Hailing from Florida and growing up in Jacksonville, storyteller Linda Altman has been drawn to various forms of art such as painting, journaling, pottery, ceramics, photography, beading, design, theatre, and creative writing. She finds joy in teaching/helping others find peace and strength through yoga and meditation. She has a passion for travel and drumming. She is a resident of Neptune Beach and has two rescue pups.

Musical Curator/Storyteller Fenton Reese, also known as “Reese The Poet,” is an inspirational speaker, slam poet, Music Producer and Composer. The Marine Corps Veteran has a heart for helping listeners find strength, peace, and conviction through vivid, storytelling, art, and music. Reese has dedicated his life to mission, ministry, and purpose. And that Mission is to make art that moves people.

Storyteller Augustus Wolfe Barnas is a multi-disciplinary artist pursuing job stability and happiness. He spends much of his time bartending on Main and Forsyth, making amazing cocktails for bankers. Whenever he is off work, he writes music with the band Nine Thousand Dog Attack/Wet Embarrassment. These projects explore the depth of hardcore and the joy of living.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Melanye Rodriguez moved to Jacksonville at the age of 9. Creativity has always been a part of her life, leading her to attend LaVilla Middle School and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for visual arts. She enjoys working with her hands, which eventually inspired the creation of Hands on Healing, her clinical massage practice in Mandarin. At Hands on Healing, she blends relaxation techniques, clinical bodywork, and energetic healing to offer a holistic approach to well-being. Growing up shy and anxious, she discovered comfort and personal growth through exploring spiritual and holistic practices.  She is a former winner of Barbara Colaciello’s story slams.  That moment was life-changing for Melanye leading her to further explore storytelling through Babs' improv classes and joining a supportive artistic community in Jacksonville. Her goal in life is to rediscover and share the magic in our world—the magic of whimsy, love, lightness, and a deep appreciation for both the struggles and the victories.

A native Romanian, Madalina Tanase moved to the US in 2001 in pursuit of a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. In 2003, she enrolled in the PhD program in Teacher Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Madalina currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Since 2008, she has been teaching education classes and conducting research at the University of North Florida. She is the author of Why do good girls cry?, a powerful memoir that chronicles the challenges she faced and the resilience she discovered in overcoming them.

John Chappelear has had a remarkable career spanning over 45 years, making a significant impact in wellness, organizational culture, and communication. His book, "The Daily Six," has reached a global audience, available in various formats and languages. John's entrepreneurial achievements are notable, having founded and expanded several companies in the Washington, DC area. His business acumen and recognition from President Reagan underscore his community influence.

Besides being a successful entrepreneur, John has been a rodeo clown, ballerina, and test pilot. 

The Yates Building Garage is the preferred parking facility of the Florida Theatre. The Yates garage is visible across the Forsyth and Newnan Streets intersection from the Florida Theatre, but the garage entrance is behind the building at 200 East Adams Street. (Drive past the theatre on your right, across Newnan Street, past the Yates Building on your left, make a left on North Market Street and a left on Adams Street.) The Yates Garage is well lighted, staffed, monitored by security cameras, and is just $5 per car.