Staff, Guest Artists, and Board

Emily Bainbridge

Patron Relations/ Teaching Artist

Emily Bainbridge is so excited to join ECTC.  Emily is originally from Lancashire, England, and graduated from London Theatre School in 2009 with a degree in Dance. Emily started her career as a dancer/aerialist aboard cruise ships where she sailed the seas for over seven years with Norwegian Cruise Line.   It was there that she met her husband Trenton, and together they enjoyed performing many contracts, traveling around the world, and learning about and working with other cultures. After moving to Florida in 2016 Emily began performing in many theaters around the Tampa Bay- Orlando area in theaters such as The Wick, American Stage, and Suncoast Broadway. She also got the once in a lifetime chance to perform at Radio City Music Hall in NYC.  One of the proudest moments of her career by far was co-producing and performing “Roque Cirque,” an original rock aerial show, with her husband Trenton. 

Throughout her career, Emily has also had the pleasure of teaching young dancers and professionals at Norwegian Cruise Lines, Suncoast Broadway, and various regional dance schools.  Most recently, Emily has grown to learn and love the ins and outs of running a theater as Patron Relations Manager for Suncoast Broadway and now, at ECTC!

Trenton Bainbridge 

Managing Director/ Teaching Artist 

Trenton Bainbridge is proud to join team ECTC as Managing Director. Trenton is originally from Odessa, MO but happily calls Florida home. Trenton received his BFA from Roosevelt University’s Theatre Conservatory of Chicago College of Performing Arts where he majored in Musical Theatre and minored in voice.  After graduating he started his career performing in theaters across the country but soon found the love of traveling the world and performing aboard Norwegian Cruise Line.  Shortly, after a couple of contracts, he met his wife and they continued to work for Norwegian Cruise Line for several years.  After cruising they decided to settle in Florida, working for theaters such as The Wick, Broward Stage Door, American Stage, and Suncoast Broadway.  One of the proudest moments of his career was co-producing and performing “Roque Cirque,” an original rock aerial show, with his wife Emily. At Suncoast Broadway, he was soon granted the new position in management where he operated for 4 years as production manager and eventually took over the role as the general manager of the theater.  Trenton is thrilled to translate that experience into his new role as Managing Director of ECTC!

Heath Carroll

Education and Outreach Director

Heath has been involved with theatre since his awkward teenage years. He discovered the stage and decided quickly to make it his life's pursuit. He received his Associate's degree from Chipola College and his Bachelor's from the University of West Florida. While at West Florida, he crewed for Ballet Pensacola, the Pensacola Opera, and was a member of "Improvable Cause" Improv Troupe. Favorite credits include apprenticing with the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company (Thousand Oaks, CA) for two seasons as an actor/crewmember and writing the book for "Canteen" (New York, NY). He has been in Fine Arts Education for the last 10 years, where he continues to write and produce new scripts for young actors.

Anna Fisher

Associate Artistic/ Education Director

Anna Fisher is a Destin native and is the Associate Artistic and Education Director and cofounder of Emerald Coast Theatre Company. After growing up in Destin she is thrilled to have returned to her roots here on the Emerald Coast to create opportunities for the children here that were not available to her as a child. She graduated with her B.A. in English Literature from Samford University and went on to receive her Master’s in Theatre Studies from Regent University. Anna enjoys every facet of the stage and and has become well versed in the art of directing, producing, design, costuming, prop construction, writing, and teaching. Some of her recent favorite projects include costume and props designer for The Fantasticks, Around the World in 80 Days, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, and Pinkalicious the Musical. Since founding Emerald Coast Theatre Company she has worked on over 66 productions. When she’s not busy writing theatre curriculum, building props, organizing costumes, and teaching young thespians, you can find her relaxing at the beach with her husband Nathanael and their twin daughters Mia and Bella, and the littlest Fisher, Zoe Claire.

Nathanael Fisher

Producing Artistic Director

Nathanael Fisher is the cofounder of Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC). A Florida native, Nathanael received his B.A. in Theatre Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University and later went on to receive his M.F.A. in Acting at Regent University. Immediately following undergraduate studies, his professional career was launched through the Equity Membership Candidacy Program at Jupiter Theatre. Nathanael has had the pleasure of performing on many of the stages throughout Florida, including American Stage, Eckert Theatre Co., Burt Reynolds Theatre, Angel Garden Theatre, Ballet Florida, The Mark II, Riverside Theatre, and Seaside Music Theatre and on stages across the United States. Favorite roles include Chris in All My Sons, Pete in Crazy for You, Sohovic in Damn Yankees, Gerry in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Rochefort in Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of The Three Musketeers. As a producer, he has presented two projects at the Orlando International Fringe Festival and founded the Regent Educational Theatre Tour that performed abridged Shakespeare and socially relevant plays for middle and high school students. Nathanael has directed productions of reasons to be pretty, A Christmas Carol, and Anton in Show Business at University of West Florida and adapted and directed A Christmas Carol into a three actor play called A Dickens Christmas for ECTC. Nathanael has also written several Theatre for Young Audiences plays (The Pirate Who Learns to Say Please, Pirate Pete and the Case of the Missing Fisherman, and The Adventures of Andy the Angler) as well as directed over 40 productions for ECTC. Over the course of his career, Nathanael has directed Shakespeare, children’s theatre, theatre for young audiences, and professional theatre, as well as taught theatre classes for ages 6 through adult. He is considered an “Actor Combatant” with the Society of American Fight Directors having passed skills proficiency tests in unarmed, broadsword, quarterstaff, and rapier/dagger stage combat. Nathanael lives in Santa Rosa Beach with his wife Anna, the littlest Fisher Zoe, and twin teen daughters Mia and Bella.

WESLEY GERNSETTER

Production Assistant

Wes Gernstetter is thrilled to join the team at ECTC! Before attending Florida State University, Wes spent five years working in theatre, both on the stage and off. He has since graduated with a Bachelor's in Digital Media Production and aims to use his knowledge to grow the media presence and support the technical needs of ECTC. In addition to loving every aspect of the theatre, Wes enjoys filmmaking and can be found writing and working on different films in his free time.

Rebeca Lake

Set Designer/ Actress/ Teaching Artist

Rebeca Lake is a set designer, actress, and educational instructor. Her collegiate education began at Northwest Florida State College, and Rebeca continued on to receive two Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mobile, double majoring in Music and Theatre. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with her MFA in Technical Theatre with an Emphasis in Scenic Design. During her time there, her design work was nominated for and received and award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. For the past three years Rebeca was an Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Mobile until she joined ECTC in August 2019 as the full time Technical Director and leader of the Junior Thespian Troupe.

TAYLOR WALKER

Costume Designer/ Teaching Artist

So pleased to find a place on ECTC staff, Taylor is thrilled to pursue her passions of education, costuming, and performance all in one place. Though you could count her years in Destin on one hand, Taylor is happy to call Florida home. She was born and raised in South Dakota where she attended college and discovered her love of theatre. She pursued every opportunity to design and perform in college, to equal over thirty productions before graduating with her degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Theatre. Taylor looks forward to bringing shows to life on stage through costume designs. She is most excited, however, to work with all the amazing students that come into Emerald Coast Theatre Company. When she isn't whipping up a costume or teaching a class, Taylor enjoys baking, board games, and time with loved ones.

ORA WOLFGRAM

Production Assistant

With her theatrical debut in Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s inaugural educational theatre production of Aladdin in 2013, Ora Wolfgram fell in love with the colorful and lively world of theater. A Northwest Florida native, she has been an active member of the community through volunteering and collaborating with local art organizations, including ECTC where she’s volunteered as an assistant instructor, stage manager and production assistant throughout middle school and high school. She is also a member of the Arts & Design Society and the Cultural Arts Alliance. Her breadth of work spans from fine art and illustration to production design and fabrication. Ora received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from University of Florida in 2023, where she majored in Drawing and minored in Art History and Graphic Design. During that time, she designed props and costumes for UF Florida Players productions 35MM; A Musical Exhibition and Push Up, as well as costumes for ECTC’s 2020 summer production of The Tempest. In addition to being an artist and designer, Ora has served as a production assistant for Xanadu, Grease and tech assistant for Broadway on the Boulevard. She is beyond thrilled to join the ECTC family and be a part of where it all began. When she’s not in the production studio, Ora enjoys baking sweet treats, creating frocks from vintage patterns, and cuddling with her cat, Precious.

Tom Baroco

Guest Music Director

Tom has professionally supported, developed, and celebrated performing artists for over 25 years.

Whether as a Music Director/Conductor, voice teacher and vocal coach, collaborative pianist or recording artist, Tom works to bring out the most honest, authentic, and excellent musical voices of those on his team. 

Recent credits include: serving as Music Director at PenArts  (HELLO GIRLS and SHINING LIVES), Pensacola Little Theatre (MOANA JR and MARY POPPINS), and the University of West Florida (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, BIG FISH, and FLOYD COLLINS);  composing and recording the scores for the short film ALL CLEAR and the UWF stage production of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE; serving as voice instructor and staff music director & accompanist for the BFA in Musical Theatre program at the University of West Florida.

Tom is the Director of Music for the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola. He and his wife of 23 years, Dominique, are raising 6 beautiful children; that’s where he makes his best music.

Linda Del Grego

Teaching Artist

Linda Del Grego (formerly Linda Carreno) is a professional Colombian actress who has starred in over 15 television shows and soap operas from 2007 to present. She is also a star in theater and on stage, appearing in 27 productions to date. You may have seen Linda most recently on Netflix in the Latin American production The Queen of South on Telemundo and Isa TK+ on Nickelodeon. Linda has served as the Host of the ITV public television shows for the Okaloosa County Schools, School Zone ELL since 2016 and is also a professionally trained clown. She was the founding member of “The Clownpany,” which was recognized by Colombia’s most prestigious award for theater, the “Biennial Theater Award, Star performances” in 2013. Linda was an associate college professor and acting coach for multiple acting academies from 2005-2013 and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater Acting with ASAB University in 2007. Linda most recently went back to school to earn two degrees. She has a master’s degree in advanced theater studies from UNIR University and a master’s degree in education from Funiber University. In her desire to achieve the highest standard of performance, Linda made her career even more diverse by applying to the Musical Theater program at North West Florida State College (NWFSC), in 2018. This year, Linda was part of the Chorus in NWF Symphony Orchestra on La Traviata and the Stars of Tomorrow, and she is currently rehearsing for her role as Lucifer in NWFSC’s fall production Faustus.

Darla Briganti Kain

Guest Artist

“Miss Darla’s” career in the entertainment industry spans 40+ years where she has worked as an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, theatre educator and acting coach.

Her most treasured roles to date include the title roles in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Mame, as well as Mama Rose in Gypsy on the MKAC Mainstage in Niceville FL. Recent ECTC roles include Hannah in Spitfire Grill, Mother Superior in Nunsense, Helen Armstrong in The Best Xmas Pageant Ever, and Ouiser in Steel Magnolias. Recent Directorial Credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Odd Couple (Female Version), Emotional Baggage and two mini-musicals at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center where she also served as Producing Artistic Director for Creatives Hub Arts Fest in the Sprint Theatre Black Box.

As a freelance professional acting coach, Miss Darla has recently taught various acting classes at Northwest Florida State College, Film Acting Techniques at AMC Talent & A Class ACT Studio, and she also enjoys coaching actors of all ages through private sessions and small group workshops throughout the Emerald Coast Region. Many of her current and past students are successfully pursuing their careers in larger markets including Atlanta, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.

Marci J. Duncan

Guest Director

Marci J. Duncan earned a BA in performance at Florida A&M University and her Masters in Acting at the University of Florida. She studied television and film acting with Evonne Suhor at Orlando’s Art Sake Acting Studio. Marci's film work includes (Just) Another Day co-starring with Jamie Hectar from HBO’s The Wire and Life is not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story, working with Debbie Allen and Fantasia Barrino. Marci recently completed a network series for NBC, Young Rock and a one woman show called Florida Girls at Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Marci provides actor coaching with her acting studio, Artists at Play and is currently on tour with her new original play, DISSONANCE.

Scott Hayes

Guest Director

Scott Hayes is thrilled to work with some cherished friends and colleagues here at the Emerald Coast Theatre Company! He is the dean for the School of Communication & the Arts and a professor of Theatre Arts at Liberty University. Scott has an MFA in Theatre from Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory and a Ph.D. in Communication from Regent University. He has directed more than 100 professional and academic productions. In the past few years, his production of AS YOU LIKE IT was profiled in SOUTHERN THEATRE magazine, and his direction of BLOODROOT, a play written and performed by a 20-member all-female company, was nationally recognized by Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Scott is a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA. Stage credits: Tidewater Stage Company and Alluvion Stage Company (VA), Asolo Theatre Festival and American Stage Company (FL), Pennsylvania Centre Stage, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Artpark and Theatreworks/USA (NY), and Summer Repertory Theatre (CA). He is also a playwright: his short play WITHOUT EXCUSE is published by CHRISTIANITY AND THEATRE, and his adaptations of Shakespeare and the novel REDEEMING LOVE has been produced across the United States. He and his wife Sarah have three daughters and live in Virginia.

Jason Hedden

Guest Director

Jason Hedden is an actor, teacher and director. He earned an MFA in Acting and New Works from The Ohio State University and undergraduate theatre degrees from The University of South Florida and Gulf Coast State College (GCSC). He currently serves as Executive Director of Recruitment and Community Relations at GCSC where he was formerly a Professor of Theatre and Chair of Visual & Performing Arts. Regional acting credits include Seattle Shakespeare Company and Book-It Repertory Theatre. He has performed his original solo show, Resurrecting van Gogh in NY, CA, FL and OH. He is a founding board member at ECTC and has appeared in their productions of Art, A Wrinkle in Time, Around the World in 80 Days and Popcorn Falls and directed The Little Mermaid. He looks forward to appearing opposite Nathanael Fisher once again in The Odd Couple at ECTC in Season 10. Jason is an active stand-up comic and comedy producer in the southeast. Love to Becky and Cameron. www.jasonhedden.com

Mary Jeter

Guest Music Director

Mary Jeter received her BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities (Piano/Voice, Theatre and Communications) at the University of West Florida and is certified as a “Highly Qualified” educator with the Florida Department of Education and the Okaloosa School District. She is a Member of the Florida Vocal Association (FVA) and the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA). Mrs. Jeter has 35+ years of teaching experience ranging from preschool to high school as well as professional singer/actors. She recently retired from classroom teaching but missed it so much that she is currently working as the interim choral director at Navarre High School. Mary is an accomplished accompanist, arranger, and performer and has directed musicals for all educational levels, to include community and professional theatre. She has performed as a soloist and member of area vocal ensembles including ECTC’s Christmas Carolers.  She volunteers as a pianist and vocalist in her church choir and continues to be active in many community organizations.  Mary is a lifelong native of Fort Walton Beach. This is her 5th year with ECTC and she is very excited to be part of their 10 year anniversary season. She is thrilled to be working again with the ECTC staff and hopes you enjoy this show as much as she enjoyed working with the very talented, enthusiastic cast of actors and musicians.

Sherry Landrum

Guest Director

In July of 2022, Sherry directed Newsies for Emerald Coast Theatre Company and is thrilled to be back!  Sherry served for many years on the faculty of the New Actors Workshop, a two-year professional actor training program founded by George Morrison, Mike Nichols and Paul Sills where she taught Acting Technique and Improvisation and chaired the Master’s Degree Program.  She has won two “Best Director” awards from Los Angeles Drama Critics and a “Best Director” award from the Tennessee Theatre Association.  Regionally, she has directed for the Oxford Shakespeare Festival in Mississippi, the American Heartland Theatre in Kansas City, the Pioneer Square Theatre in Seattle, Stephens College in Missouri, the Cumberland County Playhouse in Tennessee, and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.  In New York, Sherry directed Rosemary Leaves, written by husband Rex Knowles, and Cheatin' written by Del Shores. Her two musicals with collaborator George S. Clinton, That Other Woman’s Child in 2008, (book, music and lyrics,) and Smoky Mountain Suite in 1992, (book) were both New York Music Festival honorees.  She collaborated on The Nutcracker Christmas Carol, a musical comedy mash-up of all things Christmas and  Paradise Court (book, music and lyrics) has had several staged readings. Her improvised full-length musical, The Luck of the Draw has been performed regionally and in New York City. While living in Los Angeles, Sherry appeared in numerous commercials, movies, and television shows, including hosting her own show on CBS. She began her professional career as a member of the National Tour of Godspell, in the role of Joanne.

Vincent Pelligrino

Guest Director/Choreographer

Vincent Pelligrino (Director/Choreographer/Music Direction) is Assistant Professor of Theatre at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City specializing in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Directing. Originally from Michigan, he holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from West Virginia University. Past ECTC work includes First Date, Miracle on 34th Street, Xanadu, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Cabaret on the Boulevard, Christmas on the Boulevard, The Sound of Music and many more. He is also Vice President of the Unity Chorus of Northwest Florida and emcees local events such as 30A Songwriters Festival, Cabaret on the Bay, and Northwest Florida Pride Festival. www.vincentpelligrino.com 

Skylar Smith

Guest Music Director

Skylar Smith is the Assistant Professor of Applied Voice at Northwest Florida State College. She is also the director of the vocal ensemble, Voices of Northwest Florida. Prior to her time at NWFSC, she attended the University of Mobile where she obtained her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance. Her starring roles while at UM included Pamina in The Magic Flute, the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro, and Magda in The Consul. Recently, she has served as the vocal coach and music director for Jesus Christ Superstar and Cinderella at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Her most recent role at the MKAC was Marie in Cinderella. She always enjoys participating and attending ECTC events and productions! She has performed as a Christmas Caroler and in various Cabarets, led workshops for the youth summer musical intensives, and assisted with Crazy for You, Jr at ECTC. She currently resides in Niceville, Florida where she is continuing to pursue her passion for teaching and performing.