SEAN DANIELS is an internationally known theater director, writer, and leader, known for new work and innovative community-based leadership. He's been lucky enough to direct all over the world and be a NYTimes Critics Pick as a director and writer. Though most important: Vivien's Dad.

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.

JOE PISERCHIO is originally from New Jersey before relocating to Sarasota! Joe graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Musical Theatre. He was a casting intern for McCorkle Casting, where he worked on projects for George Street Playhouse & Barrington Stage Company and hasn't looked back since!  Joe has worked as a Casting Assistant with Judy Bowman Casting on productions for Dorset Theatre Festival, Cleveland Playhouse, Arizona Theatre Co, Woolly Mammoth, McCarter Theatre, Village Theatre, Hallmark, short films, and many more!  Joe is also an independent recording artist with an original album on all streaming platforms! Joe is excited to join the staff at FST and be a part of the great art that the theatre produces!

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.

CATHERINE RANDAZZO has been a part of the Sarasota arts community since 1990. Before joining FST’s artistic staff, she was an active part of their New Play Development program throughout the past 30 years. In 1996 she appeared on the Goldstein Cabaret Stage in License to Bash, Sarasota’s original political comedy group. As Catherine continued to perform throughout the Gulf Coast area and touring in regional and international productions, she worked in educational theatre for seven years and developed her own performing arts department for a startup charter school at the State College of Florida. Due to the success of the program, she was nominated for the Manatee Educator’s Award. Catherine’s vast experience and theatrical knowledge has brought her full circle to a place she calls home, Florida Studio Theatre. As Associate Artist, Catherine serves as an in-residence director, professional actor, teaching artist, and literary manager. Catherine has directed for numerous programs including winter cabarets, new play workshops, Stage III, and she is the line producer for the Summer Cabaret Series. As an actor she performs in many new play workshops including the Richard and Betty Burdick Reading Festival and has appeared on the Mainstage. As Literary Manager Catherine oversees FST’s literary office, new play development program, and collaborates with new and established playwrights. In addition she trains and manages literary interns and fellows, provides dramaturgical research for new play development, collaborates on cabaret development, and leads audience outreach programs. Catherine is a graduate of Otterbein University in Ohio with a BFA in performance, she did graduate work at Cal State University, Fullerton, and she is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

RACHEL MOULTON is in her 3rd Season as an Associate Artist and Development Associate. She has been working with FST as an actor since 2012 and has performed in 10 productions, including 4 world premieres. Select FST credits: George Brant’s one-woman show Grounded, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Heisenberg, Honor Killing, and Alabama Story. Other Regional: Pioneer Theatre Company, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Stage, Syracuse Stage, and Florida Rep. Off-Broadway: This Side of Paradise (St. Clements), Sex Tips… (Theatre 777), and Philip Goes Forth (The Mint). She is also an acting instructor for FST School for Adults. Proud graduate of Syracuse University, B.F.A. and Interlochen Arts Academy. Member of Actors’ Equity Association for 16 years.

WILL LUERA is Director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, Director of Big Bang Improv and Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston, Artistic Director of the Pilsen Improv Festival, Artistic Associate of the Chicago Improv Festival, Artistic Advisor to the Women in Comedy Festival and Part-time Faculty at Boston College. Will has appeared in numerous improv festivals around the world and have studied improvisation with ImprovOlympic, The Second City, The Annoyance Theater, The Upright Citizens Brigade, and Keith Johnstone. Will has been working with Florida Studio Theatre since 2014. Before that he was with ImprovBoston where he had worked since 1997 directing the Mainstage cast and developing the nationally renowned productions of Sitcom, Secret Society, Blue Screen, Playbook and Quest. In 2004, he was the Boston and national winner of PAX-TVs World Cup Comedy. He is also a producer and actor in Strange Faculty, which was accepted to the 2007 New York Television Festival, the 2008 Los Angeles Independent Television Festival and was a winner of the 2008 NBC Comedy Short Cuts competition. He tours globally as an improv and theater actor, director and instructor that performs and teaches regularly all across North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

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.

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.

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.

SCARLETT KELLUM has an extensive history in costume design for both theatre and film. Originally from Alabama, she got her degree in Costume Design in San Francisco and has worked for both west and east coast companies. She resides with her husband, daughter and their two dogs, recently located to the area.

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.

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.

NICK SCHONS is a freelance properties and scenic designer who is excited to be joining the team at Florida Studio Theatre. Recent and notable projects include Off-Broadway: Peerless (Primary Stages at 59E59 Studios), Candida (Gingold Group at TheatreRow), La Race (Page 73 Productions). Regional: From The Mississippi Delta (Westport Country Playhouse), Ragtime (Utah Shakespeare Festival), Kim’s Convenience (Westport Country Playhouse) RENT (Theatre Aspen). Nick’s work has been seen in theaters across the country including: Westport Country Playhouse, Utah Shakespeare Festival, TheatreSquared, Laguna Playhouse, Music Theatre Connecticut, Cherry Lane Theatre, Theatre Aspen, The Broadway Method Academy, and the City College of New York City. www.nickschons.com

TYLER BRADY was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, where he developed a passion for hospitality at a young age. Throughout his career, he has gained a wealth of experience, working in various roles such as Hospitality Director and Sales & Catering Manager. He is now excited to combine his passion for hospitality with his love of the arts at the Florida Studio Theatre, where he plans to bring his skills and enthusiasm to create a memorable experience for audiences and guests alike.

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.

JT PRIAR first came to Florida Studio Theatre as the General Management Intern in May of 2019. He joined the full time staff as General Management Assistant and Events Coordinator in December 2019. JT is now the General Management Associate at FST and as such has his hands in many of the inner workings of FST management. Prior to moving to Sarasota, he grew up in Kentucky and completed degrees in Theatre and Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky. Some favorite credits from his time in college include: Ragtime, Peter and the Starcatcher, Showboat, and Legally Blonde the Musical. Outside of work and theatre life, JT is also a dedicated, long-distance uncle to his niece and two nephews back in Kentucky and an active member at Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota. 

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.

YOLANDA GARCIA-RITT has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years managing grant and donor funds for various programs within the Sarasota-Bradenton communities. She brings to FST her commitment to the betterment of our communities and her experience in contract management. As Business Office Associate, she supports the theatre’s financial processes.

DAVID WALLACE has been with Florida Studio Theatre since 2014 when he joined the staff as a Box Office Assistant. In 2017 he transitioned to the Business Office, where he was worked ever since.

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.

SARAH DURHAM is a comedian and writer from Campbellsville, Kentucky, raised on Mel Brooks and Billy Graham. She is the Head Writer for FST Sketch and is the Improv Associate for FST Improv. At FST, Sarah is the Executive and Artistic Assistant to the Managing Director and is a writer for the Cabaret Stage and Children’s Theatre. Some of her recent credits include Cinderella, Laughing Matters, A Place in the Sun, and Deck the Halls. She hopes to continue to write joy into people’s lives.

ROBERT WHYTE Robert's background includes over a decade of experience in marketing and live production for various non-profit organizations. He is also a Walt Disney World alumnus with a focus on guest experience and operations. Robert is driven by his passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences through clear communication. He is thrilled to be joining the FST company.

LYDIA BAXTER A former FST literary intern, Lydia is excited to spend her fourth full season as a staff. Lydia has worked in every area of theatre possible, and worked abroad in Germany for two years after graduating from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Theatre Arts (Performance Studies and Acting), German Studies, and Music. Favorite projects: As You Like It, Richard II (Asst. Stage Manager); Sylvia (Sylvia); A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer (Director, Costume, and Set Designer); and The Maids, Curse of the Starving Class (Asst. Director, Dramaturg).

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. 

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.

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.

ALI FLETCHER was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia. She graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia in Spring of 2021, where she studied and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance. During those four years she was granted the opportunity to work as an administrative intern for the Highlands Playhouse in Highlands, North Carolina. Ali is also a recent graduate of Louisiana Tech University, where she received her Master of Arts degree in performance and Arts Management. During her time at Louisiana Tech University, she served as the president of Tech Theatre Players, the oldest student organization on Tech’s campus! She also had the great opportunity to be the Box Office Manager for The Stone Theatre at Louisiana Tech University.  Ali is very excited and thankful to be joining the Florida Studio Theatre team! However, as Ali continues this journey of her theatre career, she knows no matter how far she goes, the country roads will always lead her home.

DAVID 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.

BEN DANIELS (he/him/his) is excited to be a part of the FST family. He is an avid theater enjoyer, so being able to work in such a dedicated and passionate field is a dream come true for him. He hopes to keep FST at its best to continue delivering quality service to audiences around the globe.

Melody returned to FST after an 8-year hiatus. While away Melody worked for the HSN network in on-air sales and branding.  As Supervisor of the on-air guests’ experience, Melody supported high-profile celebrities and developed strategies to market new products.  From 2012 - 2016 Melody and her family lived in historical Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA, promoting sustainable farming and the slow-food movement. During that time, Melody became the Store Director for the oldest and largest Fair Trade retailer in the country, Ten Thousand Villages, providing a fair market for over 100 Artisans in more than 35 developing countries. Melody has a long history of supporting the non-profit community, including the Arts, Food-Coops, and Social Programs helping those incarcerated to transition back into society.

Kristin 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 in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts with her chef husband (the same one!) and beautiful dog.

HAILEY HOGAN (she/her/hers) started at FST in June of 2023 as the Audience Service Intern. You may have seen her around campus in the Box Office or as a House Manager. After just a few months, she has grown to love being part of FST and Sarasota. So much so that she has ended her internship early to join our development team as a staff member.

HELENA RANKIN is pleased to be working at Florida Studio Theatre. She started as a Stage Management Intern, transitioned to the Literary Department as full-time staff, and now is the Development Associate for Institutional Giving. Additionally, she is a part of the Mainstage Improv Team, playing piano for the Saturday performances and various touring shows, and helps teach the Musical Improv classes. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and exploring Sarasota’s natural beauty, reading, writing new music, meditating, and taking luxurious and calming baths.

NOAH SIEG is excited to join the Dev. Team at FST. He has a B.A. in History from the University of North Florida and a Minor in Marketing. While in College, Noah was a Programming Assistant where he planned and oversaw the production of monthly video game tournaments for students. He was also Student Union Operations Assistant serving as the primary point of contact regarding student union services and camps activities.

Twenty years with Florida Studio Theatre in the restaurant, box office, and marketing department. Eight years with General Cinema Corporation. BA in radio/television from the University of Central Florida.

KAREN KRASTER 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.

JUSTIN PICCILLO relocated to Sarasota from New Jersey. With over 20 years of experience and knowledge in the Facilities Management industry, Justin prides himself on developing strong relationships both professionally and personally. He earned both the Facility Management Professional (FMP) credential and the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) credential through IFMA (International Facility Management Association). In his career, Justin managed the Operations and Maintenance of multiple facilities spanning 400,000 square feet including office space, data centers and production facilities where he worked with a wide range of construction trades.

BERNARDO HERNANDEZ moved from Cuba in 1967 at 5 years old where he learned English in school and has lived here all his life. He has been working as an Electrician for 15 years and in Facilities for 30+.

LUKE JOHNSON is a native of Chanute, KS and holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre from Friends University and a M.A. in Theatre from Kansas State University. He was previously with the Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre in Wichita, KS. Credits include Adult Men in Spring Awakening, Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray (Mary Jane Teall Award nominee), Pastor E.L. Gunderson in Church Basement Ladies 4, Zach in  A Chorus Line, Uncle Henry/Guard in The Wizard of Oz, Mike Nulty in White Christmas, Lead Ensemble Bass/Jonas Fogg in Sweeney Todd Other favorite credits: Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, Cinderella’s Prince in Into The Woods, Judas in Godspell, Bullfrog in Honk!, Hugh Dorsey in Parade, Percival Brown in The Boy Friend, Abraham Slender in The Merry Wives of Windsor at Wichita Center for the Arts, and Teiresias in Antigone

KANDER Meow.

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. 

YVETTE KOJIC is a multi-hyphenate in the theatre community who got her start at FST! She has served as a host, producer, actor, director, and writer. She most recently was the Program Director at Broadway Workshop where she produced thousands of educational workshops & programs for students from all around the world. She is also a published writer with Playbill Magazine and Performer Stuff and former Producer and Social Media Director for Broadway Records.

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.

TRISHA STEVER is thrilled to join the FST family as a Teaching Artist! Originally from New York, Trisha received her BFA in Theatre Performance from Valdosta State University of GA. From there, she did several tours and performed in regional productions across the US. Making her way to Southern California, she was a resident Teaching Artist for San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego High School and Center Stage Productions. As a director/choreographer, some of her past favorite productions include Mary Poppins, The Addams Family, Mamma Mia!, TARZAN, Seussical the Musical, and The Jungle Book. Most recently, she choreographed Disney's Aladdin Jr. with Central Florida Community Arts!