James Faurote
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Born and raised in Tampa, FL, Mr. James studied English at the University of South Florida. Since then he has directed and acted at the professional and community level for the past 20 years.
Having previously worked in consulting and other corporate jobs before he jumped at the chance to become the Director of Center Stage in October 2018.
Jessica Burchfield
Director of Operations
Jessica Burchfield is an award-winning playwright, director, theatre educator, and photographer with nearly 20 years of experience leading educational and community theatre programs. Throughout her career, she has directed dozens of productions, written original plays and musicals, published articles in both online and print publications, and built arts programs centered on collaboration, creativity, and excellence. Known for her organizational leadership, clear communication, and ability to bring people together around a shared vision, Jessica is passionate about creating systems that empower artists, support families, and help organizations thrive. As Director of Operations, she is honored to join Center Stage Youth Theatre and looks forward to helping create exceptional experiences for students, families, staff, and volunteers while supporting the organization's exciting future.
Kaleigh Sturgill
Lead Stage Manager
Kaleigh is an award-winning student stage manager with over four years of experience in theatre, beginning in seventh grade. She has served as the Stage Manager for over 30 productions, guiding each production from rehearsal through performance with organization, communication, and attention to detail. Her work in technical theatre has earned her recognition as a Tech All-Star at the Junior Theater Festival and an All-Star Tech honoree at the New York Theatre Experience. In addition to her stage management experience, she previously served as Technical Director of the River Ridge High School Theatre Troupe, and will serve as Secretary in the upcoming year. Dedicated to supporting both the artistic and technical sides of theatre, Kaleigh strives to help every production run smoothly while fostering a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved.