Erin Paxton is originally from Maryland, and recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Musical Theatre. At CCU, she appeared in several productions, including Bullets Over Broadway, Spring Awakening, and Laughing Wild, and spent a semester studying physical comedy at Accademia dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy. She also spent the past two summers as a singer/dancer at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio.

Ben Southerland is originally from Dalton, GA, and is a recent graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. In 2016, he spent a semester studying abroad in Arezzo, Italy, recieving training in Physical Theatre. Earlier this year, he starred as David Shayne in CCU's mainstage musical Bullets Over Broadway. He also produced and directed a production of Laughing Wild by Christopher Durang. Currently, Ben is an Acting Apprentice with Florida Studio Theatre, and performs in Theatre for Young Audiences. 

Emily Hardesty is originally from Peoria, IL, and is a recent graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University. She is excited for a sunny change of scenery after spending three summers working in the mountains. Before coming to Sarasota, she worked at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Montana playing various roles including The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Previously, she spent time working for the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer, SD and The Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH.

Olivia Wilson is a graduate of the BFA Theater Performance Program at Ohio University. While attending Ohio University she appeared in plays such as: The Defiance of Dandelions (Malaika/The Thickness), Top Girls (Pope Joan/Louise), The Rover (Valeria), and Mrs. Packard (Miss Sarah Rumsey/Others).

Austin Howeth is a recent theatre graduate from Mississippi State University. He was an education intern here at Florida Studio Theatre this summer before joining the acting apprentice company. He has lots of experience in theatre for young audiences, and also helped to start The Basket Cases Theatre Company in Starkville, Mississippi, a company which specializes in educational and family oriented theatre.

Kayla Fainer is thrilled to be working with Florida Studio Theatre this year. Originally from Boston, she moved to Florida where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of West Florida. She made her FST debut this summer in Reel Music. Some of her favorites roles include Arlene (Baby), Betty (The Great American Trailer Park Musical), and Gwendolyn Pynn (The Mystery of Edwin Drood).