Bradley Akers (he/him) is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist and arts administrator based in Northeast Florida. Akers currently leads Players by the Sea Theatre as its Managing Director, facilitating strategic growth and expanding the organization’s mission through creative storytelling.From 2020 – 2023, Akers led The 5 & Dime Theatre Co. as its Managing Artistic Director, where he spearheaded the theatre’s return to production after the pandemic ceased operations. During his tenure with The 5 & Dime, Akers held a firm commitment to theatre for Jacksonville by Jacksonville by expanding programmatic opportunity through production, education, and outreach. Under his leadership, the theatre returned to production post-pandemic, established a residency at The Florida Ballet, facilitated a budgetary growth of over 200%, and created accessible opportunities to further break boundaries of creating and experiencing theatre.As a theatre artist, Akers has directed award-winning productions throughout Northeast Florida, including Assassins, Doubt, Chicago, Parade, The Thanksgiving Play, The Harvest, Fun Home, The Robber Bridegroom, Heathers the Musical, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, The Walls, ‘night, Mother, Into the Woods, The Last 5 Years, Almost, Maine, AIDA, Godspell, and Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. He also works as a scenic designer, lighting designer, sound designer, and stage manager.With a vested interest in and passion for theatre education, Akers taught Directing and Play Analysis in the Theatre Department at his alma mater, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts from 2021 – 2023. There, he encouraged, coached, and empowered advanced theatre students to unlock their full potential through ensemble-based and analytical workshopping.Akers is a born storyteller, coffee-addict, sweater-enthusiast, a dog dad, and a lover of kindness.