Staff
Executive Director
Brian A. Palmer
brianpalmer@aetherealjest.com
Brian is a creator who strives to increase community engagement with the arts by creating spaces and platforms for other artists to share their talents. He believes that a passion for the arts is more important than having natural talent in the arts.
He has been an active member in the Columbus theatre community since 2012 in a number of capacities including directing, stage managing, costume design, and performing. Currently Brian is working toward building an environment that aims to support artists both in their creative pursuits as well as their social networks.
Brian holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in English from The Ohio State University. When he is not focused on one artistic endeavor or another, Brian enjoys spending time with his husband and two dogs.
Managing Director
Shana French
shanafrench@aetherealjest.com
Shana is the MAnaging Director for Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She has performed volunteer work at several organizations around central Ohio and aims to help Aethereal Jest flourish.
In the past she has volunteered with Pickerington Community Theatre, Worthington Community Theatre, the Reynoldsburg Community Association, the Reynoldsburg Board of Education, and Rosehill Elementary PTO.
Shana was previously cast in The Lottery and Rome is Where the Heart Is from Community Theatre Triple Feature - Volume One and All the World's a Stage with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She loves performing for local community theater and spending time with her family and dogs.
Technical Director
Ivory Mazur
ivorymazur@aetherealjest.com
Throughout his career, Ivory has had the privilege of working in various roles and has built a strong foundation in the theater industry. Here are some highlights of his journey:
As a touring actor for Cincinnati Children's Theater, Ivory had the incredible opportunity to bring joy and entertainment to young audiences across different communities. This experience allowed him to develop his skills in acting, improvisation, and connecting with diverse audiences.
Serving as the Resident Director for New Richmond's Inaugural Season, Ivory had the honor of working closely with a talented team of actors, designers, and crew members. This position provided him with a platform to showcase his vision, collaborate on innovative productions, and create memorable theatrical experiences for the community.
In his role as the Technical Director for Milford High School, Ivory was responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of productions, including set design, lighting, sound, and stage management. This position allowed him to utilize his technical expertise and organizational skills to bring productions to life and create immersive theatrical environments.
These are just a few highlights from his 36 years of experience in the theater industry. Ivory is deeply passionate about the art of theater and has dedicated his career to bringing stories to life on stage. Ivory believes that theater has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, and he is excited to continue his journey in the world of Aethereal Jest.
Technology Coordinator
Jordan Sauer
jordansauer@aetherealjest.com
Jordan serves as the Technology Coordinator for Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She has been working with a variety of theater technology in Columbus since 2021, but is proud to call Aethereal Jest her home. She planted roots in Columbus in 2018, but has prior experience with technology in a variety of theaters over the years.
Jordan has worked in technology and operations for many years outside of theater, and is always looking for new and inventive methods to provide the best final results possible. When not working on theatrical projects, her hobbies include photography and spending time with her family and friends.
Properties Coordinator
Jaimee Levitt
jaimeelevitt@aetherealjest.com
Jaimee is the Properties Designer for Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She is so happy to call Aethereal Jest home and is excited for the future of this amazing group. Jaimee has worked with many theaters in Central Ohio including Westerville Civic Theater, Worthington Community Theater, King Avenue Players, Curtain Players as well as several local school theater programs.
When she isn’t making or hunting for props she enjoys dancing around her house with her kid, Phoebe, and playing with their dogs and hedgehogs!
Costume Coordinator
Amy Sparks
Social Media Representative
Anna is the Social Media Representative at Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She manages social media marketing for the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, managing Downtown Columbus and Columbus Commons brands, working intentionally to market people, places and projects in a consumable way that promotes excitement and a sense of community. With her knowledge of the Columbus landscape and belief in AJACs mission, she relishes the opportunity to share AJAC's work with the city.
Anna graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Business (Economics) and Public Policy Analysis, and she has called Columbus home ever since. When she's not switching between media accounts, Anna is active in the Columbus running community and is a performer herself.
General Staff
Mckenna Willis
mckennawillis@aetherealjest.com
McKenna is a General Staff Member for Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She is honored to be a part of Aethereal Jest and work to help it grow. She has worked with several theatre groups in both Ohio and California but has found her home with Aethereal Jest. She is relatively new to the Columbus theatre community having moved to the area in 2018, but has always felt welcomed by every group she's worked with.
With a B.A. in theatre from The Ohio State University, she will be merging her experiences both on and off stage to ensure all aspects of Aethereal Jest's productions are accounted for. She believes theatre is a place where people from every background can thrive together and create something beautiful.
When not working on creative endeavors, McKenna spends her time reading, sewing, and helping to maintain a 200 year old tavern.