Florida Studio Theatre

==Florida Studio Theatre== Florida Studio Theatre (FST), located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, Florida, is a professional, non-profit theatre recognized for its contemporary performances and dedication to new play development. Founded in 1973, FST has evolved into a cultural beacon with a significant presence in the regional theatre scene of the United States. ===History=== The theatre's journey began with a modest subscriber base and has since flourished under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, who took the helm in 1980. The establishment of the Mainstage series marked the beginning of FST's ascent to prominence, with its subscriber numbers growing to make it the largest subscription theatre in Florida and one of the largest in the country. Throughout its history, FST has remained true to its founding principles, focusing on the creation and presentation of contemporary theatre. ===Programming=== FST's programming reflects its mission to present theatre that speaks to a dynamically changing world. The theatre's offerings include: * '''Mainstage Series''': FST's flagship program, which features contemporary plays and musicals, including world and regional premieres. * '''Cabaret Series''': Launched in 1996, this series has become a staple of FST's artistic endeavors, creating original music revues and celebrating lyric poets from various genres. * '''Stage III Series''': Dedicated to adventurous theatre-goers, this series presents plays that are challenging in content and unique in form. * '''Children's Theatre''': Comprising the WRITE A PLAY program in schools and weekend series on campus, FST fosters creativity and education for young audiences. * '''FST Improv''': A robust, year-round program offering a variety of improvisational comedy performances and hosting the annual Sarasota Improv Festival. * '''New Play Development''': At the core of FST's artistic philosophy, this initiative nurtures and develops new works, with over 3,500 submissions reviewed annually. ===Education=== The Florida Studio Theatre School, established in 1982, provides a range of classes for individuals of all ages and experience levels. The school emphasizes acting methods, stage technique, and literary skills, and it accommodates students with special needs through the VIP program. FST's commitment to accessibility and affordability extends to its Scholarship Program, which aids in offsetting enrollment costs for students. ===Community Engagement=== FST's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access is a cornerstone of its operations. The theatre actively works to create an environment where diverse identities and ideas are celebrated and embraced. Through its various programs and initiatives, FST seeks to engage the community and make the arts accessible to a wide audience. ===Facilities=== The theatre complex, often referred to as a village, includes five intimate performance spaces that allow for engaging and high-quality productions. This setup ensures that audiences have a personal and impactful theatre experience. ===Outreach and Support=== Florida Studio Theatre actively encourages community support through various channels, including donations, volunteering, and corporate sponsorships. The theatre's partnerships and fundraising events are crucial in maintaining its status as a leading regional theatre and in continuing to offer diverse and innovative programming. In summary, Florida Studio Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring power of contemporary theatre and its ability to reflect and challenge society. With a rich history of artistic excellence and community involvement, FST continues to be a place where "the street meets the elite," welcoming all to participate in the vibrant world of theatre. [[Category:Theatres in Florida]] [[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Florida]] [[Category:Arts organizations established in 1973]]