ABET is a not-for-profit theatre, registered with the State of Florida as a tax exempt charitable organization #CH14275. We receive generous grants and support from: City of Jacksonville, Community Foundation in Jacksonville, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Tom and Jean Nehl Fund of The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, The Robin Shepherd Group… and many other donors and subscribers. The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
ABET’s HISTORY
Carson Merry Baillie and three of her drama workshop graduates founded ABET (then Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre) to bring more original scripts and challenging plays and musicals to the Jacksonville area. Carson skillfully and enthusiastically guided the theatre’s growth during our first 13 years. ABET gained a reputation for high-quality productions, including many new plays, some by local playwrights; Broadway productions in their local premieres; revivals; and classics.
Barbara Evans was Managing Artistic Director for the next two years, carrying on our fine tradition.
Celia Frank served as Managing Artistic Director from 2007 until she retired on June 1, 2021, when Lee Hamby assumed the role of Managing Artistic Director.
In the spring of 2018, ABET moved from Atlantic Beach to Neptune Beach, and changed the full name of the theatre to All Beaches Experimental Theatre.
In October 2024, Jason Woods was asked to join as Consulting Artistic Director and Strategist.
STAFF
Consulting Artistic Director and Strategist: Jason Woods LEE HAMBY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Meganne Johnson
Vice President: George Kruer
Secretary: Pam Quincy
Treasurer: Alan Gleit
Destiny Golden
Raines Carr
Adele Vespa