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 Leon
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 Teacher

Drama Kids is pleased to have Zack Fitzpatrick as part of our teaching staff. This is Zack’s fifth year teaching for Drama Kids! Zack started with Drama Kids in kindergarten and was a student of the program for 13 years! His favorite Drama Kids activities are teaching his students speaking skills, leadership skills, improvisation, characterization, and helping them boost their self-confidence. In addition to Drama Kids, Zack works full-time as a Construction Superintendent with Wessel Construction. Outside of work, he is a mixed Martial Artist, a foster parent, and volunteers in children’s ministry.

Becky Clark
Drama Teacher

Becky has always had a passion for the performing arts and has been blessed to be able to use them in various aspects throughout her career. Over the years, she has groomed her skills by action on various stages, competing in state competitions, hosting community acting clinics, teaching dramatic arts to students, and directing and producing theatre to raise money for local charities with her production company, Inner Light Productions, 5.16. Becky proudly performed for the Walt Disney World Resort in the entertainment department and on their entertainment training team for over 10 years. While working for “the mouse” she acquired many skills to help students become better auditioners, performers, and have a better understanding of what to expect should they decide to pursue performing in a larger capacity. She strongly believes it is important for everyone to have some kind of fine arts education to build confidence and self-esteem. When Becky isn’t in the classroom, you can find her hosting trivia and bingo games around the community, or on the Please add bio here pirate ship as part of the Krewe for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!

Ursula Kushner
Drama Teacher

Ursula is a 13-year alum of Drama Kids of Manasota. In May 2022, she graduated from Riverview High School, where she was the captain of two academic quiz teams. She is now pursuing an A.A. at State Collegeof Florida. Ursula has performed with the Sarasota Opera as a soloist in youth operas, as well as a member of the children’s chorus in professional productions of Carmen, Turandot, La Boheme, and Tosca. While enrolled, Ursula served as a Drama Kids teaching assistant, camp counselor, and volunteered at the end of year productions. Drama Kids helped Ursula build her speaking skills, confidence, and creativity – she can’t wait to share those lessons.

Alivia DeLoach
Drama Teacher

Alivia is an 18-year-old student at SCF. She is going to school for education and will be attending USF in the spring of 2023. Alivia has been doing theatre since early elementary school all the way through high school. Theatre has always held a special place in her heart, and she can’t wait to continue it in college.

Jessica Jennelle
Drama Teaching Assistant

Jessica is a Florida based actor and has worked on many productions in the Tampa Bay Area. She has recently completed an Acting and Production Apprenticeship with America Stage Theater Company. She studies at St. Petersburg College, completing her transfer program to University of South Florida for her BFA in Performance.

Join our team! Drama Kids is seeking dynamic and fun part time teachers to meet our growing class schedule.  Please visit our Contact Us Page and submit your interest.