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BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Visit us at The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 (Park and enter the mall by Connors Steak & Seafood.)

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THE SARASOTA PLAYERS STAFF

CEO..........................................................William Skaggs

Director of Development.........................Amy Gorman

Marketing Director...................................Amanda Heisey

Production Manager................................Brian Finnerty

Director of Education..............................Thayer Greenberg

Assistant Director of Operations............Jason Ellis

Box Office Manager..................................Cheyenne Holcomb

Technical Director.....................................Scott Schuster

Asst. Technical Director...........................Logan Junkins

Technical Consultant...............................Steve Patmagrian

Costume Shop Manager...........................Jill Castle

Costume Shop Assistant..........................Val Rozon

BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATES

Ren Pearson, Leslie Price, Jim Floyd, Jennifer Mitchell, Cheryl “Coco” McCall

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair Katie Weiss

Vice Chair Diane Weiss

Secretary Scott Keys

Trustees Michelle Bilsky, Rob McClain, Es Swihart, Bill Rusling

ABOUT THE SARAS

The Sarasota Players is Sara community theatre, creating over 96 years. We produce c contemporary plays and mus talent of all ages. Our educa Studio, offers theatre training adults no experience requ welcoming, inclusive space w encouraged to take part, whe backstage or in the audience

At The Players, you don’t j you become part of it

Learn more: theplay

POLICIES

LATE ARRIVALS Patrons begins will be seated as so not be able to be seated in refunds for late arrivals.

RECORDING Due to copy any kind is prohibited

NOISE During performanc conversations, unwr i phones, tablets, wat sound/light-emitting

CHILDREN Discreti appropriate age of c Attendance of childr recommended for m remain seated durin

Please note that The the right to refuse ad disruptive, unruly, or participants. Patrons leave the theatre up be considered tresp removal by law enfo

No exceptions!

een with us before thank you. If you’re just g us we’re so glad you’re here This isn’t er production… it’s part of a long-standing f storytelling, creativity, and community

ars,The Sarasota Players has been your y theatre a home for creativity, connection, elief that the arts belong to everyone We’ve ands of stories, trained generations of young s, and offered a stage to people from all walks

ht, we’re especially proud to present one of our nnual traditions The Legend of Sleepy i h ti ears, this fall favorite has or spooky laughs, ghostly fun, e under the autumn sky.

s embracing a renewed rs the most welcoming and asota. We’re working to rs, and open our doors wider here to watch, to audition, to u belong here.

keep going.

es across the country, we are llenges. But this is not a story of possibility. With your o be the community’s stage, a local families, and a place theatre lives.

Because Sarasota is stronger yone has a stage. Because we’re not just erformances we’re creating opportunities, es, second chances, and future artists.And hen theatres like ours disappear, so do the y lift up.

show moves you laugh, cry, applaud.Then ep the lights bright.

ude and hope,

ota Players Staff

TheLegendofSleepyHollow

CREATIVE TEAM WRITTEN BY AMANDA HEISEY

DIRECTORS

Caitlin and Jason Ellis

STAGE MANAGER

Kay Whipple

ASST. STAGE MANAGER

Greyson Kennedy

Sound Design

Josh Linderman

Costume Design

Jill Castle

Costume Shop Assistant

Val Rozon

Set Volunteers

Bill Rusling

Props

Logan Junkins, Brian Finnerty

Production Manager

Brian F Finnerty

Technical Director

Scott Schuster

Assistant Technical Director

Logan Junkins

Tech Associate

Steve Patmagrian

TheLegendofSleepyHollow

CAST

Ichabod Crane … Philip Troyer

Katrina Van Tassel … Brenna Griffith

Brom Bones … Merdoc Augsberger*

Yost … Seth Grayson*

Mrs. Van Tassel … Janne Ackerman*

Widow Van Doorn … Shawn Spears

Greta … Delilah Dolan*

Hilda … Leann Hanes*

Walter … Alex Teich*

The Woman in White … Laura Grieme

Captain Kidd … Carter Savitts*

Major Andre … Louis Valery

The Headless Horseman... Carmen Hanson

Understudies:

Katrina Van Tassel U/S … Leann Hanes*

Brom Bones U/S … Louis Valery

*Indicates Players Debut!

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welkomst! Kom! Kom binnen! One and all, to the 9th year of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow byThe Sarasota Players. Halloween is our favorite time of year, and we are elated to get the opportunity to join in on what has become an annual tradition in our area. When we were tackling this piece, we wanted to bring the fun and family vibes that we grew up on with entertainment such as The Haunted Mansion, Halloweentown, and Hocus Pocus.

Community theatre is the foundation of our relationship, and this particular show is the literal definition of community. Written byAmanda Heisey, a local and Players staff member, filled with a cast of locals (over half of whom are having their Players debut!), fed by local food trucks, hosted by the Sarasota Polo Grounds, and produced by a community theatre that has been operating in this city for 96 years. Our city is coming together tonight to make magic happen, and we are honored to share the fruits of our labor with you.

We hope you have a scary good time with your loved ones. Enjoy some good barbecue, beautiful weather, and our favorite - LIVETHEATRE!!!

Caitlin & Jason Ellis aka ‘Jaslin’ Directors

BIOS

Philip Troyer (Ichabod Crane) is excited to reprise the role of Ichabod Crane! A Sarasota native, you may have seen him play Abner Sedgewick (Superman the Musical), Professor Marvel (The Wizard of Oz), Juror #2 (12 Angry Jurors), Roy (The Odd Couple), Howard (Moon Over Buffalo), and many others! Philip would like to thank his girlfriend, Ashley, for her amazing support

Brenna Griffith (Katrina Van Tassel) is very excited to be reprising the role of Katrina for a 4th year! She was last seen as Meg March in Little Women at The Sarasota Players main stage. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love! Special thanks to her fiancée Phil for being supportive of her passions and an amazing father to their son Aidoneus. I love you <3

Merdoc Augsburger (Brom Bones) is excited to perform his first production with The Sarasota Players. He previously played in Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of The Prince of Egypt (Ramses) and The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow) along with various college shows such as SCF’s production of The Gondoliers (Giuseppe) Merdoc can be seen next at Indigo Theatrics production of Ordinary Days.

Seth Allan-Lewis Grayson (Yost Van Ripper) is a Sarasota born actor. His most recent roles were Lepine in Learned Ladies and MC in Accidental Dating; an entry in the short play competition in the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival this past August. This is his first appearance in a Sarasota Players production. He is thrilled to be in this show as he has familial ties to Kinderhook, NY; one of the inspirations for Washington Irving’s original short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Janne Ackerman (Mrs. Van Tassel) is making her first appearance on a Sarasota stage for the Sarasota Players. She would like to thank Jason and his staff for allowing me to fulfill one of my top ten bucket list items.

Shawn Marie (Widow Van Doorn) is titillated to tell the hair-raising tale of Always Amazing Amanda Heisey, Sleepy Hollow. You may have seen her singing to a pineapple as Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, wondering where the “Days” went as Helen in Fun Home or singing to the world that she’s the Greatest Star as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. Thank you, Players, for keeping this little girl’s dream alive. Now, all she wants to know from you is, “Do you believe in ghosts? Boo!!”

Delilah Dolan (Greta) has had a lot of fun working on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at The Players Studio. It is her first performance at the Players, but she has done acting in school and camp productions. In her free time she loves to write and binge her favorite shows. She wants to acknowledge her parents and brother for always being supportive of her endeavors.

Leann Hanes (Hilda) is ecstatic to be apart of her first production (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow). She strives to have a career in acting! She doesn’t have much experience in theatre, however she is currently taking acting classes, took four years of improv in high school and four years of dance. When she is not acting, you can catch her capturing photos, staring at the beautiful views of the sky and traveling whenever she gets the chance! Her motto in life is “Turn your dreams into reality.”

Alex Teich (Walter) is thrilled to make his debut as Walter with The Sarasota Players! He’s a high school junior at SCFCS, and has been in theater since he was very young. He’s played many iconic roles in his theater experience, such as Troy Bolton in High School Musical, and Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby. This is the best group he’s ever been a part of, and he’s awed by all the talent and camaraderie. “Thank you Jason, Caitlin, and everyone else at The Sarasota Players for making this possible!”

Laura Grieme (The Woman in White) is thrilled to be a part of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Favorite credits include: Shelby (Steel Magnolias), Becca (Rabbit Hole), and Tracy (Hairspray). “Huge thanks to Cait and Jason for giving me this opportunity. Much love to the cast and crew for a wonderful experience!” Catch her next in Dingbat Theatre Project’s Winnie the Pooh.

Carter Savitts (Captain Kidd) is excited to make their stage and Sarasota Players debut! He has been behind the scenes at several high school and college productions, and is thrilled to join as part of the cast Off the stage, he enjoys playing D&D, writing, and making music. Love to my friends, family, and Kay.

Louis Valery (Major Andre) is excited to return to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, especially with the chance to play a different character! This is Louis’s third production with The Players, having also performed in Twelfth Night. He has had so much fun working with the cast and crew to create a spook-tacular time to add to your enjoyment of this fall season. Enjoy the show!

PRODUCTION TEAM

Caitlin Ellis (Director) is beyond thrilled to be a part of this Sarasota Players tradition - and to Co-Direct for the first time with her favorite person on the planet! Previously, as a performer, she has been seen at the Players in Into the Woods (Cinderella), American Idiot (Whatsername), and Secret Garden (Martha). Love to my Meebs and Jimbo - and, of course, to Jas.

Jason Ellis (Director) is thrilled to co-direct his first show for The Sarasota Players with his brilliant and beautiful wife, Cait. Recently he has been seen performing on The Players stage as Emcee (Cabaret), The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince (Into the Woods), and Johnny (American Idiot). This year he joined The Sarasota Players as The Assistant Director of Operations and is excited to combine his passion for theatre with his career in business management. “All my love to Cait, Jimmy, and Mia–the best part of life.”

Kaitlyn Whipple (Stage Manager) or Kay as her friends and family call her, is the resident stage manager for Sleepy Hollow. This is her third and final year and she’s very excited to see everyone’s hard work pay off!

Greyson Kennedy (Asst. Stage Manager) Assistant stage manager on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow for three years running now, so proud to be a part of this show and getting to work with an amazing cast and directors.

Thank you to our incredible donors—your generosity fuels every spotlight, every story, and every standing ovation. Because of you, we’re able to inspire, entertain, and build community through the power of live theatre. We are deeply grateful for your continued support!

SEASON SPONSORS

SHOW SPONSORS

EAMERS

RENT

Dec. 3-14, 2025 (C)

JTF: INTO THE WOODS

Dec 12-13 (PS)

Dec. 12-13 (PS)

ANNIE

Jan. 7-18, 2026 (C)

Jan 7-18, 2026 (C)

THE LIGHTNING THIEF

Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2026 (C)

RABLES School Edition

arch 1, 2026 (C)

PETER PAN Jr.

March 12-15, 2026 (PS)

THE CRUCIBLE

March 25-April 5, 2026 (C)

March 25-April 5, 2026 (C) THE CRUCIBLE

10 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

April 10-12, 2026 (PS)

ASSASSINS

April 29 - May 10, 2026 (C)

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE

$10,000+

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

$5,000+

BENEFACTOR

$2,500+

SUSTAINER

$1,000+

ASSOCIATE

$500+

SEPT. 1, 2024 - SEPT. 1, 2025

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re able to continue our mission and keep our community connected through the power of live theatre. We’re deeply grateful for every contribution you make it all possible and worthwhile.

Sarasota County TDCA

Community Foundation of Sarasota County The Exchange

Barbara Johnson*

The Tesar Family

Purmort & Martin Insurance

Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation

Maureen Chesson

Gulfside Bank

Professional Benefits Inc

Cavanaugh & Co.,LLP

Mindy and Eric Sherbet

Jodie Hernandez

Leaf and Ange Wanless

Jorie Riesen

Barbara Bankoff

Music Compund

Jeffrey Carlson

Summer Grantham

William and Jennifer Skaggs

Bill and Sybil Porter

Phil Miglioratti

Mark Golub

Stanley Zielinski

Thomas and Ruth Skaggs

Luhrsen Goldberg, LLC

Kristi Demidio Chase and Mason Chase

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch

Sisterhood For Good

Sue Rupp and Josh Ingojo

Dr Jeffrey Hamblin and Mark-Alan

The Deline Chartiable Foundation

Sarasota Manatee Originals

Barbara Gerhardt

Madeleine Poole

Joseph Kaminsky

William Rusling and Elisabeth Trostli

Carly Toomey

Patrice and Roy Sommerhalter

David and Colleen Sanders

Sandra Henderson

Anonymous Andrea Bearcraft

Helping Hands Ministries

Mickey and Morgan Bernard

Barbara Gerhardt

Amy Gorman

CONTRIBUTOR $100+

Jon and Brenda Kleiber

Laurel Corriveau

Charles and Kathy Collums

Cheyenne and Griffin Holcombe

Willa Lewis

Thayer Greenberg

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

George Demidowich

Designing Women Boutique

Michael and Patricia Kane

Michael Grubbs and Tim Johnson

Andy and Maria Polansky

Kathy MacDonald

Kathryn Garmer-Shupe

Jim and Robin Sheldon

Wendy Roome

Cindy Maloney

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Donna Dial

Shawn Spears

Cheryl MacLauchlan

The Buch Family

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Terry Kozlowski

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Jan Sheldon

Robert and Lynda McGuire

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In honor of Steven Kalt and Robert Heeren

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Amy Dear

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In memory of Howard Millman

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Roberto Borgatti

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Maureen Maguire

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Elise Friedman Shapiro

Richard Walker

Lois and Rudy Lucek

Cristina Bickerstaff

Jennifer Archbold

Andrew Quirk

Bruce Kalt

Karen Harris

Robert Baer

Ellen Kramer

E James and Linda Morgan

Diane Weiss

Richard Lambert

Lynn Yamada

Denise and Don Bishop

Rod Pewitt

Jennifer Baker

Donors like you are the driving force behind everything we do. Your generosity uplifts local talent, and keeps the spirit of live theatre alive on the Cultural Coast. Because of you, we’re not just telling stories —we’re cultivating a vibrant, inclusive arts community where everyone has a place. Thank you for being part of our story.

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