Media Room

The Flying Penguin Headshots

Hannah Habisreitinger is an acting apprentice making her FST debut in this wonderful show! She recently graduated from COM in Texas City, Texas, with an associate degree in theatre performance and will be attending SHSU in the fall to receive her BFA in theatre education. A Texas native, she has had a great time exploring everything Sarasota has to offer. This show brings her so much joy, especially for these young playwrights, and she hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has enjoyed bringing it to life!

Nick James | A proud member of the acting apprentice program and a recent graduate of Columbus State University’s BFA Theatre Performance program, Nick has appeared in both professional and collegiate productions. His past credits include Holes (Mr. Sir), Rock of Ages (Jakeith/Mayor/Ensemble), Three Little Birds (Dr. Bird), The Color Purple (Pastor/Adam), Deck The Halls, Junie B. Jones: The Musical (Sheldon) and selected performances of Off The Charts at FST. Follow him on Instagram: @huntjamrocks.

Ava Spinelli Mastrone | Originally hails from Stamford, Connecticut, and is thrilled to join FST’s Acting Apprentice program. She is a recent graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Acting and Directing. Past Productions at BW include Measure for Measure (Marianna/Justice), The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolen Fairfax), The Comedy of Errors (Emilia), and Boeing Boeing (Gabriella)! Ava has worked with the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, Chagrin Arts Centre, Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, and Great Lakes Theatre.  FST credit: Deck The Halls and Junie B. Jones: The Musical, and select performances of Off The Charts.

Julia Ruggirello is a recent graduate of Kent State University’s BFA Musical Theater Program and is so excited to be an Acting Apprentice with Florida Studio Theatre! Recent credits include Aesop’s Fables, Junie B. Jones in Junie B. Jones: The Musical (FST), Ensemble #3 U/S in Waitress (FST), Maureen U/S and Alexi Darling in Rent (Kent State University), Featured Dancer in Kiss Me, Kate! (People’s Bank Theater), and Soupy Sue in Urinetown (Kent State University). Julia is thrilled to be in Sarasota and can’t wait to keep growing and learning as a performer!

Dellan Short is a current Acting Fellow with FST who made his FST debut in the Burdick New Play Festival reading of Advice by Brent Askari. Some of his previous credits include Junie B. Jones: The Musical, Off The Charts! and Deck The Halls at FST; Everybody at the Alliance Theatre; 9 To 5, Living Out, Legally Blonde, The Tempest, and The Secret Garden.

CREATIVE:

Caroline Saldivar (Director) has been at FST for 9 seasons as the Director of Children’s Theatre. Prior to that she served as 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, she also manages the Acting Apprentice company.

Casey Seiler (Scenic Designer) is the Assistant Technical Director at FST.  He is a Florida native and has worked with the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center as a set designer, builder, and painter on shows such as Advice (FST), Madagascar, Jungle Book, James and the Giant Peach, and Singin’ in the Rain. In addition to his work with the Patel Conservatory, Casey has worked as an Entertainment Technician at Legoland Florida.

Andrew Gray (Lighting Designer) Originally from Scotland, Andrew graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in 2012 and has been designing/programming professionally for over a decade. Notable credits include: Giant Spectacular (Liverpool Capital of Culture), Mamma Mia! (Surflight Theatre), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Beobe Productions), To Kill a Mockingbird (Parker Snell Productions), and Lost & Found (BP productions). Select FST credits include: Bad Books, Divas, The Heart Sellers, 59th Street Bridge, Off The Charts, The Flip Side, Ugly Lies The Bone, Pictures From Home, Take It To The Limit, Up On The Roof, Creedence Clearwater Remixed!, Divas Three, The Surfer Boys, Shear Madness, Paralyzed, Reel Music, The Last Match, and A Place In The Sun.

Chelsea Allen (Costume Designer) is a costume, wig, and makeup designer from Nashville, Tennessee. She recently relocated from Las Vegas to become the Costume Shop Manager here at FST.  Her credits include shows by Cirque Du Soleil, Spiegelworld, The Utah Shakespeare Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival, and The Food Network. She is also a freelance muralist and painter who is excited to bring her love of costuming and art to FST. FST Credit: Bad Books, Divas, Aesop’s Fables, Deck The Halls, 59th Street Bridge, Waitress and Off The Charts.

Naomi Marin (Sound Designer) is an alum of Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, where she got her B.A. in theatrical design. Originally from Columbia, Maryland, she has been involved in theater since her freshman year of high school and is beyond excited to be at FST. Her FST credits include Red Riding Hood, Deck the Halls, We’re Doomed, Out of Bounds, Treble in Paradise, A Night in November, The White Chip, Aesop’s Fables, Advice, and Bad Books. 

Sarah DeSmith (Props and Paint Designer) is the Paint and Props Supervisor at FST, hailing from Worthington, Minnesota. She recently graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead with a B.A. in English Writing and a directed studies minor in Theatre Arts. She came down to Florida last June and interned at FST as part of FST’s Professional Training Program. FST credits include: Junie B. Jones, The Cancellation of Lauren Fein, Aesop’s Fables, and Advice.

Tori Martinson (Stage Management Intern) is a alumn of Northern Arizona University, where she received her BA in stage management. She has been thrilled to work on FST’s Off The Charts. Othe credits include: Walking Through Grief, and Hedda Gabler. She is excited to be joining FST’s 2024-2025 season as a stage management intern.

Shedding a Skin Cast Headshots

Samaria Nixon-Fleming (Myah) is excited to be making her Florida Studio Theatre debut! Broadway: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre). Off-Broadway: Politically Correct (New World Stages). Selected Regional: The Club (George Street Playhouse); The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina); The Legend of Georgia McBride (Virginia Stage Company and Theaterworks CT); Television includes: “Prodigal Son” (FOX); Wu-Tang An American Saga” (Hulu); “Evil”, “The Good Fight”, “Instinct”, “Madam Secretary” (CBS). She is a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Creative Team:

Director – Nancy Rominger

Scenic Design – Sarah DeSmith

Costume Design – Rossitza Lovetcheva

Lighting Design – Kate Landry

Sound Design – Nicholas Christensen

AEA SM – Charlotte Perez

Stage Management Fellow – Kara Powell

Jersey Boys Cast Headshots

Dane Agostinis* (Gyp DeCarlo) FST debut! Kinky Boots - Don (Riverside Theatre), A Tuna Christmas (Cape May Stage), Beauty and the Beast - Beast (Nat'l Tour, Original Disney Cruise Line), Kinky Boots - George, Mutt/Don u/s (NCL), The Full Monty - Dave (Theatre Aspen (Henry Award Nomination), CFRT), Matilda - Miss Trunchbull (Engeman), Mamma Mia - Bill (Theatre Aspen, Ivoryton), Oklahoma - Jud (TriArts), and Debbie Does Dallas - Rick, replaced American Idol's Adam Lambert (Anita Mann Productions). Commercials/voiceovers for Florida Lottery, GM Marine, Herman Miller, Rolaids, Join.Me, Nutrish, Clash Royale, Sam’s Club. Proud NYU/TISCH Grad. 

Matt Beary* (Joe Pesci) is thrilled to be returning to Jersey and making his FST debut! He was most recently seen performing as Barry Mann in Riverside CPA’s production of Beautiful alongside his fiancee Ashlee. Other credits include: Jersey Boys (Joey u/s Frankie), Hand to God (Timothy), Spring Awakening (Ernst), RENT (Mark). Matt received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Drake University, you can find him at www.mattbeary.com or @thatmattbeary on Instagram.

Carey Blackburn* is delighted to return to FST after beginning her professional career here as an acting apprentice. Tours: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (B’way Nat’l). Regional/International: Jersey Boys (John W. Engeman Theatre), Mystic Pizza (NY Premiere, John W. Engeman Theatre), Blanche and Stella (Lenfest Center/Lincoln Center Atrium), Spring Awakening (Serenbe Playhouse), Mickey and Company (Tokyo Disneyland), Macbeth (Thunder Bay Theatre). Television: Jefferson (CNN). www.careyblackburn.com

Nicolas Fernandez* is a New York based actor and a graduate from The Boston Conservatory at the Berklee College of Music with a B.F.A. in musical theater. National/International tours: Jersey Boys (Norwegian Cruise Line), Pete the Cat (TheaterWorksUSA). Regional theater: Jersey Boys (Casa Mañana, Theatre Aspen), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Sharon Playhouse), The Proxy Marriage (Goodspeed Opera House), Next to Normal (Arts After Hours Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Tibbits Opera House), Mamma Mia! (Santa Rosa Repertory Theatre), Pippin (Santa Rosa Repertory Theatre). Follow Nicolas @nick_ferndz on Instagram for updates! www.fernandeznicolas.com

Alan Gillespie* (Bob Crewe) Is thrilled to be back at FST after appearing in “Network” and “European Cabaret.” National Tours: Miss Saigon (Chris-over 950 Performances ), Showboat (Steve Baker). Tokyo, Japan: The Who’s Tommy (The Specialist) Selected Credits: "The Full Monty" (Jerry Lukowski) ”The Buddy Holly Story” (Norm Petty) “Mamma Mia (Sam Carmichael) Maples Repertory Theatre “Young Frankenstein” (Dr. Fredrick Frankenstein), “Peter and the Starcatcher” (Black Stache) The Waterfront Playhouse. “The Story Of My Life” (Thomas Weaver) The Studio Theatre, Goodspeed, Sierra Rep, WBT, NYMF, 54Below, Carnegie Hall. www.alangillespienyc.com

Abby Goldfarb* was most recently seen as Tzeitel in Fiddler on The Roof at Sacramento Music Circus. Off-Broadway: Harmony (directed by Warren Carlyle), Fiddler On The Roof in Yiddish (directed by Joel Grey), Amid Falling Walls, Milk and Honey. TV/Film: “Law & Order,” “The Meredith Vieira Show,” “Simchas and Sorrows.” Abby is writing her own musical-comedy with original songs about having five mothers. Instagram: @abbygoldfarb. www.AbbyGoldfarb.com 

Corey Greenan* | Broadway: Mamma Mia! (Sky), Scandalous (Ensemble); National Tour: Jersey Boys (Tommy DeVito), Mamma Mia! (Sky), If/Then (Ensemble); International Tour: Sound of Music (Captain Von Trapp), Evita (Che); Regional: Mamma Mia! (Sam Carmichael), Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker).

Andrew Mauney* (Nick Massi) is excited to be back at FST after last being seen with another vocal quartet, The Soul Mates in 2016. Stage: South Pacific Ntl Tour (Billis u/s), Legally Blonde (Callahan), Holiday Inn (Jim). Screen: “Law & Order”, “The Blacklist”, “When They See Us”. Several New York writing/directing credits, including the premier of his play, “Will I Be Missed?” this past February. Love to Morgana. Peace and Love! Phil 4:13 IG:@DrewM52085

Damon McToy* is thrilled to make his FST debut and to return back to Jersey Boys. Some past credits include, Off Broadway: Bill T Jones Watch Night (PAC NYC) International Tour: Sister Act,  Regional: Les Mis (Fulton), Jekyll and Hyde (Gretna Theatre), Jersey Boys (ZACH Theatre) RENT (San Pedro Playhouse) to name a few. Please feel free to follow him on IG: @mctoystoryy or TikTok: @Mctoyd 

Kevin Shiu* | FST debut! NATIONAL TOUR: The King and I (LCT’s 1^st National Tour). REGIONAL: A Grand Night For Singing (Goodspeed Opera House), Aladdin (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Miss Saigon (Ogunquit Playhouse), Disney’s When You Wish (Lyric Theater of Oklahoma), and more. NYC/OFF-BWAY: Carousel (NAAP), Wearing Black, My Real Mother (NYMF), On This Side of The World (Access Theater). Kevin is part of the singing group The Broadway Boys and holds a BFA in Music Theater from Illinois-Wesleyan University. ig: @kevinshiu_ 

Landon Zwick* (Bob Gaudio) is pleased to be making his Florida Studio Debut. Most recently, Landon was apart of the Crazy For You cast at Ogunquit Playhouse where he learned the original Broadway choreography. Other Regional Credits: Jersey Boys (Bob Crew: Bob Gaudio u/s, NCL) Summer: The Donna Summer Musical: (Neil Bogart: Bruce Sudano u/s, NCL) Something Rotten (Francis Flute / Bard Boy, Musical Theater West) Holiday Inn (Ensemble, Musical Theater West) A Bronx Tale (Crazy Mario / Doo Op, Prather Productions) Joseph… Dreamcoat (Reuben, Prather Productions) Enjoy the show! @lanzy123

Bad Books Cast Headshots

Bad Books Pre-Production Photos

Amanda Kristin Nichols is thrilled and grateful to be making her FST debut! Theater credits include Noises Off at Bucks County Playhouse, Let There Be Love at Penguin Rep, Three Sisters at The Sheen Center, Shakespeare’s R+J at The Hangar Theater, and The Last Night of Ballyhoo at Bay Street Theater. Film/TV includes Kaleidoscope on Netflix, New Amsterdam and Law & Order:OC on NBC, and The Sinner on USA. She sends big love and gratitude to her family and friends, MYM, DH&Co, and always always BLNK.

Jean Tafler | FST: Alabama Story, Pictures from Home. NYC credits: Three Sisters, About Love, The Lady’s Not for Burning, Seeing Stars, Romeo & Juliet, Taming of the Shrew, Philemon. One woman show: My Witch: The Margaret Hamilton Stories at Snowlion Rep, Bay Street Theater, Centenary Stage and The Public Theatre of Maine. Regional work features over 30 productions of Shakespeare plays & 10 seasons with Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Highlights: Jane Eyre, Hannah, Dinner with Friends, Noises Off, Follies, The Heiress and many others with The Asolo, Premiere Stages, River Rep, Snowmass /Aspen Rep, Geva Theatre, and Stages Rep. Film: Hide & Seek, The Deadly Spawn. Co-founder and managing director of Fat Knight Theatre. www.jeantafler.com

Divas - Cast Headshots

Divas - Pre-Production Photos

Divas - Production Photos

JANNIE JONES revived the role she co-created in Ethel Waters at FST in 2019. Broadway/Off-Broadway/1st National Tours: The Full Monty (U/S Georgie), Hair (Dionne), Mama I Want to Sing (Sis. Carrie), and Faith Journey (Traci). Regional: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story “Marlena” (MSMT, Tuacahn, & FST), Caroline in Caroline or Change (WBTT), Lena Younger in Raisin (WBTT), The ‘70s: More Than a Decade (FST), Guitar Girls (FST), Blue Suede Shoes (FST), and Gathering Blue, where she created the role of Annabella (Mt. Gretna Theatre). TV: The Get Down (Cool Herc’s Mom). She has also performed at Carnegie Hall.

DAKOTA MACKEY-MCGEE is thrilled to be joining the Florida Studio Theatre family! Some of her favorite theatre credits include Escape To Margaritaville (Rachel) at North Shore Music Theatre, Oliver (Nancy) at Gretna Theatre, Throw Me on the Burnpile (Boss) at Key West Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel) at Arrow Rock Lyceum, Henry IV (Lady Percy) at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, and Christmas at Pemberley (Lizzy Bennet) at Playhouse on Park. Much love and gratitude to her family + friends, Josh and Aimee at ASA, and her partners in crime, J+H. For more, visit www.Dakota-Mackey-McGee.com.

AJA GOES, a Wisconsin native, is pumped to make her FST debut! Select regional credits: Million Dollar Quartet (Broadway in Chicago), Cabaret (Atlanta Opera), Jersey Boys (Gateway Playhouse). She was lucky enough to travel the world performing on Holland America and Princess Cruises ships, she's been to 65 countries now! She also performed all over the country entertaining our service members with the USO Show Troupe. Currently in multiple female vocal groups as a member of The Sunset Singers! http://www.aja-goes.com IG: @ajagoesgram

Full Creative Team:

Director - Catherine Randazzo

Music Director - Jeremy Weinstein

Choreography - Ben Liebert

Pianist - Jim Prosser

Scenic Design - Andrew Gray

Costume Design - Chelsea Allen

Sound Design - Nicholas Christensen

Lighting Design - Andrew Gray

Sound and Light Board Operator - Colbee Dickson

Joe Casey | FST: Take It To The Limit, Blue Suede Shoes, American Pie, Million Dollar Quartet (Johnny Cash). Regional: The Crucible (John Proctor), The Bridges Of Madison County (Robert Kincaid), Betrayal (Jerry), 9 to 5 (Franklin Hart), Honeymoon In Vegas (Tommy Korman). NYC: Allen Wilder 2.0 (Michael), The Great American Backstage Musical (Johnny Brash). TV: The Knick, American Dynasty, A Crime To Remember. FILM: Self Help, The UTI Fairy, There For All The Moments

Michael Jayne Walker is an actor, singer, and rock musician based out of Brooklyn. They’ve been seen around the country and around the world in shows like Rent (Roger), Hair (Claude), and Godspell (Jesus), as well as in The Surfer Boys at FST. They also play guitar for glam punk band The Manimals. You can follow Michael’s adventures on Insta @mjwesq! 

Brian Ott | FST debut! Selected theatre: Phantom Folktales (Virgin Voyages/PigPen Theatre Co), Twelfth Night (Saratoga Shakespeare Company), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Franklin Stage Company), Anna Karenina (HB Studio/Notch Theatre Company), A New Brain (Iron Crow Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Alabama Shakespeare Festival). Film: IF. Tours nationally with A Band Called Honalee. BA: College of the Holy Cross. @brianfrancisott/brianott.com.

Cali McRae | Based in New York City, Calli has originated several roles in New York productions, including the award-winning Off Broadway show Pip’s Island. Some of her other favorites include Peace, Love and Cupcakes; My True Love: A Perfect Musical Fairytale; Chance; and Let There Be Light (Best Actress Nomination, Best Musical/Play Award). Calli has performed in over 70 venues across the country in the National Tour of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood! @callimcrae

Click here to view 59th Street Bridge Cast Headshots

View Pre-Production Photos 

FST Celebrates Folk-Rock Classics