Thayer is a Lifelong educator with over 15 years of experience directing, producing, teaching, and developing arts programs in Chicago, New York City, and Florida. Thayer has established a reputation for ensemble-driven storytelling and creating collaborative, safe, artistic environments. Her work spans community productions, youth and emerging artists initiatives, and newly imagined performances and programs. She believes that theater has the power to foster empathy, transform individuals and communities, and her artistic vision emphasizes inclusivity, accountability, and long-term sustainability of arts programming.
Before becoming Managing Artistic Director, Thayer served as Director of Education for The Players Studio, the education wing of The Sarasota Players, where she significantly expanded programming and elevated artistic standards while fostering a community of culture and belonging. Under her leadership, the Players Studio has grown into a recognized training and creative hub within the Sarasota Community and surrounding areas. Thayer’s artistic contributions have been acknowledged through achievements, including Musical Direction recognition at the Junior Theater Festival and the Teacher Tribute Award from the Sarasota Rising Festival.
Thayer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Arts Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her academic achievements support her leadership approach of balancing creative vision, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to educational excellence.
Committed to the belief that theater is rooted in community, Thayer continues to prioritize programs that bridge generations, uplift emerging voices, and contribute to Sarasota’s vibrant culture. As Managing Artistic Director, she is honored to lead The Sarasota Players into a future defined by artistic excellence, meaningful storytelling, and expanded opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
Amy joined The Sarasota Players as the Director of Development after nineteen years in philanthropy in the education arena. Originally from New York, Amy graduated with a BA in English from the State University of NY at Stony Brook and a JD from the State University of NY at Buffalo School of Law.
Before her career in educational advancement, Amy was a financial underwriter for CNA Insurance Companies in NY, serving large financial institutions. Amy served as Assistant Director of the Annual Fund and Director of the Parents’ Fund at The Taft School in Watertown CT.
Upon relocating to the Sarasota area, Amy joined the SCF Foundation as the Corporate Relations Associate responsible for the solicitation of major gifts, donor stewardship, and special event planning. Subsequently, Amy was the Director of Development at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School.
Amy serves on the board of Sisterhood for Good, a local nonprofit philanthropic organization. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Maeve, a sweet Airedale Terrier.
Originally from Kansas City, Amanda attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned a Bachelors of Journalism degree. After moving to Sarasota to work as the web editor for The Business Observer, she then went on to become the Communications Manager for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County which began her steps back into the world of her first love, the arts.
As the Marketing Director for The Sarasota Players, she is responsible for social media, website maintenance, press releases, print and digital advertising, playbills, graphic design, and brand management.
She is also a local director and performer for various theatres in the area and produces burlesque for Hard Heart Burlesque under the persona Karma Kandlewick. Amanda teaches the Adult Burlesque class at The Players Studio and has private acting students as well as burlesque students.
Brian has worked in the theatre and educational arts for 15 years as a production manager, director, choreographer, instructor, stage manager, costume & scenic designer, and performer. He’s won numerous awards for his direction, choreography, costume design, and performing including Herald Tribune Handy Awards and Broadway World’s Best Costume Design and Choreography. Brian has trained under performing arts icons such as the choreographer for Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, Sonya Tayeh and So You Think You Can Dance’s Anthony Morigerato. He’s the Co-Artistic Director for Dingbat Theatre Project and has worked artistically on many original works such as Big Red Nose Burlesque and Plump Sisters Productions. His role is to manage and facilitate all productions to result in clean and creative theatrical experiences. A native to Florida, Brian’s educational background includes Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Program and Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Jill has been designing, sewing and performing on stage since a very young age, originally from the Adirondacks in upstate New York she has a BFA from Syracuse University in Fiber Arts. Her artwork and performances have been displayed in many university publications and galleries.
While living in the Midwest her designs were published in the KC Star as well as through various fashion shows sponsored by vintage shops, quilt shops and nightclubs. She started performing belly dance and costuming in the mid 2000’s while forming an uplifting women’s dance group which raised funds for the local cancer center in upstate New York. While in New Hampshire she taught at Raq-On Dance Studio and performed throughout Vermont and Massachusetts. Here in Florida she has worked with Hip Expressions Belly Dance Studio in St Petersburg since 2013 and found her chosen family in performance artists.
Within the theatre world she has sewn for Norwegian Cruise Lines in Riverview FL, Kansas City Costume Company MO, Capital Rep/Proctors in Albany NY and as the Costume Shop Manager and Designer for American Stage Theatre Company in St Pete from 2016 to 2021. Notable awards are for Best Costume Design for Skeleton Crew by Theater Tampa Bay, and voted Costume Design of the Decade for American Stage’s Mamma Mia! by BroadwayWorld.com.
When not sitting in front of a sewing machine Jill spends her time as a belly dancer and instructor and as a variety entertainer through her company Miss Bean Entertainment.
Scott’s love for community theater began in New Mexico, where he explored acting, singing, and dancing with both the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association and the Albuquerque Little Theatre.
Throughout his career, Scott has been fortunate to work professionally in vibrant theater, film, and television communities across the country including a national tour with The Boston Chamber Theater, portraying Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
In addition to his performance work, Scott has received numerous accolades for his technical contributions. He was awarded Best Technical Direction for The Full Monty and has been recognized for his set designs in productions such as To Kill a Mockingbird (Iowa) and Gruesome Playground Injuries (Colorado).
Scott is thrilled to continue his theatrical journey with The Sarasota Players. He credits his success to the unwavering love and support of his family—his parents, siblings, mother-in-law—and especially his partner, Shad, whose encouragement has been invaluable.
Born and raised in Sarasota, Cheyenne serves as the Box Office Manager at The Players, bringing over seven years of expertise in hospitality management and a strong focus on crafting exceptional patron experiences. With more than 15 years immersed in the world of theatre—performing on stage, working behind the scenes, and choreographing—Cheyenne combines a deep passion for the arts with a commitment to creating memorable moments for every guest.
