lives of more than 55,000 children annually. She has directed more than 25 shows, including Alabama Story; Over The River and Through The Woods; Chapatti; Dancing Lessons; Becoming Dr. Ruth; Freud’s Last Session; Thurgood; South Beach Babylon; The Columnist; Talley’s Folly; Jericho; Next Fall; The Savannah Disputation; Ghost-Writer, The Savannah Disputation, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Bridge & Tunnel, Shotgun, Shirley Valentine, Pure Confidence, Wit, Proof, The Exonerated and Brooklyn Boy, and performed leading roles in Taking Shakespeare, Golda’s Balcony, Master Class and The Occupant. Ms. Alexander is the recipient of numerous acting, directing and public service awards. She co-authored the book Ideas for the Animated Short: Finding and Building Stories which now has a second edition available.

JIM PROSSER is the Resident Pianist at FST. Over his many years at FST, Jim has most often performed in the Cabaret, where he has arranged and co-developed many shows including Dancing In The Street, By Gershwin, Laughing Matters, European Cabaret, That’s Life, British Invasion, Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, Harry Who?, Too Darn Hot, and last season’s production of Never Marry A Girl With Cold Feet. He has also served as resident composer/music director for FST’s Education department, writing numerous songs and scores for children’s shows such as Androcles and the Lion, RAP-Punzel, and the WRITE A PLAY elementary tours.

NATHANIEL BELIVEAU is a traveling Music Director, Conductor, Pianist, Vocal Coach, Arranger, and Singer with over a decade of experience in NYC and more than 60 Broadway and regional shows under his belt. He recently completed a 9-month tour playing Benny in Mania: The ABBA Tribute and music directed Jersey Boys at FST. He’s thrilled to join the team full time a FST as a Resident MusicDirector/Pianist/Arranger. Previous credits include: Pianist, Associate Music Director, and Teacher at The Lexington Theatre Company; MD, Vocalist, and Accompanist for British Invasion and Carole King Tribute Concert (Palace Theatre, NH); MD and Music Production for Les Misérables (Nightingale Bamford School, NYC); MD and Track Producer for Spring Awakening (Broccoli Hall, MA); and Associate Music Director for the North American tour of Finding Neverland. Other credits: Conductor and Accompanist for Mamma Mia! with Royal Caribbean; MD and Pianist for 28 productions at The Palace Theatre (NH), Head of Music Education (2016–2018); and work with Arizona Broadway Theatre, 5th Floor Theatre Company, and The Broadway Workshop. 

CATHERINE RANDAZZO has been a part of the Sarasota arts community since 1990. Before joining Florida Studio Theatre’s artistic staff, she actively contributed to FST’s New Play Development program for over 30 years. In 1996, she appeared on the Goldstein Cabaret Stage in License to Bash, Sarasota’s original political comedy group. As she continued performing throughout the Gulf Coast and touring in regional and international productions, Catherine also worked in educational theatre for seven years, founding a performing arts department at a startup charter school at State College of Florida. Her achievements earned recognition from both the Manatee Education Association and the Educational Theatre Association. Catherine’s extensive theatrical experience brought her full circle to FST, where she most recently served as Associate Artist and Literary Manager beginning in 2014, before becoming Associate Producer. She primarily directs FST’s Winter Cabaret series, has directed for Stage III and the Summer Mainstage, and has appeared on the Winter Mainstage. She produces the Summer Cabaret Series and serves as a teaching artist, leading audience engagement initiatives, post-show forums, and community outreach efforts to deepen FST’s connection with its patrons. A passionate advocate for new work, Catherine supports FST’s mission to champion new plays and represents the theatre as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the National New Play Network. She is a graduate of Otterbein University in Ohio with a BFA in Performance and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Ben Liebert is a theater maker originally hailing from New Jersey with an 18 year pit stop in NYC. As a director/choreographer, Ben’s work includes Next to Normal, Into the Woods, The Producers (National tour, assistant director), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Ordinary Days, Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) and The Bomb-itty of Errors as well as new works at Theatre Aspen, the Metropolitan Room, Samuel French OOB Festival (festival winner), MST&DA, Planet Connections Festival, Studio Players, and Randomly Specific Theatre. He has appeared as an actor on Broadway in Wicked, off-Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish directed by Joel Grey, and regionally in Little Shop of Horrors, Into the Woods, Ragtime, Chicago, Spamalot, and Avenue Q. Ben is the co-creator and puppeteer behind Cam and Ben Sing Songs, a social-emotional learning webseries for kids and families, and the creator of the Portable Number Line, a spacing tool for theater and dance.
He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. B.F.A.: NYU-Tisch.
BenLiebert.com
CamAndBenSingSongs.com
PortableNumberLine.com

Timothy L’Ecuyer is a theatre director and teaching artist with a passion for inclusive storytelling that explores the nuance in truth, fosters empathy, and brings people together. He has a specific interest in queer narratives and other work that sits at the intersection of things: the collision of classical and contemporary, mundane and eternal, academic and immediate. He comes to FST from the Northeast with 20 years experience in theatre and education. Most recently, he was the Producing Artistic Director at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and a university lecturer. He is a proud member of AEA and SDC and has an MFA from Emerson College. He is excited and honored to join FST in the Casting and Hiring Department!

SARAH DURHAM is a comedian and writer from Campbellsville, Kentucky who believes in the power of laugher, storytelling, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. At FST, Sarah is a Resident Artist and the Associate Director of FST Improv, where she performs regularly, teaches for the FST School, and writes for the Children’s Theatre and cabarets. Sarah also leads original theatre projects for adults with disabilities in partnership with The Haven, creating inclusive, joy-filled productions that center acceptance and self-expression. She’s here for the weird, the warm, and the wonderfully unexpected.

Kara Powell (she/her) is originally from Franklin, Tennessee, and is thrilled to join the FST staff following two years in the Professional Training Program as the Production Management Fellow. She earned her degree in Arts Administration and Theatre from the University of Kentucky, where she gained extensive experience within the Theatre and Dance Department, serving as Assistant Director, Assistant Stage Manager, Dramaturg, and Wardrobe Crew Chief. During her time at UK, she also served as Assistant Director for Lucidity: A New Musical, which premiered at the 2023 SETC Fringe Festival.

Beyond her work in theatre, Kara has built a strong foundation in arts management through a variety of professional experiences, including serving as Operations Assistant for the Chamber Music Festival of Lexington, Development Intern for the Commonwealth Fund at Kentucky Educational Television, and Ticketing and Box Office Associate at the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Kara is passionate about fostering collaboration, creativity, and orginization in every production she supports, and she looks forward to continuing to grow within the FST community.

AHKIM CHURCH was previously with Alabama Shakespeare Festival for seventeen seasons, two as Assistant Production Manager and fifteen as Director of Production. Ahkim's home state is New Jersey where he was previously the Production Manager for the State Theatre Regional Arts Center & Crossroads Theatre. Ahkim would like to thank Ricardo Khan (Founding Artistic Director of Crossroads Theatre) for inspiration of choosing Theatre as a career. Ahkim is excited to be joining FST and to lead this production team.

ALLISON HANNON is beyond thrilled to be joining FST's company as the Associate Production Manager & Performance Supervisor. After completing her BA in Theatre with an emphasis in stage/production management from Louisiana Tech University, she immediately moved 1,600 miles away to the Berkshires. She had the opportunity to join Berkshire Theatre Group as their Assistant Director of Productions/Production Coordinator, a position she loved for over 4 years. She would like to thank all of her friends, family, and mentors for continuing to inspire and support her throughout the years.

Shira Lebovich is originally from Raleigh, NC but started her FST journey as a stage management intern in 2019. She has since then returned to work on staff. Some of her recent credits include Mainstage: Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Little Shop of Horrors (ASM), Something Rotten! (ASM) and Stage III: Ugly Lies the Bone, Night in November, The White Chip, Paralyzed, The Last Match, and Babel. She is thrilled to continue to tell wonderful stories and mentor the future stage management generation.

EMILIA CIOTTI HERNÁNDEZ is a New York City native and is excited to be back at FST. Recent credits include Life and Trust, an immersive off-Broadway production, Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk, Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, Lucky Stiff, Jersey Boys, The Heart Sellers, and Shear Madness at Florida Studio Theatre. Additional stage management and technical theatre credits include Les Misérables, 42nd Street, August: Osage County, Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Marriage of Figaro. Emilia thrives on creating seamless productions and fostering collaboration in all her work.

Tony Toney is a Detroit-native costume and wardrobe professional with a decade of experience in theatrical design, construction, and shop leadership. Before joining Florida Studio Theatre, he managed costume operations for regional productions across the Midwest and West coast, earning recognition for his collaborative approach, technical precision, and creative vision. Tony is passionate about building inclusive, efficient workspaces that support bold storytelling and is excited to bring his artistry to Sarasota and contribute to FST’s vibrant theatrical community.

ANDREW GRAY Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Andrew moved to the states in 2018. With a bachelor’s degree in Theater Performance Technology from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Andrew has been designing and programming professionally since 2009. Andrew worked onboard Carnival Cruise Line as a designer, programmer, and operator for 6 years. Notable credits included: Giant Spectacular- Liverpool Capital of Culture, Mamma Mia - Surflight Theatre, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story - Beobe Productions, To Kill a Mockingbird - ParkerSnell Productions, and Lost & Found - BPproductions.

ANDREW PATTON is a life long theatre lover who has traveled the country honing his crafts. He enjoys all aspects of live theatre and is excited to see how he can contribute to Florida Studio Theatre.

CASEY SEILER was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he attended the Pinellas County Center for the Arts and St. Petersburg College. Before moving to Sarasota, Casey worked with the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center as a set designer, builder and painter. He has also previously worked as an Over-hire Carpenter for FST and as an Entertainment Technician at Legoland Florida.

NICHOLAS CHRISTENSEN Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, Nicholas has been working across the arts since 2014. From designing sound effects for film and video games, to producing music for a few different artists, and sound designing and engineering for different theatres across the country, he has done a lot and is excited to return to FST and tell some incredible stories to everyone willing to listen to them.

DANIEL CHANDLER began his time at FST as a production intern in 2003 before starting his journey in the Navy. He served for twenty years out of Norfolk, Virginia, ranking up to Petty Officer First Class and earning his certification as a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt. Daniel is looking forward to coming back home to FST to serve the needs of the theatre's team as company manager.

JILL ZAKRZEWSKI has been back "home" at Florida Studio Theatre since 2014.  She first came to FST in 2003 as a Stage Management Intern and also served as the Production Stage Manager for the 2004-2005 season. In her 8 years away from FST, Jill worked as a freelance stage manager, working at regional theatres and opera companies around the country. Highlights from her SM days include: Metamorphoses here at FST, Growing up 70s Off-Broadway, Camelot at The Depot Theatre, many productions of La Boheme (Virginia Opera, Utah Opera, Indianapolis Opera) and 8 seasons at Sarasota Opera.

Hayley Oakly earned her degree in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management from Point Park University in downtown Pittsburgh where she worked and attended several live events reinforcing her passion for getting art in front of an audience. She lived in Atlanta for three years post-college where she found herself randomly working as a Visual Effects Coordinator, taking improv classes, and producing comedic short films and improv festivals with friends. Her most recent adventure was traveling the US with Disney on Ice on the merch & food side. After all that, she realized she was most comfortable with "localized chaos" at home with her cat and dog and working in theatre.

CLARKE WEIGLE moved to Sarasota from Atlanta, where he worked as IT Director at the Shakespeare Tavern and as Database Manager at the Center for Puppetry Arts.  If you are not careful, he will talk your ear off about the glories of Tessitura.  He has a degree in euphonium performance, having studied at University of Connecticut, Indiana University, and UCLA; he toured for several years as a conductor of circus bands.  As a singer he has performed and recorded with symphony choruses and church choirs in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.  He is very, very proud of his 2 sons Tommy & James, and will gladly talk your other ear off about them.

JACINTA KAVANAUGH has been an auditor and accountant for several years. She started her career as an accountant but moved to internal audit. After moving to Florida from Philadelphia/South Jersey in 2007, she transitioned back into the accountant side. Prior to joining FST, Jacinta was the Director of Finance at another Sarasota Non-profit, where she learned of her love of non-profit accounting alongside it’s complexities. She believes the employees of FST are her customers, so if team members need anything – just ask.

LAURA ALDEN is an almost lifelong Sarasota resident and a graduate of USF Sarasota-Manatee, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. She has three grown children living along the East Coast—from Boston to Jacksonville and back to Sarasota—including one who spent many years in FST’s youth programs. Laura previously served as office manager and volunteer coordinator at WSLR+Fogartyville and remains a passionate supporter of Sarasota’s vibrant arts scene and the strong sense of community it fosters.

Sarah Hedges brings over 13 years of specialized experience in arts and live entertainment marketing. As the former Associate Director of Marketing at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarah played a pivotal role in driving the theatre's marketing strategy. She is also the co-founder of The BASH/Tom Petty Birthday Bash, a celebrated music festival in Gainesville, Florida that honors the city's iconic hometown hero. Under her leadership, the festival has grown exponentially, attracting over 10,000 attendees from 47 states and six countries

Sarah's marketing expertise extends across various industries, including her work at Gainesville Health and Fitness—recognized by Forbes as one of America’s 25 Best Small Companies. She has also served as Director of Marketing and Communications at the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, and as Interactive Marketing Manager at the Pensacola Bay Center, a 10,000-seat arena.

FRANKI ARROYO is a University of Kentucky graduate with a B.A. in Arts Administration with a minor in music performance. With free format radio station WRFL,  she served on the Advisory Board (2015-2019) and as the Program Director (2016-18) and General Manager (2018-19). During this time, she headed concerts and other events including the annual Birthday Bash, Queerslang, Institute193 Sound Series, and the WRFL music stage with the CRAVE Food and Music Festival in Lexington. Most recently she completed a season with Actors Theatre of Louisville as the Communications Apprentice.

EMILIANO MEJIAS holds a B.A. in Drama from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. He loves movies, theatre, and literature. Among his works are the direction and adaptation in Spanish of the play Hand to God by Robert Askins, the choreography: Construct, the dissertation: Chewing French: Albatros Films or How the Russian Émigrés Created a Movie Industry in Paris (1920-1929), and the publication of stories: Pilimierdas and The Discreet Enthusiasm of That Obscure Object of Desire. 

ANYSSA HINING has been working in advancement for over a decade and has experience in higher education and the arts. She began her career in student fundraising at her alma mater, Western Illinois University, before transitioning into full-time development work at Penn State University and then the University of South Florida, Tampa Campus. 

At FST, Anyssa oversees annual giving/direct mail, CRM management, gift processing, planned gifts, and Foundation giving. Committed to relationship-building and donor engagement, She works to align donor passions with organizational priorities. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, caring for her two Bernedoodles (Pickles and Wilson), and volunteering for the Save the Manatee Club.

KRISTIN HARTNETT originally worked at FST from 1999-2005 in Box Office, Marketing, Customer Services, and finally, with no prior restaurant experience, as Cabaret Manager. Kristin is also a founding member of the first Improv Troupe at FST and taught some of the first Improv Adult Ed classes.  She married her lead cook in 2005 and left Florida to find adventure. Kristin has lived in Provincetown, Cape Cod; Mystic, CT; and Key West, FL using her public relations skills in tourism, politics, and television production. In 2021 she returned, to fulfill a dream of retiring in the Development Department at FST. She is beyond thrilled to be a part of the team that will build a bright future for FST. Kristin lives on Bradenton’s Riverwalk with her chef husband and beautiful dog.

KRISTA HAGANS is a proud member of the Development team at FST. She brings to this role multidisciplinary skills in business and musical theatre, having earned both her BA in theatre with a minor in business in 2024 and MBA in business in 2025 from Heidelberg University. Krista also spent her time in school as president of the National Theatre Honor Society, Alpha Psi Omega. In her spare time she enjoys relaxing on the beach, watching Pretty Woman, and doing her nails.

Rachel Wright is a proud Long Island NY native immersed in an arts-loving community and has been a performer for her entire life across several orchestras and theatres. She is a recent graduate of Lycoming College with a BA in Theatre-Acting and Criminal Justice. She started her FST journey as a Patron Services Intern in August 2025 and has since moved up to a full-time assistant in the Development department where she hopes to creatively grow her career skills. 

In her free time she enjoys being by the water, going out to eat, and creating new memories with loved ones.

SARAH PETTENGILL holds a B.S. in Theatre from Radford University in Radford, VA. With a deep passion for theatre, entertainment, and attractions, she brings a diverse background to her work. Sarah has previously managed large-scale conferences for the Virginia Theatre Association in Richmond, VA, where she honed her organizational and leadership skills. Before transitioning to administrative arts, she was actively involved in her alma mater's scene shop and sound booth, with a particular passion for scenic painting and sound design. Above all, Sarah’s love for theatre continues to inspire and shape her professional journey.

KELSEY WEHDE WILSON is originally from South Dakota. She received her degree in Communication Studies and Theatre from South Dakota State University. After receiving her degree, Kelsey interned for both The Nederlander Theatre Organization and Jujamcyn Theatres in New York, New York. She started her time at FST in 2014 as an Assistant Box Office Manager. In her 8 years at FST, Kelsey has also held the title of Box Office Manager and now serves as the Patron Services Manager.

 AUSTIN HOWETH arrived at Florida Studio Theatre in 2018, and has been in many roles such as, acting apprentice, education fellow, and teaching artist, before landing in his current position as an Assistant Box Office Manager. He has also performed and written on the sketch team of FST Improv. In his free time, Austin has been a teaching artist and actor at other local theaters including The Sarasota Players, Venice Theatre, and Dingbat Theatre Project. Favorite roles include Michael in Peter Pan (Florida Studio Theatre), Old Man Jenkins/Mrs. Puff/Larry the Lobster in The Spongebob Musical (regional premiere at Dingbat Theatre Project), Brom Bones in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Sarasota Players), and Jim Morgan in It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman (Dingbat Theatre Project).

BRENDAN LENTINI is a recent graduate from the State University of New York at Oswego, having graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing & Cinema and Screen Studies. He is excited to be starting his journey at FST as he develops himself professionally and creatively. In his free time, he loves hanging out with his two cats, Oreo and Babie.

GIGI DELPERO graduated Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands) with a BS. Majoring in Biology and, minored in Psychology and Health. During her time at CC she worked with the theatre, loving every minute of it. Never in her wildest dreams, was she ever thinking Theatre as a profession let alone a degree. Gigi returned to Sarasota after graduating and worked as assistant manager at Kinney Shoes, before moving into banking. She spent 6 years working at Tropicana, before moving to the Post Office for 9 years and then becoming a mom. 12 years ago she applied for a part time position at Florida Studio and has been here ever since. She loves her job; happy to be back in theatre where she felt at home when she was in college.

TOM CURRY has twenty years with Florida Studio Theatre in the restaurant, box office, and marketing department. Before that, he spent eight years with General Cinema Corporation and graduated with a BA in radio/television from the University of Central Florida.

KAREN PRICE comes from Lexington, Kentucky.  She graduated from the University of Kentucky with degrees in Social Services and Business Management. She began working at Florida Studio Theatre in 2001.  She has worked in a variety of areas at the theatre including grant writer, Box Office Manager, Customer Services Manager, and currently is one of the Restaurant Managers.

CAROLINE SALDIVAR has been at FST for 5 seasons as the Director of Children’s Theatre. Prior to that she served at the Associate Artistic Director at TheatreworksUSA in New York City developing and casting over 100 productions including Off-Broadway and National Tours. At FST, in addition to her work in Children’s Theatre (which is anything that has adults performing for children) she also manages the Acting Apprentice company and offers general producing support to the artistic team.  If you are new to FST, feel free to email her for a cup of coffee as she remembers what it was like to be new here once too. 

RACHEL MOULTON is in her 5th Season as an FST Associate Artist and welcomes 2024 assuming a new role as FST’s Director of Education. She has overseen FST School for Adults since the 2023 Season and serves as the lead acting instructor for adults. Since 2012, she has performed in 14 productions (including 5 world premieres) at FST. Notably: Ugly Lies the Bone, Paralyzed, Grounded, Maytag Virgin, Heisenberg, Honor Killing, Alabama Story, and Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Select Regional: Pioneer Theatre Company, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Stage Company, and Florida Rep. Off-Broadway: The Mint, Theatre 777, and Zelda Fitzgerald in the World Premiere of This Side of Paradise (Theatre at St. Clement’s). Training: Syracuse University, B.F.A. and Interlochen Arts Academy. Proud union member of AEA (18 yrs). RachelMoulton.com

KACY JONES recently graduated from Vanderbilt University where she studied Educational Studies and Theatre. Before becoming a Literary Apprentice at FST, Kacy taught theatre at Stagedoor Manor and served as the dramaturg for the 15th anniversary season of Dramafest. She has also served as the dramaturg on several student-run and regional productions in Nashville and South Carolina, where she grew up. Her favorite credit to date was as director/dramaturg for Vanderbilt Off-Broadway’s production of Dogfight. In her free time, Kacy likes to tell people her 14-point plan for how to make the Hallmark Channel more profitable.

Ava Podewitz is a recent graduate of Florida State University where she received her degree in Theatre with a minor in Education. During her time in school, she directed and choreographed multiple student productions as well as participated in FSU Mainstage productions. Performance credits include Young Frankenstein (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Dragons Love Tacos (Leroy), and Something Rotten (Ensemble). In her free time, Ava loves doing yoga and Pilates and going on healing walks. She is delighted to be a Teaching Artist here at FST!

DAVE STEIN is so excited to join the team at Florida Studio Theatre. He’s been working professionally in theater since he first started acting as a child at First Stage in Milwaukee. With his BFA in Acting from UW-Milwaukee, some of David’s favorite acting roles include Barrel in URINETOWN (UW-Milwaukee), Mr. Harari in RUINED (UW-Milwaukee) Igor in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Theatre Tallahassee) and Duncan in THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT (Bay Area Children’s Theatre) After school, David went to work with The Bay Area Children’s Theater in San Francisco where he was an apprentice, teaching classes and acting in their shows. From California, David went back to Milwaukee to enter the world of radio and was the on air Morning Show producer for the award winning Elizabeth & Radar show at 99.1 The Mix! While working there he also was the theater correspondent, interviewing cast members of the touring Broadway shows. David and his partner Hannah wrote and produced an original farce NOT TODAY in Milwaukee, unfortunately COVID cut the run short (but you can watch the play on YouTube!). In his free time, David loves to bake and make funny videos, from food tastings to comedy sketches. Theater runs through his veins, and he is ecstatic to be a part of the team at FST.