Download Meet Your Workshop Presenters and Adjudicators

Meet Your Workshop Presenters and Adjudicators
Dr. Bill J. Adams- ​
is a belting masterclass presenter and Art Song specialist who serves as the Coordinator of Performing Arts at Nova Southeastern University.
He is also a principal investigator for Music Counts: A Specialized Treatment Program for Children with Autism. New York credits include: The Rape of the Lock
(Ariel), The Bartered Bride (Vašek), Die Zauberflöte (Monostatos), Madama Butterfly (Goro). Regional credits include: Cannibal: the Musical (Loutzenheiser), A
View from the Bridge (Mike), Albert Herring (Mayor), Assassins (Zangara), The Coronation of Poppea (Arnalta), Falstaff (Dr. Cajus), Manon (Guillot), and One Flew
Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Cheswick).
Janet Allard- ​
Recent Works: Alexander Supertramp, commissioned by Perseverance Theater and developed at Berkeley Rep Ground Floor, Pool Boy at
Barrington Stage, Vrooommm! A NASComedy published by Samuel French, Speed Date, Incognito, Loyal, Painted Rain and Untold Crimes of Insomniacs,
published by Playscripts, Inc. Her musical The Unknown: A Silent Movie Musical won a Jonathan Larson Award with P73 Productions and appeared at NYMF. Her
work has been seen at The Guthrie Lab, The Kennedy Center, Mixed Blood, Playwrights Horizons, Yale Rep, The Yale Cabaret, The Women’s Project,
Perseverance Theatre, Joe’s Pub, Barrington Stage, with P73 Productions, and Internationally in Ireland, England, Greece, Australia and New Zealand. She is a
Fulbright Fellow, has an M.F.A in Playwriting from the Yale School of Drama, has studied at the NYU Musical Theatre Writing program and teaches at University
of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Robert Aronowitz-​
is New York City fight director, stunt man, and combat instructor working with major universities and theaters around NYC and traveling the
country representing the Society of American Fight Directors. He is the coordinator for "The Tourist Trap" a nationally sanctioned stage combat workshop hosted
every February at the University of Central Florida. He currently instructs film combat at the east coast's premiere stunt training facility; Hollywood Stunts NYC.
Mike Avila- ​
After a 15 yrs association with the Walt Disney company, Mike took on a new role as Partner/Music director at the Imagination House.
His career has included a score celebrating the stories of Hans Christian Anderson recorded by the London Symphony at Abbey Road studios London as well as
project recordings at George Lucas's Skywalker ranch, Capitol records, Warner Bros scoring stage and Paramount studios LA. His catalogue of material includes
songs for the Muppets, Dora the Explorer, and Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb. Music Director and vocal coach for several musical theatre productions such
as JC Superstar,Chicago,Grease, Mame,Legally Blonde as well as professionally working with performers Jennifer Holiday. Andrea Mcardle, Eden Espinosa and
Harry Belefonte.
Beau Augustin- ​
is the current director of the Catwalk Theatre Company at Pomona High School in Colorado. He also serves as the director​
of Informational
​
Technology for Colorado Thespians. Beau received his Bachelors Degree in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado and is working on his
Masters in Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Over the past few years Beau has been published by the Colorado
Department of Education for the state’s theatre arts curriculum and has received awards for his program at a state and national level.
Justin Baldridge- ​
graduated from California State Univeristy, Fullerton with a BA in Theatre and English and recently received a MA in Directing from Roosevelt
University in Chicago, IL.
Karen Balzer- ​
Is Artistic Director of the Jackson Purchase Dance Company and professor at Murray State University. A former dancer with the Fort Worth Ballet,
Ms. Balzer has directed and choreographed over 500 musicals including the off Broadway musical, ​
The Medicine Show​
, and the premiere production of ​
Asylum​
.
She has toured an original story/ballet version of ​
The Hobbit ​
and an original contemporary ballet, ​
THE UNIVERSE​
to New York City in partnership with Manhattan
Tour and Travel.
Christopher Beaulieu-​
Co-Artistic Director of the Revolutionary. Arts. Education. Company Creatively Independent. He tours internationally teaching, directing,
and performing, including world premieres at Montreal's Segal Centre, Dell'Arte, and Germany's Rotation Theatre. Chris has worked extensively with
Shakespeare & Co., Dell' Arte, International Schools Theatre Association, Williamstown Theatre Festival's Greylock Project, Circus Smirkus, and Kennedy Center
American College Th. Fest (SE Region). Awards include: N.E.A. for Living Inside/Art in the Jail and the Paddy Crean Award from the Society of American Fight
Directors for strong leadership within an ensemble. Guest artist bookings and retreat intensive info at creativelyindependent.net.
Tommy Bechtold-​
Is an Actor/Comedian from Rochester NY. Tommy trained at iOWest, UCB and Second City in Los Angeles. You can currently see Tommy as
"Kenny" on the ABC sitcom "The Middle". Past Credits include "Jimmy Kimmel Live", "Smash Cuts" and the feature film "Sophomore.”
Matthew Belopavlovich- ​
was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin and holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Regional theatre
credits include PIPPI LONGSTOCKING with Orlando Repertory Theatre, THE MIDNIGHT ANGEL with Skylight Music Theatre and CELEBRATE THE SEASON with Walt
Disney World. Belopavlovich has worked as a theatre educator at Florida Studio Theatre, French Woods Festival of the Arts and with Milwaukee Public Theatre.
Most recently, he was seen clowning around in the center ring, on tour with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He is currently a theater faculty member
at the Patel Conservatory.
Graciela Binaghi​
- Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ms. Binaghi has been entertaining and educating audiences for the last thirty years. A student of Marcel
Marceau and a recipient of a silver medal from the Academie des Arts, Sciences of Lettrers, Ms. Binaghi has developed a unique style of her own. She has
worked as a performer, teacher and ambassador for the arts throughout the US, Europe and Latin America. Ms Binaghi is also an Arts Integration teacher and
consultant and a resident of South Florida.
Domenic Bisesti-​
is a performer/choreographer who has worked across the country and on the seven seas. In 2010 he moved back to Florida and and kept busy
directing and choreographing for many theatre companies (American Stage, Eight O'Clock Theatre, Riverview Little Theatre) and created a company to produce
entertainment for special events. Locally he teaches dance for Tutterow Dancers (Largo) and Dance Evolutions (Tarpon Springs).
Christopher Booth-​
(AEA) is a NYC based actor, comedian, and storyteller. Chris’ TV work includes Nat Geo’s Brain Games, and co-creating and co-starring in
both Spike TV's Punching the Midget and Travel Channel's Ultimate Fan Pass. Chris’ stage work includes the Off-Broadway hit ​
Awesome 80’s Prom​
and ​
Born
Without Clothes​
. Chris is also the co-creator, writer, and co-star of the award-winning sketch comedy group City Hall. He has performed improvisation at the
UCB, the PIT, the Magnet, and has toured with the National Comedy Theater. His commercial work includes spots for Dewar’s, Nestles’ Crunch, Audi, Showtime
and Comedy Central. When not performing, Chris can be found at The Tank Theater, in Times Square, where he currently serves as the Comedy Curator. Chris is
also an Admissions Coordinator at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and travels the country teaching workshops for them.
Angel Borths-​
is an experienced theatre educator. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from the Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Theatre from the
University of South Carolina. She has served as the Artistic Coordinator at the Sarasota Opera and as a Performing Arts Instructor at the Sarasota School of Arts
and Sciences. Additionally, she has worked for the Florida Studio Theatre, the Player's Theatre in Sarasota, and American Stage Theatre Company. Currently, she
is the magnet Lead Teacher at Rampello K-8 School for Cultural Arts and Humanities in downtown Tampa.
David Bower​
- Ed. D., is currently a faculty member at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and teaches in the Educational Leadership program. He is a
former high school theater teacher and has also worked with community theater in Albuquerque and Athens, Ohio. He reviews theater productions for the
Educational Theater Association each year and has adjudicated at the Florida Thespian Conference for over 20 years.
Glenn Breed-​
is an Associate Professor of Costume Design and Technology at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. Glenn also runs an opera
costume rental company called Wardrobe Witchery and is the resident costume designer at Pensacola Opera and the Janiec Opera Company at Brevard Music
Center. His work can be seen all over the country. www.glennaverybreed.com
Elaine Bromka-​
Film, TV, Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, in roles ranging from ​
Much Ado's​
Beatrice to Shirley Valentine, The Sopranos, Sex & the
City, E.R., Dharma & Greg, all the Law and Order shows, Playing for Time with Vanessa Redgrave and Catch a Rainbow, for which Ms. Bromka won an Emmy.
Cindy, the mom in Uncle Buck, and the crazed Stella in Days of our Lives. She opened her touring one-woman First Ladies show ​
TEA FOR THREE: Lady Bird, Pat &
Betty​
Off-Broadway in 2013 (teaforthree.com). Smith College Phi Beta Kappa and guest artist at 100 colleges and high schools. elainebromka.com
Matt Burke- ​
is a professional actor and teacher and has been doing both on stages and classrooms for nearly 20 years. He has his BFA in acting from FSU and his
MFA from the University of Delaware's Professional Theater Training Program. He has played both leading and supporting roles at the Tony Award winning Utah
Shakespearean Festival and has been seen in the TV shows Halt and Catch Fire, Devious Maids and Turn as well as the films Identity Thief and the upcoming
Jurassic World.
Erin Carr-​
is working as a freelance professional actor and teaching artist. She is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts where she studied at the
Experimental Theatre Wing and received her BFA in drama. Erin enjoys working on the stage, in front of the camera and in the classroom. Erin is currently
working as an Adjunct Theatre Teacher at Miami University, a full-time Movement Teacher at Cincinnati Actors Studio & Academy as well as a teaching artist
with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. When time permits, she travels around the U.S. to teach advanced physical acting techniques with the Educational Theatre
Association. In addition, Erin is the Co-Artistic Director of the women-centric theatre company, ReVamp Collective, based in Philadelphia. For more information:
www.erincarr.com
Brad Casey- ​
is a proud alum of Troupe 2217 (King HS), is currently the Managing Director of the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center. He has worked in
virtually every imaginable backstage/administrative position the arts has to offer from pyrotechnics to stage managing to pattern making and more. Brad’s
experiences include Dad’s Garage (Director of Marketing and Development/Acting Managing Director), 7 Stages (Managing Director), Atlanta Ballet, Colorado
Shakespeare Festival, Weston Playhouse and the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech. He holds both a BFA in Costume Design and an MBA in Finance both
from the University of Florida.
Leesa Castaneda​
- has worked as an actor, director, playwright and producer for 30 years. She has appeared in several televisions shows and films and is a
member of SAG-AFTRA. Her work on the stage includes Streetcar Named Desire, Next to Normal, West Side Story and 9 Parts of Desire. She has directed and
produced many shows with the company that she runs with her husband, Greater Orlando Actors Theatre.
Dave Clemmons- ​
Broadway and National tour performer- Les Miz (Valjean), Jekyll and Hyde (original prod), The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil WarOwner Dave
Clemmons Casting casting over 200 B'way, off, Bway and national/international tour productions. Graduate of University of Miami jazz/commercial music
program. Broadway and nationally seen music director and conductor. (The Civil War on B'way, Carnegie, Hall, The Palace Theatre, The Gershwin Theatre)
Producing partner StylesFour Productions (Bway- Once, Spring Awakening, Driving Miss Daisy). Feature writer/critic for modern music website WeepingElvis.com
Ronald Colburn​
- is a Professor of Speech at ValenicaCollege and has a BA in Speech/Theatre/English, an MA in Speech/Theatre, MA in Psychology, and Ph.D in
Organizational Behavior. He is the Artistic Director of his own theatre company called the Platform Theatre Company which is housed on the Osceola Campus of
Valencia College. He has well over 42 years of directing and acting experience in several communities. It is always my pleasure to adjudicate the students at this
Florida Thespian Conference because not only do these students learn from me, I also learn from them. They are extremely talented and that in and of itself
becomes such learning experience for all who are involved. You are all the best!!!!
Scott Cooper​
- (USA) is currently the head of the Saint Petersburg College Theater program and has professionally designed scenery for American Stage, Jobsite,
Gorilla, Jaeb (Straz Performing Arts Center), Stageworks and FreeFall theaters in the Tampa Bay area. His work has also been seen at the Goodman and
Steppenwolf Theaters in Chicago. He has been voted Best Scenic Designer by Creative Loafing Magazine's Best of the Bay awards for four consecutive years
(2007-2010). He has been nominated twice for the Jefferson Award in Scenic Design in Chicago for his designs of Bus Stop and American Buffalo both at
American Theater Company. He was also recently nominated for a Broadway World Florida Award for his set design of Ma Rainy… for American Stage Theater.
He is a proud member of the United Scenic Artists Local 829.
Brian Craig​
- A native Floridian. BFA in Acting/Directing. He performed in many Theatres and Theme Parks in Central Florida till going on the first
national/international tour of ​
Big River​
. Other tours include: ​
Joseph.​
.., ​
Damn Yankees​
, and ​
Christmas Carol​
. Regional: ​
Torch Song Trilogy​
,​
God’s Favorite​
,
Chicago​
, Film: Honkey Tonk Freeway, Jaws III. He worked as Artist in Residence for the states of KY & TN. As Artist in residence, he help compose the Kentucky
Education Reform Act, (Making the ARTS a requirement in schools). He received his MFA in Costume Design and Construction and Theatrical Scenic Design. Has
owned his Special Events Company (ABCDE, INC) for 30 years, and Freelance Designs and Directs when ever time allows.
Creatively Independent- ​
is a revolutionary arts education company touring internationally reaching thousands of artists each year. Clients include: Brown/Trinity
Rep., UVA, Wells College, SETC, International Schools of Theatre Association, Univ. of MS, Performing the World (NYC), Montreal’s Segal Centre, FSCJ, Lavilla
SOTA, DASOTA, and multiple State Thespian Festivals. CI’s work has been described “mesmerizing theatre” (EU, Florida) and “simultaneously innovative and
accessible.” (Maverick Magazine, London) CI’s cofounders have received numerous awards including a NEA recognition for Art in Jail/Living Inside, Best Musical
at Minneapolis Fringe, and multiple national awards from the Society of American Fight Directors. Recently, CI closed a successful German tour of ​
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To The
Breach​
ʺ​
, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s ​
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Henry V​
ʺ​
. Currently, CI is in residency at East Chapel Hill HS to create: ​
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A Fire Just Waiting​
ʺ​
, a new musical featuring the
music and lyrics of Ani DiFranco, conceived and co-directed by Chris Beaulieu and Jess Pillmore. More @ creativelyindependent.net
Brian Curl- ​
is a NYC based actor/choreographer. He has performed in 49 of the 50 states and has been with the EdTA family for 6+ years. A big kid at heart, Brian
loves working with school theatre students to broaden their theatrical knowledge.
Jay Deen​
- is a scenic/makeup designer and music director with a Master of Fine Arts in theatre from University of Memphis. Music director for ​
Smokey Joes
Café,​
The Producers​
​
and more recently directed ​
Pippen​
at ESJ. Favorite scenic designs include ​
The 25th
​​Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee​
,​
The Comedy of
Errors​
, and ​
The Imaginary Invalid​
. Jay is listed as original scenic designer in the recently published children’s play ​
Aesop’s Fable-ous Christmas Tree​
by Michael
Gravois. Special effects make-up designs include ​
Mozart’s opera​
,​
Idomeneo​
and the Phantom’s make-up for ​
Phantom of the Opera​
at University of Memphis.
Amy Dobbert-​
is a multi-talented performer and educator living in the Tampa Bay Area. She’s received numerous awards for local and regional theater including
the Tampa Bay Area STAR Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the past two years running. Amy spent nine years working in Florida’s panhandle as a
choreographer, musical director, and television personality - for which she earned an Associated Press Award. She currently works for Hillsborough County
Schools.
Deanna Dys-​
has been featured on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun, Saturday Night Fever, Candide, Meet Me in St. Louis, Crazy For You, and Legs Diamond. She
has directed and choreographed for Broadway, off-Broadway, National, International Tours, and Regional Theatre. Her work has been nominated for a NY Drama
Desk award and numerous regional theatre awards. She has choreographed for the television series Boardwalk Empire, Deception, One Life to Live and was the
associate choreographer for the feature film The Stepford Wives. She was a guest teacher at the University of California-Irvine and has held master classes
nationwide.
Ron Emery-​
I have a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degree in Voice. I have been judging and presenting workshops for 20 years: District, State Junior
and Senior Thespians. I am a vested member of Actor’s Equity Assoc. My professional work includes: Equity Dinner Theatres, Opera, Operetta, National Tours
and concerts. For 7 years I gave private voice lessons to vocal and musical theatre majors in a high school magnate program for the arts, as an adjunct vocal
instructor for St. Petersburg College. I am presently doing 2 vocal workshops a week for Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, Fl. I am a paid soloist for
churches/synagogues.
Todd Espeland-​
is the Artistic Director of Commedia Zuppa (www.czuppa.com) and a graduate of the internationally renowned Dell’ Arte School of Physical
Theatre in Blue Lake, California. While at Dell Arte, Todd did extensive post-graduate work in mask, clown Commedia Dell’ Arte and physical theatre. He recently
completed his MFA in Directing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he directed such plays as ​
On the Verge​
,​
Equus​
and toured work to the Adelaide
Fringe Festival in Adelaide Australia. While in Las Vegas, Todd was a clown consultant on Cirque du Soleil's show Zumanity, working alongside lead Cirque clown
Shannan Calcutt. Todd is currently at work on a book about mask and its use as an actor training tool.
Samuel Fisher-​
is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and a graduate of both the University of North Carolina School of the
Arts' (HS) and the California Institute of the Arts' Theater Programs (BFA). Sam has conceived and directed four original pieces; Shift , Attent1on!, Bomb in the
Back Seat and REI. Recent directing credits include Angels in America Part 1, FAME: The Musical and Peter Schaffer’s Amadeus (in collaboration with The
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra). Other directing credits include Handle With Care, The Mystery of Edwin Drood (ABET), Reefer Madness!, Another Sign and
Next to Normal.
Gene Flaharty​
- Makeup Artist/Instructor, has been doing professional makeup for TV, Film, print, and theatre for over 34 years. He enjoys teaching at a local
college and doing makeup on celebrities like Martin Short, Dee Wallace Stone and David Ogden Stiers. He has designed over 200 different theater productions.
He enjoys makeup education as he does lecture/demonstrations across the country in his full time position as Sales Manager/Makeup Artist for Mehron Inc in
New York. He has been published with articles “Stretching Your Makeup”, “How Safe is Your Makeup” and has contributed to several articles relating to makeup
application and safety. He is hired to do makeup, wigs or costumes on regional and national tours.
Jonathan L. Gravely-​
has been a coach/accompanist for over 14 years, working with singers from a wide rage of vocal background and ability. He specializes in
young artists and has previously coached students to Superior ratings and Critic's Choice performances at both District and State Festivals. He has previously
been a judge at State Festival and workshop presenter. He is currently finishing up his B.M. in Vocal Performance at the University of Florida having gone back to
college to finish his degree with plans to move directly into an M.M. program followed by DMA.
Stephen Gregg- ​
Stephen Gregg's plays include This is a Test, This is a Text, Small Actors, One Lane Bridge, The New Margo, Twitch and many more. He teaches
himself to write plays, one tweet at a time, at @playwrightnow
Donna Haines-​
My work is primarily in costume design and construction. I have been working with local theatre companies though out Central Florida since
2004. Constructing and designing large productions from Les Miseables, Seussical The Musical, Spring Awakening, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof and many
many many more. I have also constructed costumes for ​
ʺ​
Mommies the Musical Blog​
ʺ​
produced by E&M Theatrical, Inc. When I am not constructing costumes I
also help in casting shows as well as choreographing. My favorite time of the year is when I am judging District and State Thespians. Seeing this kind of talent is
exciting and I enjoy every part of being part of this world of Thespians.
Marty Hancock-​
is a retired theatre educator from Miami Dade County who has been attending the Florida State Thespian Conference for 45+ years as a
sponsor, district chair and past State Director. She is the recipient of many awards including the EDTA Hall of Fame, FTC Distinguished Career Award, FATE
Educator of the Year and a lifetime achievement award from service to Florida Thespians. She enjoys attending and adjudicating one acts as well as Individual
Events at district conferences and has judged the one acts at both the Florida Theatre Conference and the Southeastern Theatre Conference. Marty is a graduate
of Kent State University.
Tim Hanes-​
is the founder/Artistic Director of the Orlando Youth Theatre and creator of Orlando Kids on Stage. He also serves as musical director for Valencia
College and a freelance accompanist and vocal coach. Tim received the 2006 Presidential Scholar in the Arts’ Teacher Recognition award. Tim was Director of
Education for The Civic Theatres of Central Florida and created the performance troupe Civic Kids with original members including Mandy Moore. Prior to
Orlando, Tim served as Artist-in-Residence for the State of Tennessee. Students of Mr. Hanes are working on Broadway, Film and Television.
Heather Harrison- ​
I have been professionally performing for nearly 20 years. Performing with professional theatre and performance companies including Busch
Gardens, Jobsite Theatre, ESP, Six Flags, and Bayou City Musicals to name a few. I am currently the Consumer Events Show Manager at Busch Gardens Tampa
where I am the Project Manager for Christmas Town. I cast, coordinate, plan and manage small and large scale events and also assist with daily entertainment
administrative duties. My Professional Theatre credits include: ​
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This is How it Goes​
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as Woman; ​
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A Little Night Music​
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as Anne; ​
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Laramie Project​
ʺ​
as the
Narrator. My Musical Theatre credits include ​
ʺ​
Guys and Dolls​
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as Sarah; ​
ʺ​
Company​
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as Jenny; ​
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Anything Goes​
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as Hope; and ​
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Fiddler on the Roof​
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as Hodel and
many more. I am a proud holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre with a Dance Minor from Sam Houston State University in Texas, where I received
intense training in every avenue of theatre, music, and dance. I am very excited to be a part of the Florida Thespian Festival for my 5th year!
Peggy Huey-​
earned a B.A. in Theater from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and an M.A. in English Education and Ph.D. in English from the University of South
Florida. She has taught for the University of Guam (online), DeVry University, the University of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College, the University of
Alabama and the University of South Florida. In addition, she has been active in the professional theater community in Tampa, Florida, since 1980, working as
Stage Manager and Lighting Designer for Stageworks, the University of Tampa, Tampa Players, Playmakers, Gorilla Theater, and Salerno Theatre for over 60
productions, as well as Director for the University of Tampa. From 1998 to 2011, she was involved in the selection of plays for Stageworks' new playwright
readings and directed several new one acts for the company. She currently serves as the Managing Director of Stageworks, and works privately with non-native
students on accent reduction.
International Thespian Officers​
(ITO)- Are six students from across the country who are elected for a year to serve as the student voice of the Thespians. The
International Thespian Society honors student achievement and enriches their theatre education. The ITS has inducted more than 2 million members since 1929.
The ITO travel to state conferences to teach leadership and advocacy workshops as well as assist State Thespian Officers. They also work year-round to plan the
student portion of the International Thespian Festival. The ITO would love nothing more than a chance to get to know as many of you as possible.
Perry Johannesburg-​
has been involved in the performing arts since the age of nine. He has performed in over fifty professional and children’s theater
productions before taking an interest in stagecraft where he designed and operated the lighting and sound for hundreds of professional productions. He feels his
involvement in the performing arts at such a young age has made him the person that he is today by learning to be reliable, dealing with rejection, having
respect for others and discipline. He is honored to be a judge for the 2015 Florida Thespian Festival and he looks forward to seeing the amazing talent from each
school.
Chad Johnson- has been at Stafford High School since 2005 directing theatre and coaching forensics as well teaching English. He is the Co-Director of the theater
program which has received multiple top finishes in Virginia High School League, Virginia Theater Association, and Southeastern Theater. Chad is also the
director of the Akward Pause improv team at Satfford High School. Chad is active in many organizations including the Virginia Theatre Association and
VASDDC. Chad graduated from Central Michigan University and is currently enrolled in Roosevelt University and expects to receive a Master’s of Arts in Directing
in the Fall of 2015.
Jonathan Juarbe- ​
is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and has had the privilege of performing in various countries and events for many years.
Recently, he was seen co-starring in an episode of CBS’s Blue Bloods and Off-Broadway in the musical Wildcat. Jonathan has had the pleasure of appearing on
the national tour of Chasing GeorgeWashington for the historic Kennedy Center, as well as singing with the likes of Paul Simon, Patti Lupone, Elton John at Radio
City Music Hall, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Today Show, and Christmas at the White House. Other credits include the national tour of Smokey
Joe's Cafe, Fame, Altarboyz, Grease, Gypsy, and The Boys Next Door. In addition to theater, he has also headlined various cruise lines and Vegas style shows
around the world.
Don Jones-​
has been a theatre director in Wisconsin and a high school drama teacher in New York City, on Long Island and Florida. His academic credits include
Yale Drama School, NYU and HB Studios in New York City. Willem Dafoe and the late Jill Clayburg began their careers under his direction. He has been recognized
as Teacher of the Year by the Florida Association for Theatre Educators, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Theatre Conference and was the first
recipient of the Florida State Thespian Lifetime Achievement Award which, for 23 years, he has served as Program Chair and Mainstage Screener. He has
adjudicated and presented workshops at five different southern State Thespian Conferences. He is also a trustee at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the
Performing Arts.
David Paul Kidder-​
is a dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer living in New York City. He has directed and choreographed ​
ʺ​
Singin' in the Rain,​
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​
Miracle on
34th Street,​
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and ​
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Crazy For You,​
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at Narrows Theater in NYC. Performing credits include Pittsburgh CLO, Signature Theater, The New York Fringe Festival,
Alhambra Theater, and Walt Disney World. He is currently a dance instructor at the Brooklyn Dance Center. BFA from UCF, proud member of Actor's Equity.
Kelly King-​
was a Radio City Rockette for 12 years and has performed extensively for television, stage and film. She toured nationally with Fosse and Anything
Goes and performed in Gregory Hines In Concert with Gregory Hines and Busker Alley with Tommy Tune. Her other credits include Alvin Ailey NY, Sinatra “His
World, His Way, His Voice,” The Tonight Show, MTV Music Awards, NBC’s WOW Awards at Lincoln Center, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show
and with the Pussycat Dolls at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. As a teacher, King held the resident faculty choreographer position at the Broadway Theatre Project
for 11 years at the University of South Florida. She is also involved in The Performing Arts Project as head of the dance department and as a guest teacher for the
Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She recently finished teaching at GENDARC Dance Summer Intensive, with over 50 apprentices, held at Alvin Ailey in NYC. King is
also an adjunct teacher at Pinellas County Center for the Arts Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg where she sets pieces for the dance department spring galas.
At the Patel Conservatory, King serves as Head Contemporary Teacher where she choreographs for the dance and theater departments and teaches on the
faculty. King was instrumental in the development of the Patel Conservatory Popular Dance program, which provides dancers with education in other forms of
dance for additional job opportunities in the dance industry.
Stefani Koorey-​
holds a Ph.D. in Theatre History and Dramatic Criticism, an MA in Theatre Arts, and an MFA in Theatre Management. She has enjoyed a varied
professional life as an actress, director, stage manager, author, editor, professor, librarian, booktalker, storyteller, box office manager, bibliographer, indexer,
web designer, and magazine publisher.
She is the editor and publisher of The Hatchet: Lizzie Borden's Journal of Murder, Mystery & Victorian History as well as the editor/owner of PearTree Press,
specializing in Borden titles, true crime, and gothic poetry.
Ginny Kopf- ​
Professor at Valencia College Theatre Department, teaching Dialects, Voice and Movement, and Acting. She is the Dialect coach for the Wizarding
World of Harry Potter, and across Disney properties, and dialect coaches in high schools and local professional and community productions across Florida​
.
Jarret Koski-​
is involved in Lees-McRae Summer Theatre during which he has played A-Rab in West Side Story, Mickey in Damn Yankees, Headband Boy in A
Chorus Line, Slim in Oklahoma, Dancer/Soloist in Swing!, and Rolf in The Sound of Music. He has also had the privilege to Stage Manage I DO! I DO!, See How
They Run and Show Boat.
Since fourth grade he has known that he one day will become an educator. He has guest taught at Countryside High School and been a lead teacher at Ruth
Eckerd Hall Summer camps.
Kylie Koscoe-​
graduated with a BA in Theatre from Hollins University. She has performed nationally with Missoula Children's Theatre and throughout Central
Florida with Sea World, Orlando Rep, Women's Playwright Initiative, Storybook Theatre, and Florida Children's Repertory Theatre. She has taught acting and
improv classes at the Sands Theatre Center, Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach, and many dance studios. She is currently the owner of Mad Science, providing
fun and hands-on Science programs all throughout Central Florida. Check Mad Science out online at CFL.MadScience.org
Robert Laconi- ​
Robert’s professional career includes work in theater, film, radio, television, & children's theater, as actor, director, manager, & producer. He is
the Artistic Director of the Theatre Arts Center in NYC, a professional training program for youth and teens and staffed by Broadway Guest Artists. As an actor he
has appeared in NYC in many productions in roles ranging from Shakespeare to Cole Porter. Film roles include Scorsese’s Last Temptation of Christ filmed in
Morocco and the original Annie. Producing credits include Broadway’s Circle in the Square and the Tony nominated Enchanted April. He is a member of SAG
/AFTRA and Actors Equity.
Kellie Latwon- ​
Started performing as a young child and appeared on national television with Julie Andrews at age 7. Danced and performed at the Walt Disney
Resort for over 15 years and appeared in various shows, parades and national tours. While living in Los Angeles performed and choregraphed shows for the
ʺ​
Flower Street Players​
ʺ​
and directed/chorographed ​
ʺ​
Lido Isle Meet and Smile​
ʺ​
for the opening of the Tokyo DisneySea Resort in Japan. Currently a production
manager for Walt Disney Creative Entertainment and choreographs for the Clermont local children's theater group, Caponi's Cannolis.
Ted Lewis-​
has been a Stage Combat Fight Choreographer for the past 38 years and has founded two combat and comedy troupes that have performed at several
Florida Medieval and Renaissance Festivals. He is the founder of the Gainesville Thieves Guild which has performed at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire for the
past 28 years. Ted also trained with the Society of American Fight Directors and is a member in good standing in that organization. He spent seven years as both
acting coach and fight choreographer for the Gainesville Dancompany and has taught numerous workshops throughout Florida to high schools community
theaters and colleges.
Ed Linderman- ​
career highlights: Broadway: Fiddler On The Roof (Perchik); Two Gentlemen of Verona; Something's Afoot (Composer). Off Broadway: Godspell
(Musical Director); Broadway Jukebox (Author & Performer). He began his career at Second City, and was described in the New York Times as ​
ʺ​
a walking
encyclopedia of the hidden treasures of the Broadway Musical.​
ʺ​
Teacher: Penn State, Shenandoah & Northwestern Universities, AMDA. Many of his students are
now working on Broadway. His new musical, The Zimmer Girls will have it's world premier this Spring at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Sandy Levitt-​
is a member of the EdTA Hall Of Fame. His professional career included acting and singing on and off Broadway, and many National Tours. He
began his career dancing with The Garden State Ballet, and has worked as a stage and company manager as well as an Associate Producer in New York City and
Florida. For many years he was a leading actor in New York's Yiddish Theater. He received the 2013 Arts Advocate Award from the Florida Association of Theatre
Educators (FATE). He is the Founder and Co-President of Manhattan Tour & Travel, and received the 2012 Corporate Recognition Award from AACT (American
Association of Community Theater) for his contributions to theaters across the country.
Suzanne Livesay-​
was a Florida State Thespian (Troupes 2055 & 3057) and has spent the past 15 years developing theatre programs of excellence as Thespian
Troupe sponsor in the Denver and Central Florida areas. She has proudly utilized her Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theater in every job held since college.
Suzanne was honored as a regional Irene Ryan Competition finalist, has performed professionally in multiple regional theatre productions, and trained with
VASTA at the Guthrie Theater as an EdTA scholarship recipient. She completed her Masters in Secondary Ed in 2012 and currently serves as Theater Department
Chair for the Patel Conservatory @ the Straz Center.
Dori Lloyd-​
has been producing costumes for the stage for over 12 years. She has worked with children's and youth theater, high school, and community theater
groups for over 35 productions, spanning hundreds of years of design genre. She specializes in adapting ready-made materials found at Thrift Stores to produce
inexpensively-made period costumes.
Matthew MacDermid- ​
Matty holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and English Literature along with 22 years of professional theatre experience as an actor, director,
singer, and stage manager. During his career, he has had the pleasure of working on productions of ​
Oliver!​
,​
The Sound of Music​
,​
Big River​
,​
Triumph of Love​
,​
The
Spitfire Grill​
,​
The Man Who Came To Dinner​
,​
Seussical​
,​
Assassins​
,​
Into The Woods​
,​
Ragtime​
,​
A Little Night Music​
,​
Arms And The Man​
,​
Million Dollar Quartet​
, and
The Mystery of Edwin Drood​
to name a select few. Passionate about theatre education, he has been an adjudicator for many years at both Districts festivals
across the state and at the festival in Tampa for both one-acts and individual events, encouraging the growth of the theatre pros of tomorrow.
Stephanie Maddox-​
A graduate from the NAST accredited University of South Dakota, with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. I have worked regionally
and toured internationally in South and Central America. I have also taught and directed theater internationally
Terrence MannLaurice Marier-​
is currently a Production Manager with Disney Parks & Resorts' Creative Entertainment team currently focusing on main stage show
development / production for the Disney Cruise Line. In her 20+ year career in Entertainment, Laurice has managed operations, events and productions for Six
Flags Great America, Station Casino Kansas City, The Disney Institute, Bands of America Cirque du Soleil and Disney's Pleasure Island.
Chris McCabe-​
is an accomplished singer and working actor in Orlando, Florida. He recently premiered his cabaret ​
ʺ​
And On That Note...​
ʺ​
at the 2014 Cabaret
Festival at the Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando this spring. Residing in Orlando, FL, Chris was most recently the Director of Theatre at an Orlando Private
School for the past 4 years. Now, he is the Worship Leader at Annunciation Catholic Church. Past credits include Off-Broadway's Judy & Me (Jimmy/Rick),
Company (Bobby), Bare (Peter), Rent (Roger), [title of show] (Hunter), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey 2 Voice), The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), the US
National Tour of Bathhouse! The Musical (Billy), Songs for a New World (Man 1), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Joseph), The Light in the
Piazza (Guiseppe), Parade (Britt Craig), West Side Story (Tony), and his original one person show Never Eat the Masala from Punjabi Palace or $&#% with Henry,
See What Happens. Directing credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Edges, Proof, Dear Edwina and Starmites. He received his BFA in Music Theatre and
Education from New World School of the Arts in Miami, FL and the University of Florida.
Tim Merrill-​
I've been recording things since I was nine years old (I'm 56 now), and doing video work since I was 22. I'm heavily involved in music recording (I've
produced a couple record albums and numerous demos and singles), and have been volunteering to assist with sound reinforcement at Buchholz High School in
Gainesville, Florida for the past five years. Ted Lewis recommended that I put in for doing a workshop related to sound.
Ellen Milligan-​
has been an active performer and teacher in the northeast Florida area for more than 25 years. She holds a degree in piano performance from
the University of Wisconsin. She has been the musical director for more than 100 shows in venues from schools to professional companies. She has played in the
pit orchestras for such national touring shows as "Wicked," "Spamalot," and "A Chorus LIne."
Murray Mintz-​
is the Executive Director of The Florida Association for Theatre Education, the state’s organization of theatre instructors at the elementary
through university levels. A retired high school theatre teacher, Murray was recognized by the Florida Theatre Conference as the state’s Secondary Theatre
Educator of the year in 2002, and was listed in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers for several years. He has directed more than 90 productions in
professional, community and educational theatre in Western New York and on Florida’s west coast. Murray taught acting and directing at St Petersburg College.
Erin Morris-​
graduated from Wharton High School's LSA Rep Theatre Company in 2006. She went on to major in Theatre and Dance at USF. Erin still returns to
Wharton yearly to work with LSA in choreography, set design, puppet construction and decoration. Erin holds a 200RYT specializing in Ashtanga Yoga. Erin's
unique blend of humor, focus on classical texts and anatomy make her teaching style both fun and informtive. Erin currently lives and teaches in Miami, FL and is
fresh back from six weeks of yogic studies in Southern India.
Nicholas Murphy-​
received his two BFA's in Theatre Directing and Writing for Film and Television from Emerson College in Boston and his MA in Theatre from
UCF. He is the Founder and Artistic Director for Cornerstone Theatre Company, where he has directed and set designed shows including: 12 Angry Jurors, Who's
Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Assassins and Time Stands Still to name a few. He has also directed for South Lake Theatre Company and Creative Sanford and Set
Designed for Mad Cow Theatre. Previously he worked as the Managing Director for RareWorks Theatre Company, which included directing and producing
several shows.
Michael Naffziger-​
is the Theatre Director for the Schumann School for the Visual and Performing Arts. He has work professional with The House Theatre
(Chicago), Beck Center for the Arts (Cleveland) and the Unseam’d Shakespeare Co. (Pittsburg). Before moving to Florida, Michael was performing with the
Redlands Civic Light Opera (Redlands), was the resident director for the Lewis Family Playhouse (Los Angeles) and the owner of The D Gallery Theatre (Los
Angeles). Michael’s last three plays have been selected as Florida Thespians Mainstage productions. Daron Hawkins, former Florida Thespians Director, said of
Michael's actors, ​
ʺ​
that is the best high school acting I have ever seen​
ʺ​
.
Joe Norton-​
is the Director of Education & Outreach for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the charity voice of the American Theatre industry. He has been an
actor, playwright and producer for various companies in New York City. Joe is a featured speaker/panelist for the Stage The Change Conference on social
theatre, as well as for the American Association of Community Theatre conference, the Montana Theatre Educator’s Conference, and a repeat panelist for NYC’s
annual Volunteer Opportunities in the Arts Conference, and the Theatre for Public Health forum at NYU. Joe served on the governing board of the Educational
Theatre Association from 2000 – 09 and currently serves on the New York Chapter Board, and attends many chapter festivals as a guest artist and adjudicator.
He is also on the advisory board for R’Evolucion Latina (founded by In The Heights cast members) and The Jazz Drama Program (NYC). Joe is a life-long Thespian,
a member of AACT, NYSTEA, Theatre Communications Group and the Dramatists Guild. He is the recipient of the national HIV/AIDS Partnership’s annual Red
Ribbon Leadership Award (2006) and EdTA’s President’s Award (2007) and Standing Ovation Award (2006) for BC/EFA, and the Northeast Thespian Festival Hall
of Fame (2009). He is the author of several plays, including School Night, published through Playscripts, Inc (2010 Fresh Fruit Festival, NYC), and The Truing,
FringeNYC 2014 (NY Indie Theatre now).
Cythia O’Brien-​
(Artistic Director of the Coral Springs Institute for the Performing Arts & Sherlock’s Dinner Theatre) Cynthia is responsible for facilitating all
activities of the youth theatre program at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. She has 25 years’ experience in youth theatre. Cynthia is a respected actress,
director, producer and acting coach. Ms. O’Brien is a graduate from the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She has directed over 130 productions
in the last 25 years. Her performance credits include several productions including national tours and regional theatres throughout the United States. She has
had the chance to work with many legendary professionals and has studied with some of the infamous acting teachers including Michael Shurtleff, Eric Morris,
Sanford Meisner, Viola Spolin and others. A former managing director of Little Palm Theatre, the creator of Youth Action Theatre, and Artistic Director for The
Entertainment Group. Cynthia has written numerous plays written especially for children of all ages to perform.
Olori MaYe Oriyomi-​
best known by her students over the years as Mama Yeye is a Thespian State Conference ​
ʺ​
MUST EXPERIENCE​
ʺ​
personality, exciting
inspirational artist and her workshops are the talk of the weekend. Currently living life to the fullest she continues her professional work as a choreographer,
dance instructor, percussion, student, director and often works with local theatre groups in Atlanta, Georgia. She encourages students to be a triple threat on
stage and in life. IWAPELE (good character) is the key to success where ever you go in life.
Michael Osowki- ​
has experience acting in, stage managing and directing plays and musicals. He has over 60 credits in the last ten years, both in community and
professional productions, and has also worked for several theatres in various professional capacities. He received his B.A. from the University of Central Florida,
and his M.A. from Savannah College of Art & Design. He uses his Master’s of Arts Administration at his job in Orange County, working in the Department of Arts
& Cultural Affairs.
Lindsay Price-​
is the resident playwright for THEATREFOLK a publisher of playscripts and educational resources for schools and student performers. She receives
an average of 500 productions a year in schools across Canada, the US and overseas. She is a regular workshop instructor, dramaturg and adjudicator. In 2014
Lindsay was a International Thespian Festival Playworks dramaturg, taught workshops at ITF as well as at the National Junior Thespian Festival, and acted as a
Educational Theatre Association Mainstage Screener. Most recently she adjudicated one acts at the Florida State Junior Thespian Festival.
John Prignano-​
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world's leading dramatic licensing agencies, granting schools as well as amateur and professional
theatres from around the world the rights to perform the largest selection of great musicals from Broadway and beyond. MTI works directly with the composers,
lyricists and book writers of these shows to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 60,000 theatrical organizations in
the US and in over 60 countries worldwide.
Frank Pruet-​
is a retired educator who taught theatre and English for thirty-three years. He served two terms as the Georgia Thespians Chapter Director before
becoming the vice president of the Educational Theatre Association. In August he will begin serving a two-year term as EdTA president. He coordinated Georgia’s
scholarship auditions for thirteen years building the funds awarded annually to deserving seniors to $22,500 and has served on the International scholarship
interview teams for six years. Frank created the Georgia Junior Thespian Conference by empowering a group of middle school troupe directors who now
organize the annual event.
Susie Rayburn-​
This is Susie's 3rd year judging at State. She also judges IE's and One-Acts at various Districts and has served on the Mainstage Committee for 3
years, this past Fall serving as the Mainstage Coordinator. She holds a BA in Musical Theatre, is a professional performer as well as an educator. She has taught
HS Music, Theatre, and Speech, traveled the US and Europe as a performer and director with The Missoula Children's Theatre and currently teaches voice and
works as a Director and Musical Director for various Children's Theatre Productions. She is honored to be back again and always amazed with the talent and
confidence of FL State Thespians.
Natalie Rios- ​
has dedicated her entire life to arts education. With over 20+ years of music and theatre teaching experience, she continues to encourage and
support students in their pursuit of their artistic passion. Ms. Rios is also active in her local theatre community, directing and musically directing dozens of youth
and MainStage productions, conducting workshops and camps throughout the year. Her students have received Critic's Choice, Honorable Mentions, Superiors
and Excellents in both performing and technical events.
Ray Rodriguez-​
is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors currently teaching staged combat, movement and acting technique classes at
Adelphi University in Long Island, NY and New York Film Academy. Ray is a partner with Combat Inc., a NY/SF/NOLA based fight/stunt company. He has taught at
Harlem School of the Arts, NYU and Muhlenberg College, and has conducted guest workshops in stage combat, acting and directing at Barrow Group, LaGuardia
School for the Arts (NY Educational Theater Festival), UNC School of the Arts. He also works as a Teaching Artist for several NYC theater companies. The Stage
Combat workshop is an introduction
Karl Rogers-​
More than thirty years ago, Karl Rogers entered the world of community theatre in northeast Florida and a life-long passion began. He has
appeared in productions on the multiple stages in the Jacksonville area. Most recently, he was featured in November 2014 on the stage of Lincoln Center’s Alice
Tully Hall for the New York premiere of In the Shadows of the Holocaust. Having walked the boards and served behind the scenes of many a production, he is
also currently a vocalist with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, the River City Men’s Chorus of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Men’s Chorus, The Orange Park
Chorale, and the ensemble, One AcChord.
Kimberly Rommel- Enright- ​
Kim received her theatre training at Wesleyan College and Actor’s Workshop and Repertory Company. She appeared in numerous
college productions including the original children’s play The Mongoose Always Wins. While a member of the Actor’s Rep Company Kim appeared in such
productions as The Diary of Anne Frank, LuAnn Hampton Laverty Oberlander and Baby with the Bathwater. Kim was also seen in productions such as Hot L
Baltimore staged by the Jupiter Coastal Players. Kim was a Board Member of Actor’s Rep and administrator of the children’s programs which included
workshops, camps and productions. Kim has been seen on the Cuillo stage in the Actor’s Rep’s children’s productions of Bigger Than Life, The Big Bad Musical
and The Velveteen Rabbit (which she also directed).Her directing credits include Looking Glass Land, The Velveteen Rabbit and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
for Actor’s Rep. In 2011 she started her own company, KWP Productions through which she has produced and directed numerous productions including Little
Women, Disney's Aladdin, Jr., Disney's Little Mermaid Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Into the Woods, Peter Pan and Tarzan. For numerous years, Kim has been an
adjudicator at district thespian festivals for both the middle school and high school levels.
Brandon Rubino-​
is a concept designer with a passion for theme park attractions and scenic elements for the entertainment industry. A graduate from Columbia
College Chicago; Brandon studied in a mix of digital illustration and graphic design, to theatrical set design and scale model making. Now a resident of Orlando,
he bringing his talents to the area's major themed attractions, creating unique and exciting experiences, while incorporating the already well-established brands
guests if the parks know and I love pop culture. I'm a fan of re-imagining franchises, and really into storytelling with all the details!​
ʺ
Matthew Ryder-​
moved to Florida in August with 22 years of experience directing young people in Maine. Most recently he worked at Windham High School
where he coached his One Act team to the Maine State Finals four out of eight years as Director. Mr. Ryder holds a BA in Theatre from the University of
Southern Maine where he concentrated on acting. He also studied voice in the music department, and has worked in professional and amateur musical theatre
and cabaret for over 20 years. Mr. Ryder has also worked in print and runway modeling and as an on camera actor. He taught acting and Musical Theatre at the
same Dance Studio actress Anna Kendrick received her training and was even able to perform opposite her. Favorite leading roles on stage include Tony in
Westside Story, Jesus in Godspell, Horton in Suesical, Tinman in Wizard of Oz, Jerry in The Full Monty and Adam/Noah in Children of Eden. Mr. Ryder is thrilled to
be making a move to a warmer climate and to be near his daughter who is a college freshman studying Music Education.
David Sacks- ​
A lawyer by trade but a thespian at heart, David has performed, at the amateur level, in musicals, dramas and comedies throughout his life. He has
written several plays, including a musical, and seen two of those plays, Green Room, The Musical (2008), and Accidental Felon (2006), produced at Players by the
Sea in Jacksonville Beach, FL. What gives him the most pleasure, however, is watching young talent grow. Having judged at the district level (2009-present), to
be a part of the State Thespian festival is a real honor.
Audrey Siegler-​
is a singer, songwriter, actress, director, artist, teacher and theater administrative faculty member for the Patel Conservatory at The Straz Center
for the Performing Arts. Siegler's life as a performer began as a vocalist and blossomed as she continued her studies in musical theater and acting technique. She
graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and theatre arts. Her passion has led her to many great
roles in local and professional repertory theater. Some of her favorite roles include Princess Winnifred in ​
Once Upon a Mattress​
, Adelaide in ​
Guys and Dolls​
,
Mary in ​
Vanities​
, Beatrice in ​
The Servant of Two Masters​
and Lady Guinevere in ​
Camelot​
. Siegler's studies and experiences have encouraged her to pursue
opportunities in drama and music therapy as well as the highest level of theater education for all ages.
Dennis Sims-​
Retired as a theatre instructor at the Alexander Dreyfoos School of the Arts for 16 years. He received his BA in theatre at Palm Beach Atlantic
College with additional training from the Cincinnati Conservatory, Norton Gallery Acting Conservatory, and Brigham Young University. Some of his recognitions
include: Distinguished Teacher of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, Florida Association for Theatre Education Teacher of the Year, Florida's
First Lady's Art Scholar, National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Teacher Recognitions, and Disney's Teacher of Year nominee. Mr. Sims has directed
numerous mainstage productions at the Florida State Thespian Festival and one-act productions at the International Thespian Festival, Florida Theatre
Conference, and the Southeastern Theatre Conference. He was the production manager and co-director of the Dreyfoos production at the Fringe Festival in
Edinburgh, Scotland. Formerly the District 10 Thespain Chair and a Florida Thespian Mainstage Screening Committee Member. Presently he is private coaching to
assist students pursuing career and professional opportunities.
The Skivvies- ​
are Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, award-winning NYC singer/actor/musicians performing stripped down arrangements of eclectic covers and
eccentric originals. Not only is the music stripped down - cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica - but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to
perform. The Wall Street Journal calls them “smart, sophisticated…ingenious,” and Out Magazine says, “The Skivvies have managed to carve out a niche that
we never knew needed to exist: part Weird Al- parody and part sexy burlesque…and unusual explosion of satire and sultry.” People Magazine recently named
The Skivvies “The Most Playful Performers” in The Most Talked about Bodies of 2014 issue. The New York Times calls them “a hot musical comedy duo
specializing in unexpected arrangements, incongruous mashups, and of course, highly toned displays of skin.” Molina (Broadway's Rock of Ages, Sweeney
Zimmerman's Candide - Helen Hayes Award, Marry Me A Little) and Cearley (Broadway First National All Shook Up, Pageant, and on the OUT 100 list as one of
the ‘most compelling actors of 2014’) became YouTube sensations with their Skivvies covers of artists like Robyn, Carole King and Rihanna. The videos led to live
shows, and now this “musically thrilling”, undie-rock, comedy-pop duo continues to perform to sold-out audiences in New York and beyond. Previous venues
include their residency at 54 Below, 42 West, The Highline Ballroom, Roseland Ballroom, Joe's Pub, The Cutting Room, Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Angeles,
Williamstown Theatre Festival, Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, City Theatre in Pittsburgh, Bay Street Theatre, and The Bucks County Playhouse in New
Hope, PA where they also starred as Brad and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show directed by Hunter Foster.The Skivvies have performed at events such as
Broadway Bares (raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS), A Tribute to Angela Lansbury with Tyne Daly and Christine Ebersole, Broadway for
Obama, Human Rights Campaign benefit, Theatre C. They have made appearances on NBC, and filmed pilots for the FOX, A&E, and WE. They also have a single,
"Hardbody Hoedown" and music video directed by Augusten Burroughs, bestselling author of Running With Scissors.
Joe L. Smith- ​
After receiving his B. A. from Hofstra University and an MBA from Long Island University, he attended New York's prestigious American Academy of
Dramatic Arts. He has been a teacher in both the New York City and Miami public school systems and has been a working actor in Orlando for the past 25 years.
Hollis Smith-​
is a TV Costume & Wardrobe Coordinator who holds a dual Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Jacksonville University in Theatrical Design and
Theatrical Performance. Post graduation, Smith was a featured performer in Theater Jacksonville's production of ​
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ​
playing the role
of Puck. After several years working behind the scenes and on stage, Hollis decided to bring his technical experience and knowledge to a larger market and
moved north to Atlanta. This move proved to be a success as the city provided new opportunities in performing and directing original works by local playwrights.
Smith also continued to hone his skills as a performer, serving dual understudy roles as Mr. Praed and Frank Gardner in Bernard Shaw’s ​
Mrs. Warren’s
Profession​
at Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff (LORT). In 2004, Hollis ventured into the world of network TV after accepting a position in syndication at Warner
Brothers Domestic Television. After 5 years in the role, he found himself missing his theatrical roots and accepted a job with an entertainment lighting company,
The Magnum Companies, where he managed and coordinated the sales of production-based lighting services and equipment. This position also offered him the
opportunity to work closely with local schools and theater departments where he applied his technical design knowledge to a wide spectrum of creative
projects. Hollis served as costume coordinator for Season 1 of the critically acclaimed AMC series ​
Halt & Catch Fire ​
and is currently working on his fourth season
in the costume department of AMC’s ​
The Walking Dead​
.
Lindsey D. Smith-​
grew up dancing in Utah and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Utah with her BFA in Modern Dance. Lindsey has been a Rockette
for 5 years and has performed all over the country. Musical theater credits include 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain, Crazy For You, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
A proud member of Actors Equity, Lindsey now calls Orlando her home. Keeping busy, she dances in Beauty and the Beast at Disney, The Graveyard Mashup at
Universal, and gigs for production companies while also teaching master classes for fellow professionals in the area.
Mickey Solis-​
began acting professionally in 2001. He studied comparative religion and earned his Master's Degree in performance at The Institute for Advanced
Theater Training at Harvard University. He is a former company member of The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), where he starred in several plays including
Romeo & Juliet and The Seagull. From 2010-20014 he was an active company member of Dangerous Ground Productions, a multi-media film/theater company
based in Brooklyn, NY. Mickey has appeared in several Off Broadway plays, regional theaters including Yale Repertory, and has performed internationally.
Mickey has done extensive commercial and voice-over work. His television work includes Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, Mysteries Of Laura, and Person Of
Interest. His film work includes Man With Van, Michigan, and Lament For The Artist. Mickey is also a screenwriter and educator in the arts; he has guest taught
acting at NYU/Tisch School for the Arts.
Lynn Stallings- ​
Director, Producer, Casting Director, Playwright & Founder of Atlanta Workshop Players. Lynn has performed in over 100 commercials, television
shows, radio dramas & enjoyed the thrill of performing with elephants. As a Talent Manager & Casting Director she has been instrumental in launching many
careers in film, television, and on Broadway. She directs a theatre school & Performing Arts Camp, with The Atlanta Workshop Players.
Samantha Stern-​
is the Director of Theatre at Daytona State College. She is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre
Performance from UCF Conservatory Theatre. A member of Actor’s Equity Association, she has performed professionally with such companies as Walt Disney
Entertainment, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Florida Studio Theatre, Chicago City Limits, SAK comedy Lab, NYC Comedy Sportz, Just the Funny, and Costa Cruise
lines. She has worked as an educator and performer in Mexico, Italy and Japan and as a Professor of theatre and speech at DSC, UCF, FSU, and Le Cordon Bleu.
C. Denby Swanson- ​
is a graduate of Smith College, the National Theater Institute, and the Michener Center for Writers at UT-Austin. She is the recipient of a
Jerome Fellowship & McKnight Advancement Grant, and was a William Inge Playwright in Residence and a recipient of the NEA/TCG National Theater Residency
Program for Playwrights. Her work is published by Dramatists Play Service, Playscripts, Heinemann, and Smith & Kraus. She currently teaches at Southwestern
University.
Georgette Verdin-​
is thrilled to be participating in the Florida State Thespian Festival for the first time! Ms. Verdin has balanced being both theatre educator and
professional for the last decade. She is a full-time theatre teacher at Polaris Charter Academy, as well as the Co-Artistic Director of Interrobang Theatre Project, a
professional non-equity theatre company in Chicago. Ms. Verdin holds a B.A. in Theatre Performance from McNeese State University, and a Master's in Directing
from Roosevelt University. Upcoming projects include directing ​
Katrina: Mother-in-Law of 'em All ​
by Rob Florence for Interrobang's sixth season.
www.interrobangtheatreproject.org
Chuck Wagner- ​
Broadway: The Beast in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Javert in LES MISERABLES, Rapunzel’s Prince in INTO THE WOODS, Van Helsing in
DRACULA and Athos in THE THREE MUSKETEERS. National Tours: Jekyll& Hyde in JEKYLL & HYDE, Captain in ANYTHING GOES, General, Fred/Petruchio in KISS ME
KATE and the Wolf/Prince in INTO THE WOODS.
Regionally: Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES, Lancelot in CAMELOT (with Robert Goulet), Curly in OKLAHOMA!, Frank in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Magnus in A
LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Cervantes/Don Quixote in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Beauregard in MAME, Horace in HELLO DOLLY, Rutledge in 1776.
I was also Ringmaster of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 4 years, and Visiting Artist in Residence at UWF Pensacola. For more info
www.chuckwagner.com
James Warfield- ​
is a film/tv/commercial actor in Los Angeles with several million YouTube hits. He studied Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University
where he fell in love with Improv. He has been brought in by several High Schools and Universities over the past 10 years to teach workshops in Long-form
Improv. James is currently teaching Improv at Art of Acting Studio in Hollywood, CA. He can be seen gracing the stages of iO West with Sketch and Improv
Comedy Teams.
Tiffany Weagly- ​
An Orlando native, Tiffany’s “flair for the dramatic” has been prevalent all her life, when she began acting at the age of 5. She’s come a long way
from “3rd reindeer from the left” in A Christmas Play, and her favorite acting credits include Snoopy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and Hope Wilton in
the feature film “Fair Play”. Tiffany spent 9 years cultivating a high school theater program and running a private casting business. Tiffany is now proud to be the
Director of Casting at The Imagination House where she oversees the Performer Stuff Theatrical Division and any casting needs.
Zay Weaver-​
has a BA in Theater Performance from Western Michigan University. She spent eight years touring the globe with Aerial Angels, Stand Up Eight, and
solo endeavors; performing circus in street shows, banquet halls, castles, and even a shopping mall in Dubai. Zay now lives and works in L.A., pursuing film and
television, studies long-form improv at IO West, and teaches circus arts.
Bob Whittaker-​
is the technical director at Northwest Florida State College and a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He is also a
technical consultant for special effects for special events, film and television in the Southeast.
Dianne Yates-​
studied dance/acting/voice, performed, choreographed, and taught dance in New York City. Her professional theatre training was received at the
American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The American Theatre Wing in NYC. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Russell Sage College, Troy, NY in
Arts Management concentration Performing Arts. She also studied theatre at Oxford University in England. Dianne is a Florida Department of Education Certified
Drama Teacher. Plus, she has adjudicated and taught workshops for Florida District Thespians since 2001. Ms. Yates has an extensive background in the
performing arts as a triple threat entertainer in numerous: Touring Broadway Musicals, Television Shows, Commercials, and Convention Shows across the United
States and on the International Cruise Ship Lines. As a professional entertainer, she appeared in shows with such celebrities as Goldie Hawn, Howard Keel, Ann
Margaret, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, and Barry Manilow.