Our Staff
Executive Staff
Richard Hopkins
Rebecca Hopkins
Mr. Hopkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Florida Studio Theatre and is directly responsible to the Board of Directors. He oversees the creation & implementation of all FST programming & fiscal planning, including Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, New Play Development, Education and Touring. Since his arrival at FST in 1980, Mr. Hopkins has guided the theatre from a small touring company to a nationally recognized regional theatre, which impacts over 230,000 adults & children annually. He has directed more than 40 productions in FST’s five theatres. He has worked at numerous regional theatres including Capital Repertory, Blowing Rock Theatre, TheatreWorks Palo Alto, The Players of Columbus, Delaware Theatre Company, Long Island Stage, and many others. Mr. Hopkins began his professional theatre career as a resident actor with the Asolo State Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. He was the founding director of Palisades Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., which eventually morphed into what is now American Stage in St. Petersburg, Florida and served as its Producing Director from 1974-1980. Mr. Hopkins has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has served as a Theatre Specialist for the U.S. Department of State to Cairo and Amman, and taught at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He served as the President of the Florida Professional Theatres Association from 1983-1985. He served on the Theatre Panel for the Florida Arts Council. Mr. Hopkins is the recipient of numerous awards including the Arts Leadership Award from the Sarasota Arts Council & the Richard G. Fallon Award for Artistic Excellence from the Florida Professional Theatre Association.
Mrs. Hopkins serves as Managing Director for Florida Studio Theatre, and as such is the Chief Operations Officer. Mrs. Hopkins is responsible for oversight of FST’s overall Administration, including the Business Office, Development, Marketing, Box Office, Front of House, Cabaret Restaurant, budgeting and maintaining the overall quality of FST’s internal management functions. She works in concert with the Artistic Director, in the creation and implementation of FST’s long-range plans. Mrs. Hopkins serves as FST’s liaison to other arts and theatre industry organizations. Nationally, Mrs. Hopkins serves on the Executive Committee for the National New Play Network and had previously served on the Executive Committee for the League or Resident Theatres. Locally, she is on the Board of Directors for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. She has also served as a panelist for the Florida Arts Council. In addition, Mrs. Hopkins developed FST’s Improvisation program and the Sarasota Improv Festival. Mrs. Hopkins is actively involved in new play development for the Cabaret having co-created over 20 musical revues including That’s Life, The Wanderers, The British Invasion, and Poems, Prayers and Promises. She is head-writer for the highly successful and critically-lauded Laughing Matters Series. Previous to her employment with Florida Studio Theatre, Mrs. Hopkins served as the Audience Development Coordinator for the Largo Cultural Center and as a company member for the Austin Shakespeare Festival and the Zachary Scott Theatre. Mrs. Hopkins received her education from Georgia State University and Eckerd College. In 2005, she was the recipient of the Gulf Coast Business Review’s Top Forty Under Forty. In 2012 she was the recipient of the Cultural Champion Award from the Arts and Cultural Alliance.
Artistic Staff
Sean Daniels
Kate Alexander
Joe Piserchio
Jim Prosser
Catherine Randazzo
Helena Rankin
Ellie Mooney
Rachel Moulton
Will Luera
Doris Iemolo
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.
Ms. 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!
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 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.
Helena is beyond excited and grateful to be working as the Literary Associate at Florida Studio Theatre. She is originally from Ithaca, NY, and began her time at FST as a Stage Management Intern. Past FST credits include: Laughing Matters Vol. 6 (Rehearsal SM), Sophie Tucker (Mainstage SM), Light My Fire (Light and Sound Board Operator), Bright Star (Backstage Crew), and Tomas and the Library Lady (Stage Manager). After working in a plethora of areas, she is very happy to have settled into her permanent home in the Literary Department. She is also a Musician in the Mainstage Improv cast, where she plays piano each week for the Improv shows and enjoys every minute of it, and additionally plays piano for the Musical Improv Education 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.
Ellie has over 25 years of professional experience as a director, choreographer, performer, and teaching artist. Originally from the Philadelphia area, she studied classical music (voice and cello) and trained with the Pennsylvania Ballet in their professional dance program. Ellie studied theatre at DeSales University and then continued her education in NYC at the Stella Adler Studio, Lee Strasberg Institute, The Actors Studio, The Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway Studios, and The Ailey Studios. After 15 years in NYC, working nationally and internationally, Ellie made an artistic home in Philadelphia, working for the historic Walnut Street Theatre on over 30 Mainstage, Studio Theatre, TYA, and Touring Outreach productions. Additionally, Ellie taught advanced professional classes at the Walnut Street Theatre School and served as a proud founding member of the Young Leaders Council. At Rutgers University, Ellie has taught Dance, Theatre, and Musical Theatre for the past five years. And in 2020, Ellie returned to school full time to study EDI, Gender Studies, Stage Direction, Playwriting, and Intimacy Direction at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. As the founder and operator of PRO-FILES, Ellie provides websites, photography, audition videos, and social media branding for performing artists.
Rachel 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.
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.
Production Staff
Ahkim Church
Allison Hannon
Louis Vetter Torres
Roy Johns
Clint Wright
Daniel Ciba
Thom Korp
Andrew Gray
Casey Seiler
Danielle McKay
Enrico Drago
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 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.
Louis is thrilled to be back at Florida Studio Theatre. Originally from Union City, NJ - he graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BA in Theatre. Favorite acting credits include Ritchie Valens U/S in BUDDY (FST), Trevor U/S in The Play That Goes Wrong (FST), Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Two Beans/Theatreworks), The Two Month Rule (NYMTF), and Usnavi in In the Heights (Mystic Vision Players). Sound Design: Dancing at Lughnasa (Fairleigh Dickinson University) and at FST: The Last Match, Babel, Paralyzed, The Legend of Georgia McBride.
Clint is truly happy to be a part of the FST Team. He’s been working on the technical side of production since 2006, starting as a carpenter with Timberlake Playhouse in Mt Carrol Illinois and moving on from there. He’s worked as a Lighting/Sound technician, Production Studio Engineer, Scenic Designer, and Technical Director. He comes to FST by way of Longwood University in Farmville Virginia and is incredibly excited to be in Sarasota.
As FST’s Sound Supervisor, Thom does more than wrangle rogue microphones. Sound design credits include: Three Pianos, Vintage POP!, Light My Fire, American Son, The Nether, Handle With Care, Outlaws and Angels, Bright Star, Pinocchio, That’s Amoré!, Who Loves You, The Swingaroos: Hollywood Serenade, The Cottage, Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow, Come Together: When the ‘60s Met the ‘70s, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Wednesday’s Child, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Wonder Years: The Music of the Baby Boomers, Straight White Men, Guitar Girls, Unchained Melodies, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Once. Mixing Credits: Next to Normal, Smokey Joe’s Café, The World Goes Round, Tango: Buenos Aires, and We Will Rock You.
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.
Danielle is a theatre artist and alumni of the University of South Florida and Gulf Coast State College where she received her BA and AA in Theatre Arts with a focus on theatre production design and stage management. Danielle is a native Floridian and lover of the ocean, board games, and all forms of art! Danielle is grateful to be collaborating with a myriad of artists at FSTand to continue growing her skills with each production! Danielle would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support as well as patrons of FST for keeping theatre alive! Enjoy the show!
Enrico Drago (he/him) serves as the Company Manager at FST. Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, he studied Film and Television at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. Theater has always been a part of his life - his dad is a drama teacher and his mom is a costume designer. He also loves cooking and the New York Mets. He is extremely excited to be in Sarasota and working with FST!
Administrative Staff
Jill Zakrzewski
John Thomas Priar
Jacinta Kavanaugh
Orville O. Cordero-Medina
David Wallace
Clarke Weigle
Sarah Durham
Becca Boyd
Robert Whyte
Lydia Baxter
Franki Arroyo
Emiliano Mejias
Kelsey Wehde Wilson
Gigi Delpero
Ali Fletcher
Seth Hilbert
David Stein
Melody Mora-Shihadeh
Jay Lockaby
Kristin Hartnett
Bo Smith
Tom Curry
Karen Kraster
Pamela Dillon
Steve Swan
Joan O'Dowd
Jill 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 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. Outside of work and theatre life, JT is also a dedicated, long-distance uncle to his niece and two nephews back in Kentucky.
Jacinta Kavanaugh (she/her) 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.
David 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 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 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.
Becca joined FST as Director of Marketing in July of 2017. She comes to us from Philadelphia, PA where she served as Marketing and Communications Manager for First Person Arts (FPA), an arts nonprofit dedicated to presenting art inspired by real life experiences by both established artists and everyday people. During her seven years in marketing with FPA, Becca had the privilege of promoting shows featuring such headliners as Tony Morrison, Angela Davis, Grammy Award-winning artist Bilal, Bryshere “Yazz” Gray of Fox’s hit TV series Empire, Janeane Garofalo, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire, Philip Bailey, and more. Working with lead marketers at local NPR station WHYY, Becca also helped create and launch a co-branded WHYY/FPA news-themed storytelling event series, podcast, and radio hour, Commonspace, which debuted on air in January 2017. As a volunteer, Becca served as a grant panelist for Philadelphia Cultural Fund in 2013 and 2014, helping determine the distribution of millions of dollars as 3-year operational grants awarded to Philadelphia arts and culture organizations. An artist herself, Becca holds a BFA in 2D Fine Art and a Minor in Art History from Moore College of Art & Design where she graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors.
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.
A former FST literary intern, Lydia is excited to spend her third 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 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 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 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 Manger and now serves as the Patron Services Manager.
Gigi 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.
David 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.
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.
Jay was most recently Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer with South County Health in Rhode Island. Previous to that he was a full-time consultant working with Ghiorsi & Sorrenti, Inc. (GSI), guiding healthcare organizations and other non-profits to implement successful 7-, 8- and 9-figure capital and comprehensive campaigns. Prior to his time with GSI, Jay was with the Cancer Support Community (CSC) for 14 years, where he progressed from President & CEO of a successful local chapter to Senior Vice President for Affiliate Relations and Strategic Growth at CSC’s international headquarters in Washington, D.C. Prior to his tenure with CSC, he was a Regional Social Services Director for The Salvation Army for seven years. Jay has a BA in Psychology from Emory University, where he was an NCAA All-American and team captain in swimming. He holds Master's degrees in Social Service and Law & Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is married to Tracy Bradford-Lockaby and they have two children, Owen and Layla.
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.
Bo is thrilled to be joining FST as the newest addition to the Development Team. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Florida State University and a Master of Science degree in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. Having been involved in several community theaters over the years, from Tallahassee to Tampa, and seeing how challenging it is for nonprofit theatre organizations to fundraise enough to keep the lights on, Bo knew early on that he wanted to dive into the fundraising world and could not be more excited for the opportunity to start his journey here at FST as a Development Associate.
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.
Facilities Staff
Justin Piccillo
Bernardo Hernandez
Luke Johnson
Kander
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 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 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 OzMike 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 inHonk!, 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
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Education & Tour Staff
Caroline Saldivar
Shelby Lynhall
Pamela Smith
Hannah Bagnall
Alan Gillespie
Austin Howeth
Yvette Kojic
Alexa Vetter Torres
Kate Walsh
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.
SHELBY LYNHALL is originally from New Hampshire and is a recent theatre alumni of the University of Denver. Whilst in Colorado, she acted in and directed several productions at university, taught some brilliant kiddos at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and appeared as Jo in Little Women with Sasquatch Productions and Ensemble in Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. with Philomela Productions. After graduating, she traveled extensively in the UK before returning to the sunshine state to further her career in theatre. She is currently on the core team for a virtual non-profit called The New Works Playhouse that brings together a global community of new artists. She is absolutely thrilled to be joining the FST team as the WRITE A PLAY Coordinator and cannot wait to expand her theatre knowledge from a whole new perspective!
HANNAH BAGNALL is a multipotentialite who can be found all over the world playing pretend. With a BFA in musical theatre performance, she has performed onstage and in administrative positions around the globe. You might recognize her as a certified children’s yoga instructor, storyteller, party princess, seamstress, nanny, or Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer. In 2020, Hannah created Hannah’s Enchantments – seasonal workbooks to help you celebrate the season with intention and childlike wonder. Check out hannahsenchantments.com.
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.
KATE WALSH As a past FST student and education intern, Kate has been a part of Florida Studio Theatre for over six years. She is a graduate of Flagler College’s Theatre Arts program, where she acted in and directed several productions. She is a past education intern at the Tony award-winning Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Her main goals as a teaching artist are to instill self-worth, creative independence, and curiosity. She is grateful for the FST teaching artists who encouraged her to embrace vulnerability and find her voice. She is overjoyed to be back with the FST team!