Bradley
Akers
Managing Director
Bradley Akers
Bradley Akers (he/him) is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist and arts administrator based in Northeast Florida. From 2020 – 2023, Akers led The 5 & Dime Theatre Co. as its Managing Artistic Director, where he spearheaded the theatre’s return to production after the pandemic ceased operations. During his tenure with The 5 & Dime, Akers held a firm commitment to theatre for Jacksonville by Jacksonville by expanding programmatic opportunity through production, education, and outreach. Under his leadership, the theatre returned to production post-pandemic, established a residency at The Florida Ballet, facilitated a budgetary growth of over 200%, and created accessible opportunities to further break boundaries of creating and experiencing theatre.
As a theatre artist, Akers has directed award-winning productions throughout Northeast Florida, including Assassins, Doubt, Chicago, Parade, The Thanksgiving Play, The Harvest, Fun Home, The Robber Bridegroom, Heathers the Musical, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, The Walls, ‘night, Mother, Into the Woods, The Last 5 Years, Almost, Maine, AIDA, Godspell, and Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. He also works as a scenic designer, lighting designer, sound designer, and stage manager.
With a vested interest in and passion for theatre education, Akers taught Directing and Play Analysis in the Theatre Department at his alma mater, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts from 2021 – 2023. There, he encouraged, coached, and empowered advanced theatre students to unlock their full potential through ensemble-based and analytical workshopping.
Akers is a born storyteller, coffee-addict, sweater-enthusiast, a dog dad, and a lover of kindness.
Jereme
Raickett
Artistic Director
Jereme Raickett
Artistic Director
Jereme Raickett works both professionally and with the community as an actor, director and producer. Most recently, Jereme directed The Wiz here at PBTS. He is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and after graduating he began working with many other theatres and companies including Alhambra Theatre and Dining.
Jereme has shared his gifts with PBTS as a director for The Addams Family, Choir Boy, Once on this Island, The Wiz, The Color Purple, Smokey Joe’s Café, Fences and Memphis, in addition to portraying Jefferson in A Lesson Before Dying, Jacob in La Cage aux Folles and Toby in A Behanding in Spokane. He has also worked as a Musical Theatre instructor with Don’t Miss a Beat in Jacksonville.
MacKenzie
Kelvington
Marketing Manager
MacKenzie Kelvington
MacKenzie Kelvington is an Orlando, Florida native and no stranger to the theater world. Through her experience at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, she supported communication and community relations efforts to build engagement and affinity for the center’s work, programs and shows … and got to experience amazing productions along the way.
MacKenzie’s marketing background also includes work with Visit Jacksonville to motivate visitation to the region, specifically its hidden gems. Here, she worked on promotional campaigns, managed social content and community engagement. Guest relations is also a strong suit of hers, as she’s worked with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in game-day operations and with Firebirds Wood Fired Grill as a brand ambassador.
As a magna cum laude graduate from the University of North Florida with a B.S. degree in communication and a minor in leadership, MacKenzie loves volunteering and being involved in the community. She is an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association, where she is a part of the Young Professionals Committee, and has just begun volunteering with the Tim Tebow Foundation. She loves hanging out with family and friends, catching a sporting event, and soaking in the sun at the beach.
Brandon
Hines
Box Office Coordinator
Brandon Hines
Brandon Hines is a Jacksonville, Florida native and a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts who has proudly been part of the Jacksonville theatre community since 2015.
His experience at Players by the Sea started onstage in AIDA (2015.) He appeared in our productions of La Cage aux Folles, Memphis, American Idiot, and Little Shop of Horrors. Aside from performing, Brandon worked as an Education Instructor and as a Costume Designer & Supervisor for productions from 2016-2018.
Throughout Jacksonville, Brandon has appeared onstage in Company and Assassins (The 5 & Dime), The Robber Bridegroom and Violet (ABET), and The Prom (Greenlight Theatre Company.) Brandon is also an esteemed drag performer around town.
Brandon comes to Players by the Sea after working at MassageEnvy, Trulieve, Hamburger Mary’s, and SET Studios
Tom
Cassaro
Facilities Technician
Tom Cassaro
Bio coming soon!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT: Delvina Johnson
VICE PRESIDENT: Jacquette Jantzen
SECRETARY: Milton Threadcraft III
TREASURER: Jadene Newborn-Whaley
DIRECTORS AT LARGE:
Shedrick Kinard
Toni Diamond-Bingham
Stephen Dare
Shain Stroff
Samantha Robinson
Joe Kemper
Harolyn Sharpe
Daniel Dungan
DIRECTOR EMERITUS: Kris Jackson