About Rise Above

Jacob has always been a natural actor. As a child, he studied at Florida Studio Theatre and has been a part of countless productions throughout his career. He has directed numerous shows including Into the Woods, Children’s Letters to God, All My Sons, and The Love Note to name just a few.

Jacob served as the dramatic director for YEX which is a national youth organization for 10 years. During his tenure he wrote, directed, and produced theatrical productions which were seen by thousands of people each year. He has been recognized with the Outstanding Actor’s Award by the National Theatre Festival and has received multiple awards for his playwriting works.

Jacob holds a Doctoral degree in Administration and Management and has personally helped aspiring actors attain their lifelong performance dreams. In addition to his work with Rise Above, he dedicates his time to help local elementary school students learn and experience the art of the theatre in ways that equip and prepare them for future success. Jacob brings a relentless dedication and virtuoso skill set to every production he produces.

Joi holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bowling Green State University, and has taught elementary, middle, and high school music at different times in her teaching career. She is a high performing, model music teacher for Sarasota County Schools. Along with being a performer herself, she has directed musical theatre productions for several elementary schools, as well as for a local dance studio’s musical theatre encore program. She also teaches private piano and voice lessons.

Joi directs multiple Choir and Show Choirs and brings an engaging and instructional approach to her musical direction. Under her tutelage, performers are able to expand their musical talents as she continually produces Nationally Award winning productions including her most recent accomplishment where her Concert Choir placed first in the nation!

Rachael discovered her love for dance and theatre at the age of 4. Since then, she has studied tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, ballet, and musical theatre at multiple studios. She has performed in countless musical theatre productions. Some of her favorite roles include Little Red in “Into the Woods,” Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Sophia in “Fools,” Winnie Tate in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and Frenchie in “Grease.” Rachael is also a founding member and now teacher for the awarding-winning musical theatre troupe Spotlight Kids. She has travelled with them to national theatre competitions and conventions including one where she was awarded Best Student Choreographer nationally.

Rachael has worked with numerous Broadway professionals in her many years with Broadway Artists Alliance as both a student and work-study. She has also had the opportunity to work with Musical Theatre International, iTheatrics, and Disney in filming the Choreography DVD for Lion King Jr. She learned so much from these experiences and has made invaluable connections. Rachael is currently studying Musical Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She hopes to pursue a career in the performing arts as both an actress and choreographer.

Krista is an educator who has helped direct numerous productions including Seussical Jr., Little Mermaid Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Aladdin Jr. Krista has always enjoyed the arts. In high school and college, she was on Dance Teams and involved in Concert Bands.

Krista has extensive experience in marketing and management. She has a unique talent for bringing stakeholders together to support the work of Rise Above. Krista possess a passion to help individuals find and express their gifts and talents.