Bradley
Akers
Managing Director
Bradley Akers
Bradley Akers is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist and arts administrator based in Northeast Florida, proudly serving as the Managing Director of Players by the Sea. His appointment marks a meaningful homecoming—Akers began his professional career at PBTS in 2013 and has remained a passionate advocate for community-driven theatre ever since.
Throughout his tenure with PBTS, Akers has championed artists both on and off the stage, fostering creative growth through innovative programming and engagement initiatives. One of his proudest accomplishments is developing the New Voices program, a yearlong new play development initiative that has brought 8 original works by Northeast Florida writers to life on stage.
Now at the helm of Players by the Sea, Akers is focused on setting the stage for long-term growth. His leadership is rooted in a commitment to strategic activation, operational efficiency, and expanded community connection—all with the goal of making theatre accessible to everyone.
From 2020 to 2023, Akers served as Managing Artistic Director of The 5 & Dime Theatre Co., where he revitalized the company following a pandemic-related shutdown. Under his leadership, the theatre returned to production, established a residency at The Florida Ballet, doubled its budget, and created accessible pathways for artists and audiences alike.
As a director, Akers has helmed award-winning productions across Northeast Florida, including Jekyll & Hyde, Urinetown, 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. In addition to directing, he works as a scenic, lighting, and sound designer.
Akers’ passion for theatre education runs deep. From 2021 to 2023, he taught Directing and Play Analysis at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, his alma mater. There, he encouraged students to unlock their potential through ensemble-based and analytical approaches to theatre-making.
Akers is a born storyteller, coffee-addict, sweater-enthusiast, husband, dog dad, and a lover of kindness.
Jereme
Raickett
Artistic Director
Jereme Raickett
Artistic Director
Jereme Raickett is the Artistic Director at Players by the Sea, where he has been a valued member of the team for nearly 10 years. He initially joined as Production Manager in 2015 and has since expanded his role to include directing, teaching, and designing. His broad experience and dedication to the arts have made him a key figure in shaping the direction and success of PBTS.
Over the years, Jereme has directed a diverse range of productions at PBTS, including Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Addams Family, Choir Boy, Once on This Island, The Wiz, The Color Purple, Sweeney Todd, Fences, and Memphis. He has also brought to life memorable performances at PBTS in roles such as Jefferson in A Lesson Before Dying, Jacob in La Cage aux Folles, and Toby in A Behanding in Spokane.
Beyond his work at PBTS, Jereme is a passionate arts educator. He works as a teaching artist with organizations like Cathedral Arts Project, Jacksonville Arts and Music School, Dance Look, and Don’t Miss a Beat, mentoring the next generation of performers. His contributions to arts education have earned him recognition both locally and internationally.
Jereme is also deeply involved in the broader arts community. He serves on the board of directors for the American Association of Community Theatre and Jacksonville Sister Cities. Additionally, he is the founder and creative director of Artistic Journeys International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating international artistic collaborations and cultural exchanges. Through this work, Jereme continues to build meaningful relationships between artists and communities internationally.
As Artistic Director, Jereme is committed to ensuring that Players by the Sea remains a vibrant, inclusive space where creativity thrives and cultural connections are made, both locally and globally.
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
