FSU/Asolo Conservatory 22-23 Program

ACTOR TRAINING

ANDREI MALAEV-BABEL Professor of Theatre Director and Head of Acting FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a playground for the new generation of actors, who command perfect control over their process. Our MFA candidates feel safe to investigate and explore while relying on expert guidance. Our faculty of distinguished professionals synthesize research and practice to offer unparalleled methods for cultivating artists.

You are about to see our graduate actors perform in a season of their own, here, on the Conservatory’s Cook Theatre stage. You are in for a treat, because each play this season has been carefully chosen and staged with the consideration of our actors’ creative individualities and their collective identity as an ensemble.

We are especially pleased to welcome two brilliant alumni as guest directors this season. Marcus Denard Johnson and Kirstin Franklin went through the program more than a decade ago. They are uniquely qualified to support our actors in their process. We are also thrilled to welcome James Dean Palmer ( Arcadia, 2019) back to the Conservatory season.

As always, we look forward to seeing our actors thrive under the direction of our Shakespearian expert Jonathan Epstein. Along with other directors, he is supported by Patricia Delorey (voice and dialects) and Eliza Ladd (movement). The rest of our faculty and staff operate behind the scenes, but their work is crucial to the success of our season. We want to extend special words of welcome to DeAnna S. Wright (FSU/ Asolo Conservatory Class of 2019), who joined us as visiting faculty this academic year!

Our actors are also aided by the dedicated Sarasota philanthropists who have deeply invested in their education. A special greeting to those of you who sponsor our program! If you are looking for a way to support our actors, please use the donation envelope enclosed in this program.

Enjoy today’s show and join us for an exciting season!

DR. JAMES FRAZIER

Dean, College of Fine Arts Florida State University

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory Master of Fine Arts degree program is recognized as one of the premier programs for actor training in the world. As a result of our wonderfully successful partnership with Asolo Rep, we are able to engage the best and brightest students. Here, you get to witness some of the evolution of these talented individuals who go on to have significant careers on stage and screen.

On behalf of the Florida State University College of Fine Arts and the School of Theatre, I thank you for your support of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Whether you are a season subscriber, an established patron, or a first-time audience member for one of our productions, we deeply appreciate your support of our fine students and the programming facilitated by our extraordinary faculty and staff.

The uniqueness of Sarasota is not lost on us. We are grateful to be part of a community that knows and values the arts, with people who lift and encourage the artists and enable the artsfocused organizations. Again, we thank you, and I hope you enjoy this show and the 2022-23 season!

ENJOY

Photo by Sophia Marquart

TREZURE COLES is a second-year student actor, singer, and dancer from Newport News, Virginia. She received her BFA in Acting from Norfolk State University. Some professional works include: Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra, Erzulie in Once on This Island, leading role in Lysistrata , Aunt Ester in Gem of the Ocean , Lord of the Underworld in Eurydice, Luciana in Comedy of Errors, Nettie in The Color Purple

REBECCA ROSE MIMS is overjoyed to be in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s 2022 - 2023 season. She recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a BFA in Acting/Directing. Her most recent credits include The Tempest (Miranda) and Othello (Emilia) in Nebraska Shakespeare’s On the Green this past summer. She would like to thank her oldest sister, Rachel, for running so that she might fly; and her second older sister, Jessica, for loving her unconditionally.

FALCIAN PAGE Recent credits: Simon (u/s) – Our Town (Asolo Rep); Matt – Red Light Winter (Zade Prod.); Yvan – Art (UTCTC). He is a Tennessee native with a BS in Acting & BA in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee. He’s grateful for being part of the FSU/ Asolo family! Much love to all my friends and family!

SHARON PEARLMAN is so excited to be performing on the Cook stage again this year! Sharon was last seen on this stage in Eureka Day (u/s Suzanne). She also understudied Our Town and Knoxville at Asolo Rep last season. Other credits include Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (National Tour), Crissy in Hair (White Plains Performing Arts Center), and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka, Japan (opening cast). sharonpearlman.com

ISÁYAH PHILLIPS (SAG-AFTRA) hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is thrilled to be making his FSU/Asolo Conservatory debut. He made his professional theatre debut at Milwaukee Repertory Theater/Bronzeville Arts Ensemble/Madison’s Theatre LILA co-collaboration/production of The Mojo And The Sayso. He trained at the incomparable Williamstown Theatre Festival where he was part of the class of 2015 acting apprentice company. He is a proud first-generation college graduate of Georgetown University’s prestigious Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. Isáyah is graciously blessed to be part of the class of 2024 and thanks everyone who brought this production to life.

JACKSON PURDY was born and raised in Bellows Falls, Vermont, and is a recent graduate of Temple University (BA Theater). He has enjoyed working in community projects in his hometown, the Philadelphia New Playwrights festival, and locally in Sarasota with Asolo Rep and Florida Studio Theater. He is excited and proud to be sharing the 2022-2023 Conservatory Season with great artists and friends.

JORDAN SAM RICH * hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from The University of Michigan’s BFA Acting program. At Asolo Rep, Jordan performed in Fountain and Our Town (Howie Newsome) and understudied Hood (Little John) and Eureka Day (Eli).

Professional credits: Pete the Cat National Tour, No Villain at the Public Theater starring Judith Light. Regionally, Jordan performed at Santa Rosa Rep and worked for The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. For Mom, Dad, Z, Bub, Nan, Lady.

CLASS of 2024

BRIELLE RIVERA HEADRINGTON is so grateful to be a part of, and sharing the stage with, the class of 2024. She most recently understudied the role of Rebecca in Our Town with Asolo Rep. She thanks her family, friends, and teachers here at the Conservatory. She'd like to recognize Denise Parker, Gayle Justice, and Cheryl Williams for the support that has gotten her to this point in her life. To her cohort, she loves and couldn't survive without you. And an extra special shoutout to her darling husband, Isaiah.

MIKHAIL ROBERTS * made his Conservatory debut during his first year in the role of Lepine in The Learned Ladies. At Asolo Rep, he understudied Our Town, Grand Horizons, Hood, and Eureka Day, where he stepped into the role of Don at intermission (in his street clothes), remaining in the role for seven performances. Other theatre credits: Laguna Playhouse, Universal Studios Japan. Film: Opus, The Monster's Mind, Saki the Killer, And I Feel Fine. mikhailroberts.com

BROOKE TURNER is from Cleveland, OH. She received her BFA in Acting from Baldwin Wallace University and is a level 2 intimacy director through IDC. She made her Asolo Rep mainstage debut last year in Our Town (Wally u/s). Recent credits include Lady Anne/Hastings/fight captain in Richard III (Idaho Shakespeare Festival tour), and Elizabeth Bennet u/s in Pride and Prejudice and Annie Wilkes u/s in Misery (Great Lakes Theatre). Gratitude to her faculty, family, and friends.

DANIELLE VIVCHARENKO is ecstatic to be joining her classmates on the stage this season. She made her FSU/Asolo Conservatory debut last year understudying Olivia in Twelfth Night. Previously in Asolo Rep’s season, Danielle performed in Fountain and understudied Lady Anne/Much in Hood and Joe Crowell in Our Town . She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a recent graduate of Kent State University. All the love to Mama and Papa! daniellevivcharenko.com

RUEBEN WAKEFIELD hails from Chicago, Illinois. Rueben graduated from Oral Roberts University's BFA Acting program. Rueben is excited to making his return to Asolo Rep’s stage. Last season Rueben made his Asolo Rep debut in Our Town (Professor Willard). His other recent professional credits include the Nebraska Shakespeare production of The Tempest (Stephano) and American Stage Theatre's staged reading of Eugene O'Neill's The Web (Tim). Rueben has also been seen in regional commercials in Oklahoma and Chicago. He would like to thank his family, friends, and Jesus for their love and support.

RICKEY WATSON JR. Recent credits: George (u/s) Our Town (Asolo Rep); Tommy (u/s) — Grand Horizons (Asolo Rep); George— Our Town (Triad Stage); Richard— Intangible (MCC Theatre); Kaa — Jungle Book (Peppercorn Theatre); King — Princess and the Pea (Missoula Children’s Theatre). Directing: Famous: A P.A. Musical, National Black Theatre (NYC); A Midsummer Night's Dream, Phillips Andover Academy (MA); State of the World, Success Academy (NYC); No Fear, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH)

FACULTY

Diversity really means becoming complete as human beings - all of us. We learn from each other. If you're missing on that stage, we learn less. We all need to be on that stage.

— Juan Felipe Herrera

Help Us Set the Stage!

The Conservatory Season on the FSU Center for the Performing Arts’ Cook Stage serves as a critical part of our students’ education, as much as it serves to broaden the performance offerings in our Sarasota community. Through the four diverse productions, the second-year acting ensemble embodies classroom and studio training in roles that challenge them individually and as company members. While we are still rebuilding our audiences post-pandemic, and trying to meet rising production costs, your gift to the annual campaign, “Set the Stage,” will help us meet our operating expenses as we move forward. Please use the pre-addressed envelope provided in this program book. Thank you!

SET THE STAGE class of 2025

Graphic provided by Jeffrey Weber

(L TO R)

JASMYN ACKAH, JONATHAN ACOSTA, WILLIAM CROWDER, JOHN LEGGETT, CATHERINE LUCUANI, ELLE MILLER, ASHLEY MCCAULEY MOORE, IBUKUN OMOTOWA, AYDA OZDOGANLAR, CAITLIN ROSE, BRIAN ZANE

patrons of the conservatory

Asolo Rep supports each FSU/Asolo Conservatory student with an assistantship that allows them to immerse themselves totally in their studies and performances. Once you become a Patron of the Conservatory, you enter into a whole new relationship with the theatre and the graduate students. The FSU/Asolo Conservatory MFA program continues to be one of the best in the world because of the support of the community. Please consider joining the Patrons and become a part of the journey of these young artists.

Douglas Bradbury the class of 2023

Margot & Warren Coville* the brunch series

Henny & Dennis Dirks the Class of 2023, 2024, and 2025

Huisking Foundation, Charlie Huisking the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025 Barbara Jacob the Class of 2023

Beverly L. Koski, Koski Family Foundation The Class of 2023, the brunch series

Bill Yandow * Endowed Fund the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025

Esther Mertz * Endowed Fund the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025

Eva T. Slane & Stephan* Slane Scholarship Fund the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025

London Study Semester

Caryl Barrie Kaplan, in loving memory of Roy Kaplan the class of 2025

Leon & Marysue Wechsler the class of 2024, london study Semester

Nancy A. Gold and Hon. Bruce Lehman, Esq. the class of 2024

Nancy Markle the CLASS of 2025

Mike & Madelyn Tetmeyer the Class of 2024 and 2025, london study Semester

Carol Gilbert & Matty Matheson the class of 2024

Thalia Dorwick the CLASS Of 2023

Dr. Randell Johnson & Bobby Jensen the Class of 2025 london study semester

Dr. Richard & Pam Mones the class of 2024

Patti Lee Curtis the class of 2024

Ron Banyay the class of 2023

Maurice Richards* & Jack Kesler* general Support

Foster and Martha Harmon* Endowed Fund the Class of 2023 and 2025

Joyce F. Menschel the Class of 2023, 2024, and 2025

Susan & Terry Rawson the Class of 2024

Jody Beresford & Robert Mayer the class of 2023

Collinsworth Family Foundation of Community Foundation of Sarasota County london study Semester

Muriel O'Neil* Fund for the Performing Arts of Community Foundation of Sarasota County London Study Semester

Jack and Priscilla Schlegel the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025

Judith* and Don Markstein the CLASS of 2025

Jack Block London Study Semester

NOVEMBER 4-20

Previews November 1-3

Written by Kate Hamill

Based on the novel by Jane Austen

Directed by James Dean Palmer

This tongue-in-cheek interpretation of Jane Austen’s classic tale will make your heart flutter as you follow the romantic adventures of the Dashwood sisters. Tested by bad fortune, treachery, and deceit, the noble sisters pursue their bliss despite all odds. Be prepared to see these beloved characters in a new and refreshing light. Social satire and romance intertwine in this stylish adaptation.

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 12

Previews February 21-23

Written by J.B Priestley

Directed by Kirstin Franklin

Nothing parallels the excitement of watching this suspenseful mystery drama. Set on the brink of WWI, this thriller has been gripping audiences for decades. The Birling family celebration is cut short by the arrival of the mysterious Inspector Goole. After his scorching investigation, the family struggles to return to normal, as every corner of their souls has been exposed by the blinding light of truth.

JANUARY 6-22

Previews January 3-5

Written by Lydia R. Diamond

Directed by Marcus Denard Johnson

This winner of the Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best Play chronicles a weekend in the life of an affluent African American family. The tensions ride high as the Levay brothers bring their respective fiancées home to meet the parents. Family secrets, childhood demons, and romantic entanglements are revealed, leading to collisions over race, class, and privilege. Gender roles and generational dynamics further ignite this explosive tragic comedy.

APRIL 7-23

Previews April 4-6

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Jonathan Epstein

Shakespeare surely had a way with words, but his characters have difficulty reconciling words with actions. The King of Navarre and his friends swear to avoid women. That’s easier said than done when the gorgeous Princess of France and her ladies arrive at court. This Shakespearian cascade of adventure features a forest chase, lovers lost and found, and an ending full of hope for true love.