Meet Your Board Candidates
Click on candidate name to read bio and Q&A.
Drew Eberhard
Drew Eberhard is a transplant to Florida from Indianapolis, IN. After moving to the area in 2014, Drew began performing all over Tampa Bay. Having worked for Busch Gardens, he moved on to perform as the lead in St Pete City’s production of “Footloose” as Ren McCormick. After working under an immpecable Director, to a sold out run, and reviews on Broadwayworld.com Drew moved on to perform with Show Palace Dinner Theatre, and then worked with Tarpon Arts performing as the male lead in productions of “Charley’s Aunt” and “Annie Get Your Gun” for which he won the 2016 Theater Grapevine’s STAR Award for Best Male Lead in a Musical.
After “Annie Get Your Gun” closed, Drew had the amazing experience working under the Direction of Anthony Paul Gilkinson in MAD Theatre’s Production of “Spring Awakening” portraying Georg in the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater. After “Spring Awakening” closed , Drew has spent time away from the stage, and has been building his business as a Tampa Bay Hairdresser, and Makeup Artist.
Drew graduated from Ball State University in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Theatre with an emphasis in Hair/Makeup Design and Choreography. Participating on stage and off since 3rd grade,Drew has not only performed, but was acting Resident Choreographer at a Civic Theatre, as well as lead Makeup and Assistant Makeup Designer on several productions as well. In December 2015 Drew added Director to his belt when he directed a local production of “The Last Five Years” with Tammy Dalton.
Outside of theater Drew was elected as Parlimentarian of the Student Government Association, and was elected as Public Relations Director for all Residence Life on Campus and ran a Committee of 8 people diuring his time at Ball State University. Drew is excited as he joins the Carrolwood Players family in his first production with “The Full Monty.” As a singer, dancer, actor, director, makeup/hair designer and all around people person, his love of Theater and bringing stories to life is Exponential, and is forever growing. He wants to help a Community of people grow in their love for the Arts and to strive to bring all the great stories to life.
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Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?”Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?
I want to be involved in helping the Oldest Community Theater in the area grow and Thrive!!
What skills or experience do you bring to the table that will benefit Carrollwood Players?
I have a Theater background with a B.S in Theatre from Ball State University….I have areas of Concentration in Direction, Choreography, Hair and Makeup, Dramaturgy, and Marketing.
Briefly list your business, theatrical and non-profit experience (as applicable), especially any prior service on Boards of Directors
In College I was Elected onto the Residence Hall Association Board as Public Relations Director for the entire Campus Dorm Community, and headed up a Committee and ran Office Hours. I was also Elected as Parliamentarian for the Student Government Association! I have been a Resident Choreographer for a Civic Community Theater Organization. I have also been Assistant Makeup Designer for numerous Productions throughout College, as well as lead Makeup and Hair Designer also. In the Tampa Bay area I have Directed Shows as well, and helped run a nonprofit Theater Company.
Casper Hignite
Casper Hignite has been involved in the performing arts for 10 years including independent film work, voice acting, stage performances, online performances, cosplay, and working in haunted houses; she is currently studying the Performing Arts at HCC Ybor. She has been with CWP ever since March starting with “Kidspeak 2.0”. Ever since she has joined the Publicity Committee, volunteered to work events and concessions, manages the CWP Instagram and Youtube channel, directed and edited videos for advertisement, brought on a new CWP photographer, done stage management, and is now a personnel coordinator for the upcoming Revue shows. She is currently creating a children’s theatre program in her hometown Shelbyville, IN to give children something to do during the summer months and bring the small-town community together to celebrate the performing arts. She wishes to bring her ideas and hard work to the theatre as much as possible.
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Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?”Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?
I already run Instagram and Youtube ( which includes video editing and managing filming ) for the CWP, perform in shows, stage manage, and will be personnel coordinator for many shows, so I’ve already given so much of my heart and soul to this theatre. I also have many ideas that I think would better CWP and am willing to work my absolute hardest for whatever is needed.
What skills or experience do you bring to the table that will benefit Carrollwood Players?
I run multiple social media accounts for CWP already, have experience in multiple performing mediums, and also have great people skills. As I said: I have a lot of ideas that would be great for CWP as far as performances and behind-the-scenes changes. I also have years of video editing experience so can boost us through Youtube and other media. I have connections to some magazines, some journalists, and many other independent media-based businesses of sorts that I could use to help boost the theatre.
Briefly list your business, theatrical and non-profit experience (as applicable), especially any prior service on Boards of Directors
I have run professional social media accounts for independent businesses, I’ve had years of editing for the same businesses as well as personal work, I’ve assisted at film conventions as celebrity guest assistance. I’ve been a volunteer at conventions, festivals, and expos.
Deb Kelley
Deb Kelley is proud to have served her first term with Carrollwood Players Board of Directors and is excited to run again. She has been the theatre’s publicity chair for over four years and in that position, volunteered to design and helped rebrand the theatre with a new website, tickets, season tickets, brochures, flyers, posters, photography, and playbill cover design. She is also part of the theatre’s social media committee, fundraising committee and previously before absorption into fundraising, event planning committee. She is currently on the 2017-2018 production team for publicity for all revue productions.
In her day job, she owns the WriteOne Creative Services, an award-winning graphic design, web design, digital photography and business/creative writing company.
In September, at Carrollwood Players, she is celebrating her fifth year producing Life Amplified variety showcase for charity that has been recognized by both Bay News 9 Everyday Heroes and Fox 13 Hometown Heroes. She is also a reporter for Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles Magazine, Creative Loafing and Broadway World.
When not working, she loves acting, producing, directing and playwriting and of course, her second home, Carrollwood Players and would be honored to serve a second term.
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Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?”Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?
I’ve enjoyed my membership these last three years and think I am able to bring innovative promotion ideas and follow-through to the board. As part of board that brought us from looking like “Grandma’s yard sale” to a comfy, more professional-looking community theatre, I am eager to continue to be part of the Board to see how far we will come in the next three years.
What skills or experience do you bring to the table that will benefit Carrollwood Players?
The skills I bring to Carrollwood Players include reporting/writing, web design, graphic design, publicity/promotional, photography, sales, and event planning.
When I was a reporter for the Tampa Tribune (closed 2016), at my editor’s approval, shows had a preview in the paper or online and as a current reporter for Broadway World, at editor’s approval, shows have a preview online. I also work directly with Broadway World/Grapevine to have shows reviewed, when reviewers are available to do so.
I am proud of the positive response we’ve received for the rebranding that I seasonally provided to the theatre with new design and management of the website to include the online ticketing option TicketLeap that I presented to the board; custom designed playbill covers for Mainstage and the CWP Black Box; new tickets, season tickets, tradeshow display – popup banner, brochures, business cards, rackcards, show postcard flyers; interior, concession and marquee posters and headshot templates, publicity for actors through Come See Me show photos, season marquee graphics for Mainstage and the CWP Black Box.
I love to use my negotiation skills to get typically expensive needs for the theatre bartered ie – table at Pride fest; at discount – ie theatre commercial printing, rug cleaning, powerwashing, catering for Nancy’s – or free – piano repair, volunteer party food sponsorship; recruiting my clients to advertise in our playbills, and creating partnerships for reciprocal advertising with local community theatres.
Finally my skills that would benefit the theatre are organizing events to showcase the theatre. During my three years, I’ve organized CABA After 5 event, CABA outdoor table at Carrollwood Cultural Center, CABA food event at Indian Cultural Center, table at PrideFest, A Christmas Carol on Morning Blend TV, WTIS radio interviews, a performance at Barnes and Noble, a table at Library Expo and partnering with Hillsborough County School Board to get KIDSPEAK a recognized program and recently, into 33 magnate schools across Hillsborough County for 2018.
I also volunteer box office and front of house and am excited to use my skills in person, on the phone, and in front of the computer to promote my second home.
Briefly list your business, theatrical and non-profit experience (as applicable), especially any prior service on Boards of Directors
Prior to joining board three years ago, I had already operated my own award-winning graphic/web design and copywriting company successfully since 2005.
Jim Russell
If given the opportunity to serve the Carrollwood Players community of volunteers, supporters and patrons, my top passion as a board member will be to help secure a new home for our theatre. With escalating rent costs and space challenges as we grow, seeking a better, more affordable home in the next 4-5 years is a daunting but realistic goal that I am committed to. But there is so much more to do, and I would like to work closely with other volunteers to continue to help CWP be a place where every day people can participate in the arts. I have been a volunteer since 2009, and served a term on the board from 2013-2016. During that time, I championed the creation of our Black Box Theatre, and worked to guide it through its first two seasons. I have also served on the Fundraising Committee, the Calendar Committee, the Publicity Committee, the Play Reading Committee, the Volunteer Committee, and the Social Media/Facebook Team, in addition to serving as a volunteer producer for more than 25 productions on both the Mainstage and in the Black Box theatre. I have also occasionally appeared on stage and have had the great privilege of directing several shows here. I am an open-minded team player with significant prior experience in most areas of the day-to-day operations of CWP, and 35 years of experience in theatre overall. It would be an honor to serve.
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Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?”Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?
I want to join the Board because I strongly wish to continue contributing to the success of Carrollwood Players. Returning to the Board of Directors will provide me with the best opportunity to serve CWP’s community of artists, volunteers, supporters and patrons. I believe they are who CWP belongs to.
What skills or experience do you bring to the table that will benefit Carrollwood Players?
Skills: Project Management, Scheduling, Creative Problem Solving, Public Speaking, Writing, Strategic Planning, Producing, Directing, Acting, Social Media Admin/Content, Sound Design/Tech, Light Design/Tech, Stage Management, Graphic Design, Marketing, Publicity, Set Design, Fundraising, Workshops, Theatrical Tour Management, Playwright, Lyricist, Photography Staging, Set Dressing, Committee Work, Front of House Management, Proofreading, Video Production, Negotiating, etc. I am a creative, team player who strongly supports and believes in CWP’s core values and mission. I have many ideas of ways CWP can continue to grow and prosper, and I have the passion and perseverance to guide ideas from concept to reality. I also believe in supporting CWP financially, and have made significant donations regularly.
Briefly list your business, theatrical and non-profit experience (as applicable), especially any prior service on Boards of Directors
- 20+ years of project and people management experience
- 35 years of experience in professional and community theatre, as an actor, director, producer, designer, writer, etc.
- 8 years volunteering at Carrollwood Players Theatre
- 3 years of service as a Carrollwood Players Theatre Board Member
- CWP committee/team participation: Black Box, Publicity, Social Media, Calendar, Fundraising, Play Selection
Members may mail in their vote or vote at Carrollwood Players’ Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, August 22 at 7pm.
Victoria Richards
Victoria Richards is an engaging and innovative nonprofit professional who specializes in community and volunteer engagement. Victoria’s older sister, Amanda, introduced her to theater at a very young age and her love and appreciate for the arts only continues to grow and flourish. Originally from Bridgewater, New Jersey, Victoria attended the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s Gifted & Talented Program majoring in musical theater. She has performed in numerous plays, showcases, and musicals – including Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Oklahoma, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and many more.
In addition to performing, Victoria also has extensive experience in stage managing, front of house/ ticket sales management, and assistant directing. Victoria was the Assistant Director for MAS (Midland Adult Services) Productions – a creative arts program designed to let adults with a variety of developmental disabilities express themselves through song and dance. It was through this program that Victoria realized her passion for helping others and the powerful ways theater can help others thrive. She was awarded the NJ State Board of Education Outstanding Achievement Awards for helping to break down social barriers between high school students and people with special needs.
Victoria graduated with her Bachelors from High Point University, double majoring in Sociology and Nonprofit Management and Leadership. In her senior year, Victoria was awarded the Price Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement and the Outstanding Nonprofit Management and Leadership Student of the Year Award. She was very active in several honor societies, including Alpha Phi Omega Nonprofit and Human Relations Honors Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Victoria started her professional journey in the nonprofit sector at The Guilford Resource and Referral Center, designing the program Youth Network, helping at-risk children grow and develop and sense of self help. After graduation, Victoria moved to the Tampa Bay area and served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Homeless Empowerment Program. In November 2015, Victoria started with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County FL as Volunteer Services Manager.
Recently, Victoria has continued her passion for the theater at Carrollwood Players. Currently, she is taking on the role of Holly Adams in CWP’s performance of An Act of the Imagination. Off-stage, Victoria is currently on the production/producing team for CWP’s musicals and presently the “people person” for The Full Monty.
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Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?”Why do you want to join the Board of Directors at Carrollwood Players?
My interest in joining Carrollwood Player’s Board of Directors is rooted in my love and appreciation for the theater. Originally from New Jersey, my entire childhood was immersed the world of theater – both on stage and off. Every show I have seen, performed in, or been a part of has inspired me and taught me something about myself. I have seen a child gain self-confidence from her first singing role, I have seen an adult with special needs learn new words from his new favorite song, I have seen the family bond between casts and crew members. This is all thanks to the wonderful world of theater.
I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me and continue to create art that inspires conversations and reflection for performers and audience members alike.
I would like to use this desire along with my creativity, vision, skills, and time to devote to the development of Carrollwood Players and support past and new voices that wish to explore the lasting impact of theater.
Since moving to Tampa under three years ago, I have been searching for a “theater family” and “second home”. I am so glad to have found Carrollwood Players and would be honored to be part of the Board of Directors.
What skills or experience do you bring to the table that will benefit Carrollwood Players?
- Nonprofit Experience (volunteer and work)
- Administration/management
- Community Service
- Policy Development
- Program Evaluation
- Public Relations/ Communications
- Photography
- Special Events
- Fundraising
- Outreach/ Advocacy
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, etc.)
- Mail Marketing (Constant Contact, Mailchimp, etc.)
Briefly list your business, theatrical and non-profit experience (as applicable), especially any prior service on Boards of Directors
- Attended Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School’s Gifted & Talented Program majoring in Musical Theater. (2006-2010)
- Performed in numerous high school showcases and musicals.
- Worked at Somerset County VoTech as Front of House Manager. (2006-2010)
- Assistant Director for MAS (Midland Adult Services) Productions – a creative arts program designed to let adults with a variety of developmental disabilities express themselves through song and dance.
- Awarded NJ State Board of Education Outstanding Achievement Award for helping to break down social barriers between high school students and people with special needs.
- Stage Manager at Villagers Theater in Somerset, NJ for Teensville and MainStage productions including Aida, Cats, and Mulan.
- Graduated from High Point University, College of Arts and Science, with a B.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management & Sociology. (2013)
- Awarded Outstanding Nonprofit Leadership and Management Student of the Year. (2013)
- Awarded Price Scholarship Awards for Outstanding Achievement. (2013)
- Inducted into the Nonprofit Honors Society, Alpha Phi Omega. (2013)
- Inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Phi. (2013)
- Performed in Senior Director Showcase and Musical Theater Revue. (2012)
- Currently working for Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County, FL as Volunteer Services Manager/ Communications/ Social Media Coordinator.
- CWP Credits Include: A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), One Act Weekend (Conflict/Resolution) and An Act of the Imagination (Holly Adams)
- Currently on CWP’s Producing/ Production Team for musicals. Currently “people person” for the Full Monty.
