THE LAMB

Esther Olivo was born and raised in New Haven, CT. Esther has a BFA in Musical Theater from Jacksonville University. She was last seen as Marela in Anna in the Tropics (Orlando Shakes). Some of his favorite credits include: Esmeralda in Hunchback of Notre Dame (Osceola Arts), Lupita in Luchadora (Orlando Family Stage), Maria in Sound of Music (St. Luke’s Theater), and Luciana’s U/S in Comedy of Errors (Orlando Shakes). Most recently, Esther has been spending her days alongside her lovely cast in Celebración Encanto at Epcot in Disney World. Instagram @esther.olivo01

Desteney has been a performer for over a decade in the Central Florida area. Having graduated from the Osceola County School for the Arts in 2014, she enjoys stepping into characters that are challenging but bring out an inner beauty in human connection. After a bit of a hiatus, Desteney returned to the Central Florida stage at the 2022 Orlando International Fringe Festival as "Tecmessa" in Project no.19's production of AJAX. She then toured with P19's production of I Love Liz, as "Connie," which was performed at both the Renaissance Theatre Company and at the Tampa International Fringe Festival. She is excited to return to Whiskey Theatre Factory since her last performance as "Linda" in Asopao (part of WTF's "Still on Zoom") and honored to bring both her Latina heritage and passion for theatre to the stage again.

Jonathan Gardon is an independent artist who is currently a high school theatre teacher here in Central Florida. His favorite credits include “Laughs in Spanish” (Juan), Metamorphoses (Phaeton and others), and The Cherry Orchard (Firs). He has also performed at theme parks and done tech for local productions. He says hi to his family, friends, and partner!

Jewels was classically trained by Gillian Cura and continued on to attend Doral Academy for the Performing Arts, as part of the choir program. She studied Theatre at Florida International University, as well as performed with the Roxy Theatre Group, gaining both onstage and backstage experience. In recent years, Jewels has been involved in several readings, productions, and 3 years of Play-in-a-Day. They are constantly chasing the next opportunity that allows them to learn and grow, while being passionate about collaboratively creating more art in a world that threatens to silence it.

Anthony Michael Irizarry is a producer/screenwriter and actor known for his darkly brooding and hilarious on-stage and on-screen presence in the following: Caleb/Demoniac (The Chosen), Mr. Martinez (PBS' Alma's Way), Robbin (Firelight), Ricky Roma (Glengarry Glenn Ross), Amir (Disgraced), Gooper (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Carlos (Red Eyes), Gary Lawson (Crossing Lethe), Terrence (Hurry up and Wait), Dan (The Game), Miles (Schematics), and many others. His combination of talent and range has earned him a breadth of experience in both theatre and film, distinguishing himself in dramas and dark comedies.

Miguel Antonio is a passionate and versatile performer with a background in musical theatre, immersive entertainment, and live performance with a deep commitment to storytelling and audience engagement. With training in Musical Theatre from Florida School of the Arts and the University of West Florida, he has developed a strong foundation in performance, with credits including Enrique Villegas in Milk at Renaissance Theatre Company and Ralph/Transylvanian in The Rocky Horror Show. Additionally, my experience in immersive entertainment—such as my role as the Gargoyle in Halloween Horror Nights 34—has strengthened my ability to create compelling, interactive performances in dynamic settings. Whether bringing energy to an ensemble or depth to a lead role, Miguel Antonio approaches every project with professionalism, creativity, and dedication.

Jena graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BA in Theatre Studies and a minor in music. She’s worked as a stage manager, director, playwright, actor and other roles throughout her career. Since she graduated, she has interned at Orlando Shakes and Florida Studio Theatre and currently works with Jobsite Theater as a Producing Associate. Jena is also an affiliated artist of the National New Play Network and currently works full time with Orlando Shakes. In addition, she still writes plays when she can, and her works can be found on the NewPlayExchange.org. Currently she’ll be playing Ori in Whiskey Theatre Factory’s upcoming production of Slaymaker. Favorite credits include Everyone’s Fine with Virginia Woolf (Honey) and PUFFS (Megan) at Theatre South Playhouse.

Alexia is a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in Political Science. As such, she sees everything in the world as inherently political, and her work stays true to that reality. Her writing lives at the intersection between politics, relationships, power, and consequences. She explores what happens when people stay complicit and silent, and what happens to those who step out of line against the system. As an immigrant, the faults of the system is a close lived reality, and it informs the way she writes about power dynamics.

Liz Bernstein is a Florida local and a learning and development professional.  She's been a part of Whiskey Theatre Factory since our very first production and has loved seeing our work grow and change. Most recently,  she co-directed Here & Queer, and supported many Plays in Progress as both actor and Dramaturg. As Dramaturg for this play, Liz is committed to helping Alexia develop and express this important story. Liz hopes you will walk away from this play more compassionate and curious. 

The Lamb is actually Max’s second time working as a Stage Manager. The first was also with a Whiskey Theatre Factory production, which was The Saints of West Orange County at the 2024 Orlando International Fringe Festival. While now serving as WTF’s Artistic Director, Max is thrilled to be able to be so hands-on with the art and artists of this amazing local company and is so grateful to learn from the amazing femme Stage Managers he is surrounded with in WTF’s board and network of artists. He hopes to see you at our future Artist Salons and productions!