University of Florida Performing Arts

Michael Blachly, UFPA Director

Bio:

Since arriving in Gainesville in 2000 from California where he served as Director of UCLA Performing Arts, Dr. Michael Blachly has expanded the live performing arts for the Heart of Florida community in his position as Director of University of Florida Performing Arts. Michael holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology/Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee. His performing arts career spans more than 35 years, as a presenter, a manager and an agent.

At the University of Florida, Dr. Blachly is responsible for all public performing arts events presented under the auspices of the University of Florida Performing Arts in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, University Auditorium, the Baughman Center and, on occasion, the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. In addition, he oversees the departmental operations inclusive of fiscal management, marketing, educational residency activities, community outreach, fund development, commissioning, technical production, and facility coordination and scheduling.

He has served as a campus-wide resource as Co-Chair of the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Chair of President J. Bernard Machen’s Inauguration, Chair to the University’s Homecoming Advisory Committee, The 50th Commemoration of Integration at the University of Florida, and on committees for the University of Florida Foundation, University Athletic Association and various university colleges and departments.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

Mine are frequent and numerous and occur each time we conclude a performance and the members of the audience and the artists leave the facility saying “I can’t wait to return.” The satisfaction from this type of response provides the impetus to continue bringing the finest established and emerging artists from around the world to Gainesville for the benefit of our community.

Elizabeth Auer, UFPA Assistant Director

Bio:

With UFPA since November 2000, Assistant Director Elizabeth Auer is responsible for artist and agent relations, contract management, and oversight of the accounting, grants and education areas of operation. In 2004 she began the AIM Together program, bringing world-class performing artists into healthcare settings to provide performances and interactive arts events to individuals who, due to illness, age, disability and challenging socio-economic and geographic circumstances, have little or no access to the arts.
With a background in music and theatre, Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s in Theatre from Louisiana State University and a Master’s of Fine Arts in Arts Management from Florida State University.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

My favorite moment is one that was both emotionally gripping and amusing at the same time. September 14, 2001. With agreement from the artists, the university and a staff decision, we chose to move forward with the performance of Tap Dogs three days after the tragedies of September 11. It was stated by President Bush that candles across the country should be lit at 8 p.m. for a moment of reflection to honor those who lost their lives. We took out all other lights and had a single lone candle in one of the grand boxes. In that minute, the candle lit the theatre house bright enough to read your program. To this day, it still gives me goose bumps. However, the amusing part was seeing the usher sitting behind this small candle with a giant fire extinguisher, due to regulations of the fire marshal. By far, this is my favorite moment.

John Gruppioni, Accounting Coordinator

Bio:

John Gruppioni joined the UFPA staff in September 2009 after relocating from the Philadelphia area. Prior to joining UFPA, he worked as a federal auditor for the U.S. Dept. of Labor Office of Inspector General for nearly 30 years. John is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, a Navy veteran, and a CPA. When not at work, John enjoys spending time with his wife, two grandchildren and his cat. He enjoys traveling, reading and walking.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

Coming Sooon!

Vivian Royer, Human Resources

Bio:

Vivian began working as the Human Resources coordinator for UFPA in early November 1996. Before moving to Gainesville from West Palm Beach, she worked for Florida Power and Light for six years. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, one of Vivian’s most unusual jobs was driving a semi truck for two years prior to moving to Florida. In her valued spare time, she enjoys watching her nephews play soccer, reading and yard work.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

There have been many through the years. However, there are a few that stand out—getting to see Tony Bennett, Pete Fountain, Mel Tormé and watching Antigravity with my whole family.

Alana Christou, Finanical Assistant & Education Coordinator

Bio:

An Indiana native, Alana joined UFPA in 2007 as a part-time financial assistant. She was recently promoted to full-time status, taking on additional responsibilities as the education coordinator. A loyal Gator through and through, Alana earned her Bachelor’s in Geography and Master’s in Public Health right here at UF. Prior to working at UFPA, Alana was an assistant store manager for Gymboree. When she’s not working, Alana teaches Pilates at Evolve Pilates and Fitness. In her free time, Alana enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her extended Greek family in London and Cyprus. She is also a proud member of the UFPA Green Team.

Amy Douglas, Marketing Director

Bio:

Amy Douglas has been Director of Marketing for UFPA since September 2008. Prior to that, she worked as the UFPA Marketing Coordinator. She has more than 15 years experience working with a number of arts and cultural organizations including The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (the largest children’s museum in the world), the Creative Learning Center at Indiana Memorial Union and Drury University’s Cox Gallery of Art. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance from Ball State University, she has a master’s degree in Theatre from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Indiana University. A self-proclaimed “marketing geek,” when she’s not working she can be found reading, writing, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with her husband Michael Douglas (not the actor/producer).

Favorite UFPA Moment:

My favorite UFPA moment occurred during The Wizard of Oz. Many families brought their children to the performance and a lot of little girls were dressed up as Dorothy. One little boy was dressed up as the Tin Man. During the show, when the Tin Man first appeared on stage, the little boy was so excited that he called out, “It’s the Tin Man!” Everyone in the audience laughed. It was the perfect live theatrical moment.

Joe Osburn, Publications Coordinator

Bio:

Creative talent Joe Osburn joined UFPA in 1997. Prior to this, he worked at UF News & Public Affairs for six years as a graphic designer and the inaugural marquee programmer. A Gator at heart, Joe graduated from UF in 1983 with a Bachelor’s in Art. In addition, he has completed coursework in art education for teacher certification at University of North Florida in 1991. Joe also has a background in printing from his time working for Beechler’s Printing, prior to working at UF. When he’s not designing something beautiful, Joe enjoys reading, watching historical films and documentaries and spending time with his large family, which includes five siblings (whose names all begin with J) and 10 nieces and nephews.

Marilyn Patrick, Marketing Coordinator

Bio:

Marilyn Patrick joined the UFPA staff in January 2009, after relocating from the Orlando area. Prior to joining UFPA, she worked as a marketing project manager for Scholastic Book Fairs in Lake Mary, Florida. Marilyn also worked for several years as a communications manager and copywriter for Marriott Vacation Club International in Orlando. A proud Gator at heart, Marilyn is a UF graduate (GO GATORS!) and earned her Bachelor’s in Public Relations in 1995. When she’s not working, Marilyn enjoys spending time with her husband, son and two beagles, making jewelry, scrapbooking, reading and going to the beach.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

My favorite moment so far has been experiencing Riverdance. I was captivated by the unbelievable talent of each and every performer. What made it an even better the experience was seeing that my family enjoyed the show immensely. I can’t wait to experience many more great moments at UFPA!

Lori Siegel, Development Coordinator

Bio:

This is Lori’s first full-time position since graduating from UF in with a Master’s in Management and a Bachelor’s in Special Event Management. Prior to graduating in 2006, she was the event programmer at the Reitz Union Game Room. She also interned with Octagon Sports Marketing in Connecticut and the City of Gainesville on the Downtown Festival and Art Show and Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Lori enjoys all styles of dance, reading, Gator athletics, animals and visiting with her family. When she’s not working, Lori enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their miniature dachshund, Bowser.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

My favorite moment was when I had the opportunity to participate in a UFPA master class with Tadej Brdnik, Principal Dancer for the Martha Graham Dance Company. Having studied dance for the majority of my life, it was a thrill to be a part of the class with other UF dance students learning choreography from one of the legendary modern dance pioneers.

Jennifer Tyler, UFPA Assistant Director

Bio:

Jennifer is very excited to be a part of the Gator Nation. Originally from Joplin, Missouri she decided the cold weather was not for her and promptly moved to Hawaii after receiving her Bachelor’s in Theatre. After working in Hawaii teaching a Drama program, she moved to Gainesville to lead a Theatre Prevention Program. After six years of teaching and fundraising, she is now the Performance Sponsorship Coordinator for University of Florida Performing Arts. In her spare time, she loves visiting with her five siblings and traveling, Chicago being one of her favorite cities.


Favorite UFPA Moment:


Watching and then meeting the wonderful children from African Children’s Choir. Some of the children offered to cook me breakfast; eggs bacon and toast!

Robbie Stevens, Box Office Manager

Bio:

Robbie Stevens has been Box Office Manager for UFPA since 2004, having also served as Development Coordinator for one year. Prior to moving to Gainesville, Robbie worked at Columbia Artists Management, Inc. in New York City for 11 years. He also played drums and bass with numerous bands, and participated in several recording projects. Robbie enjoys spending time with his wife Allison and their two Shetland Sheepdogs. In his spare time, he can be found either at the poker table or in his studio playing and recording music.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

One moment I remember in particular was watching Stanley Clarke perform with Jean-Luc Ponty and Béla Fleck and then getting to meet him afterwards. He has always been one of my favorite bass players.

James Kersey, Assistant Box Office Manager

Bio:

James Kersey has been the Assistant Box Office Manager with UFPA since 2007. Prior to this position, he worked as both a Teller and a Supervisor in the Box Office. In addition to his work here, James is also a student pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Engineering. When not working or studying, he enjoys spending time at home with his wife and daughter.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

It’s hard to narrow down a particular moment when working here has opened me up to an entirely new world that I never knew existed. Since being give the opportunity to work here, there have been so many artists and performances that have changed how I look at things. If I had to pick a favorite though, it would be seeing David Sedaris and having him sign a copy of his book for me after the show.

Matt Cox, Operations Director

Bio:

Matt has worked with UFPA since moving to Gainesville in 2000. His work in performing arts has extended over more than thirty years, as a stage carpenter, technical director and production manager. Matt earned his M.F.A. in theatre production at Temple University, and B.A. in Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania.
Matt and the technical and facility management team are responsible for facility and stage operations for all events in each of the facilities managed by UFPA. Matt serves on or assists various University committees, including the Performing Arts Advisory and the Cultural Plaza committees. In addition to all UFPA-sponsored events, Matt works with UF departments and student groups and other community organizations to facilitate their use of UF performing arts venues.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

Most recently, backstage at the Africa Project as Béla Fleck and Toumani Diabate blended the music of Appalachia and Mali.

Jason Degen, Technical Director

Bio:

Jason Degen’s professional theater career began in the Black Box Theater of the CPA as Stage Manager for Marion J. Caffey’s production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. After more than a decade working in children’s theater & scene shops in Central Florida, he returned to the renamed Phillips Center and UFPA. The return to Gainesville has afforded him the opportunity to raise a family in the one of the finest communities in Florida as well as helping to bring world class performing arts to the place he calls home.

Derek Wohlust, Stage Supervisor

Bio:

A staff member with UFPA since 2003, Derek Wohlust’s interest in theatre began in 1992, when he started acting and directing projects throughout Palm Beach County. In 1993 he spent a summer teaching theatre for an arts camp in West Palm Beach. Upon returning to Gainesville in 1994, he began performing for community venues and building sets at the Hippodrome State Theatre. Derek holds technical degrees in both Web and Multi-Media Design.
“The best aspect of this profession is facilitating something beautiful for others to experience without them even being aware of your existence.”

Nicole Lee, Master Electrician

Bio:

Nicole has been working with UFPA since she moved to Gainesville in the spring of 2001. Her love for theatre led her to lighting, where she is able to use her artistic abilities to help emphasize and influence the mood of shows through light. She is instrumental in setting up lighting rigs for many UFPA performances. Together with other members of UFPA’s technical team, Nicole helps organize and advise community organizations and UF student groups on making their performances the best possible.

Eric Ross, Audio Supervisor

Bio:

A long-time Gainesville resident, Eric’s journey with UFPA began when he was hired to work with the audio crew for David Copperfield in 2003. Since then, Eric’s ability and expertise for all things audio has shown through in everything he does. He has been instrumental in improving the audio systems in the UFPA venues, and continues to work towards bettering the sound quality of all UFPA performances. Eric is an important member of UFPA’s technical team, working with others from UFPA to help community organizations and UF student groups improve their ideas and provide them with the best shows possible.

Timothy Albritton, Rigging Supervisor

Bio:

Tim began his career with UFPA in 2003 and has worked a variety of jobs, including carpentry, props, fly rail and rigging. He worked on the fly rail for four years before becoming the head of the department. He inspects and maintains the upkeep of the fly rail system throughout each season. He enjoys working with a great crew on the fly rail and wouldn’t trade any of them for the world.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

My favorite moment at UFPA was when I met Kris Kristofferson. He shook my hand and spoke with me before going on stage. There wasn’t much time to talk before his performance, but he is a wonderful person to meet.

Jonathan Prevost, Event Staff Coordinator

Bio:

Jon Prevost began his career with UFPA in 2005 as a stagehand and worked his way up to Event Staff Coordinator in 2008. Jon made the decision to move to Gainesville to be closer to his grandparents. It is here that he also met his future wife to whom Jon recently became engaged and plans to marry in 2010. Jon also attended University of Florida from 1996 -1998, where he studied Applied Anthropology. When he’s not working, he enjoys attending comic book /animé conventions with his fiancé.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

I have two. The first one was when I met my fiancé during The Wedding Singer build. The second was when I first started at UFPA; I attended DJ Spooky’s, Rebirth of a Nation, a multimedia project reimagining the original movie Birth of Nation. Following the performance, I had the opportunity to have dinner with the artist at Leonardo’s 706. The restaurant was kind enough to stay open two hours past their closing time to accommodate us.

Chuck Turner, University Auditorium Manager

Bio:

Prior to becoming the University Auditorium Manager, chuck served at the UFPA Technical Director. Before that, he was the Master Electrician for CAMI’s Tour of the Merry Widow (London City Opera), and Technical Director of the Art Station in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Chuck earned his Associates’ Degree from St. Johns River Community College. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, collecting vinyl and is a big movie enthusiast.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

It is hard to single out any particular moment, but if I had to choose one I suppose it would be my first show in 1994 at the Phillips center (Annie) where I fell in love with technical theater.

Matthew Hensberry, Baughman Center Manager

Bio:

Coming Soon!

Favorite UFPA Moment:

Coming Soon!

Favorite UFPA Moment:

I’ve had many fantastic experiences as a head usher, but my favorite event was The Producers. It was very hilarious and had unbelievable staging.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

When I was just beginning to usher, I was assigned the elevator at a performance where the guest was Gregory Peck. I was initially disappointed to be assigned the elevator, but I ended up being the person who took Mr. Peck up in the elevator for the reception. All he said was “Good evening,” but it made my day.

Favorite UFPA Moment:

My favorite moment was ushering for Les Miserables. I signed up to usher for five performances to ensure I would have an opportunity to see all of the show, due to the uncertainty of assigned usher duty. It was a great performance!