The Players Studio Grows with New Studio Director

The Players Studio is excited to announce its new Studio Director, Jennifer Bushinger Ortiz. Jennifer is the perfect fit, her experiegnce and wisdom bring a strong presence to lead the studio to a bright future.

Jennifer Bushinger Ortiz has nearly two decades of professional theatre experience ranging from
acting in two national tours or costume designing Connecticut Free Shakespeare to directing nearly 100 productions across the Tri-State area. Relocating from Manhattan with her husband and three-year-old son two and half years ago, she brings a wealth of industry experience, as well as nonprofit leadership to The Players Studio.

“I am honored to join this dynamic performing arts organization and contribute to their incredible 90-year legacy” says Bushinger Ortiz. “There are several new and exciting prospects on the horizon for The Players Studio. We only seek to add to its reputation and provide the highest quality arts education in and around our community.”

Managing Artistic Director, Jeffery Kin says, “The Players Centre team is overjoyed with the addition of Jennifer to our company. She has amazing qualities that will support ALL our students, both young and old.  Look for great things to come from The Players Studio, the team in place is beyond stellar!”

The Players Studio offers classes in all styles of dance, singing, and acting, as well as multiple workshops from perfecting your monologue to playwriting. This season the studio expanded its curriculum by adding more classes for the homeschool student along with Mommy & Me classes. Studio class discount packages are now available.

The following performance groups have auditions approaching:

The Players Kids

The Players Kids is an ensemble-driven children’s Musical Theatre performance troupe. With rehearsals weekly, The Players Kids train in all aspects of theatre while performing at outreach events, community celebrations, and a full-length musical on The Players Mainstage!

Audition information: Children ages 7-17 should come prepared with a short (1 minute) song and wear comfortable clothing for a dance portion. Upon acceptance into The Players Kids, students must register in a minimum of one class as well as attend regularly scheduled Saturday morning rehearsals. A $300 annual fee is required which includes a yearly Players Kids shirt and jazz pants. Limited absences allowed. The Players Kids 2019-2020 will be presenting The Music Man Jr. on our main stage May 16 and 17, 2020.

Players Teens

Players Teens is an ensemble-driven acting troupe for the teenage theatre student. Students will hone their craft with intensive training and rehearsal experience, while preparing a full-length straight play to be performed in The Backstage Theater.

Audition information: Students ages 12-17 should come prepared with a 1-minute monologue. Upon acceptance into Players Teens, students must register in a class of choice as well as attend regularly scheduled Saturday morning rehearsals. A $150 annual fee includes rehearsal time and a limited-edition tee shirt. Limited absences are allowed. Players Teens will present a to be announced play in our Backstage Theater May 1 and 2, 2020.

The Players Dance Company

The Players Dance Company is a competitive dance team featuring classes for Junior and Senior level students. Company will perform at outreach events and compete and train around the state.

Auditions for The Players Dance Company will be held at the first class for each Junior and Senior Company class. Students ages 8 – 18 should arrive 15 minutes prior to class time. Please wear a leotard, tights, dance shorts, and hair in a bun with bangs off your face. Bring appropriate dance shoes. Upon acceptance into The Players Dance Company students must register in the required classes. Company classes will meet weekly and attend dance competitions within the state.

The Flash Tappers

The Flash Tappers is an all-tap performance troupe for adults! Members of The Flash Tappers will study and train on Mondays and/or Saturdays in all styles of tap and under the direction of three master tappers.

Auditions for The Flash Tappers will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 for the Saturday Group and Monday, Sept. 9, 2019 for the Monday Group. The Flash Tappers is an advanced adult group, age 18 and up, whose main focus is technique, style, precision and skill. The group will perform at community events, public appearances, and perform in a Backstage Theatre production May 9 & 10, 2020. A $40 monthly membership fee is required per group you attend (Monday or Saturday). Members are responsible to purchase any necessary costumes.

The Players Follies (50+)

The Players Follies, a 50+ performing troupe, represent The Players Centre at community events, public appearances, a play reading in November, and a staged production in our Backstage Theatre April 2020. This troupe is an outlet for performers to gain camaraderie, support, and express themselves theatrically. A $50 monthly membership fee is required.

Don’t miss out on a chance to learn and perform with an organization that’s entertained Sarasota’s audiences for the past 90 YEARS! Call the studio at 941-552-8879 or visit our website at theplayers.org for more information on auditions, registration, and class details.