The GUTFest Team
Matthew Bratko brings his academic training as a student of theatre and performance studies and political science at UC Berkeley and his graduate-level training as an Acting MFA student at the University of Florida to bear on his history as a producer and activist. His deployment of Judith Butler and Richard Schechner’s theories of the importance of performance to identification and understanding heavily influenced the creation of GUTFest.
Tyler Francischine serves as director of marketing and communications for GUTFest. A lifelong observer of the human condition, Tyler writes for various outlets around town, including The Gainesville Sun, Gainesville Magazine, The Fine Print and UF Health Communications. She's also an event planner, hosting the Bey Day dance party at the Atlantic each September. Her mission is to help make Gainesville a destination for the arts any way she can.
Natasha Home currently works as a multi-disciplinary artist, sound-engineer and event organizer in Gainesville, Florida. With Elestial Sound, she recently coordinated GAZE: a music, art and film festival celebrating women-identified, non-binary, trans feminine, trans and cis women creatives and organizers. Home has worked in many venues as a DJ, audio engineer and performer, and she continues to love organizing and contributing to community events.
Dominic Henry was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. Moving around and gaining experience in the business world, Dominic has managed local and corporate businesses until moving to Gainesville, Florida. Now spending time as an active community member, and working in the service industry, he is working as the Associate Director for The Gainesville Underground Festival and Event Coordinating for the 10th season of Gainesville Fashion Week. Actively aspiring to fully move into the world of event coordination, Dominic connects with the community of Gainesville, socially and professionally networking. In his free time he spends times with his close friends including his Siberian Husky, Demetrius.
David Thomas has lived in Gainesville for over 10 years. As Director of Operations for the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office, he's an engaged, active member of the community. In his role as artist liaison for GUTFest, he is working to bring a variety of performances from a broad range of artistic mediums. David hopes to facilitate a unique experience for audiences that will leave them excited for next year.