Florida Studio Theatre Launches Kids Comedy Lab Today

Kids have the best laughs. When they think something is funny, you'll know it. That's why beginning today, April 4, FST Improv will now be performing a show for all ages, Kids Comedy Lab. These Saturday matinee performances begin at 2pm and are perfect for a great afternoon out with the kids. Doors open at 1pm. Tickets are $6 with free admission for kids 5 and under, making it affordable and fun to bring the whole family. Fruit roll-up and juice box will be provided. All tickets can be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Kids Comedy Lab: this improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every week based on your suggestion and your participation. The cast of FST Improv will perform scenes, make up songs and tell stories that will be appropriate for all ages. No two shows are alike! Best of all, those who want to jump on stage will have the chance to interact with us. Our show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. It's fun for the whole family.

What better way is there to bond than through laughter? Let's face it, growing up is tough on everyone, parents included. Kids Comedy Lab offers an entertaining and engaging afternoon for both youth and adults to have fun and laugh out loud. FST's Director of Improv, Will Luera speaks to the approach of this exciting and youthful brand of humor stating, "The FST Improv approach to our new family-friendly show is to borrow from the Pixar success formula - to create an experience that is accessible to children but enjoyable for audiences of all ages."

FST's Lead Children's Teaching Artist, Adam Ratner has experienced first-hand the benefits of Improvisation for the youth population. "Improv with kids creates a great opportunity for them to express themselves creatively. I find that once they become comfortable on stage, it's hard to get them off. It makes them comfortable in social situations, speaking in front of others standing up for themselves and often their humor is presented without a filter that we as adults impose on ourselves," said Ratner.

Bowne's Lab is a place where anything can happen and the laughter has no age limit. Children and their families can not only watch a fun and exciting show, but also engage and be a part of the comedy as it comes to life. It's not every day that kids and teens have the chance to hop on stage with professional actors and play. The Kids Comedy Lab cast includes: Christine Alexander, Chris Friday, Patrick A. Jackson, Joey James, Darryl Knapp, Emily Levin, Katelyn McKelley, Joey Panek, Angel Parker, Adam Ratner, Natasha Samreny, and Steve Turrisi.

Join in the laughter that begins on April 4 in Bowne's Lab, with the Kids Comedy Lab. These Saturday matinee performances begin at 2pm and are perfect for a great afternoon out with the kids. Doors open at 1pm. Tickets are $6 with free admission for kids 5 and under, making it affordable and fun to bring the whole family. Fruit roll-up and juice box will be provided. All tickets can be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman's Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne's Lab Theatre.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.