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.
Performing Arts Coordinator
Ellie Haenick
elliehaenick@aetherealjest.com
Ellie Haenick is thrilled to be a part of the staff of Aethereal Jest Arts Council as Performing Arts Coordinator. She has worked with several theater companies in Ohio, though has only lived in the Columbus area since June of 2023. Before moving here, Ellie lived in and did theater in the Detroit, Michigan area.
When she is not working with Aethereal Jest and other local community theaters, Ellie is a full-time student at Columbus College of Art and Design dual majoring in Animation and Game Design. Other hobbies include drawing, horseback riding, and solving Rubik’s cubes competitively. She also loves spending time with friends and family!
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.
Scenic Coordinator
Travis Williams
traviswilliams@aetherealjest.com
Travis is a professional artist and educator who specializes in scenic design. In addition to designing and coordinating scenery for Aetherial Jest Arts Council, he teaches theatre and stagecraft at Columbus State Community College, and is active in Columbus' local theatre scene.
Travis earned his Associate of Arts from Columbus State, his Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University, and his Masters of Fine Arts from Kent State University. He loves drawing, painting, and building.
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!
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.