Staff

Andrew and Jessica Berent

Director & Owners

The Berent family is thrilled to serve as the directors of Drama Kids of Manasota (Sarasota & Manatee Counties in Florida). Andrew and Jessica have a shared love of the theatre arts and understand just how critical the skills taught through the Drama Kids Curriculum are for the children of Sarasota & Manatee Counties to reach their full potential in whatever path they choose in life.

Andrew applies his love of the theatre, from middle school through college, and utilizes his success as a local small business owner to drive growth and impact for Drama Kids of Manasota. Jessica’s background includes a B.A. in Theatre/ Dance from Luther College in Decorah, IA. After college, she worked with the Missoula Children’s Theatre as well as numerous theatres across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida. Along with their daughter Abby, who is also already very committed to the dramatic arts, they are committed to driving this great program forward in the area, partnering with teachers, parents, and the community to ensure they continue to provide positive impact and growth for all involved.

The Berent family strongly believes that no matter how intellectual a person is, in this day and age, strong academics just aren’t enough. An articulate and expressive person with dynamic presentation skills will heavily outweigh a soft-spoken scholar. Students who speak clearly and relate confidently with peers develop skills that make the journey through life much easier. Thus enabling them to make a dramatic impact in the world.

Along with an amazing staff of talented teachers and assistants, Drama Kids of Manasota is committed to ensuring your student receives an excellent experience in… … developing their speaking skills, presence, teamwork and acting abilities through this exciting and fast-paced program. Leaving them each with the best gift ever: the gift of CONFIDENCE!

Michelle Martin

Assistant Director & Drama Teacher

Michelle is returning as the Assistant Director of Dram Kids and Director for Take 2. Michelle has been performing her whole life and has been directing shows and films since 2003. In college, she studied vocal jazz and film. Michelle is a wife and mom to two boys ages 10 and 6, a bonus mom to a daughter age 15, and a fur mom to a dog, 2 cats, and 2 guinea pigs. Michelle’s oldest son was a Drama Kid before Michelle joined as a teacher, and she was so impressed with the program that when a teaching position became available, she jumped at the chance to be a part of it. All 3 of her children are Drama Kids! Michelle is also a certified yoga teacher, a dance fitness instructor, and the founder of Goat Yoga SRQ. When Michelle is not teaching Drama Kids, she enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, roller skating, practicing yoga, reading, or baking in her kitchen.

Zack Fitzpatrick

Drama & Acting Teacher

Zack is one of our Lead Teachers and Directors for our Take-2 program. You won’t find anyone with more experience in Drama Kids, as he has been with the program for 21 years! While this is his 8th year teaching for Drama Kids, he was a Drama Kid himself from Kindergarden through 12th grade.

His favorite Drama Kids activities are teaching his students speaking skills, improvisation, characterization, leadership skills, and helping them boost their self-confidence. In addition to Drama Kids, he works as the Program Coordinator for the Children’s Ministry at Renewal Church.

Christine Orta

Drama & Acting Teacher

Christine, a native New Yorker, raised in Queens, started dancing at the age of five. By the time she was 15 she was performing and competing with a local dance company. Her area of studies included: jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, acrobatics and theatre. . She always loved working with children and was a natural at creating and directing dance and theatre productions. Christine’s energetic nature and passion for teaching have granted her a successful track record of improving her student’s knowledge and love of dance and theatre.

Katherine Colon

Drama & Acting Teacher

Katherine has worked as a teacher for the past 10 years. She enjoys teaching her students self-confidence and believes the Drama Kids program to be an excellent opportunity for kids to form bonds with friends and teachers. And it’s a lot of fun! Katherine is also an Artist, she enjoys creating digital caricatures and Illustrations. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new recipes, travel, crafting, and sewing.