FST Premieres Apprentice Lab Project This Week

FST Acting Apprentices prepare to take center stage with the introduction of the Apprentice Lab Project. This inaugural performance project will take place in Bowne's Lab Theatre today and tomorrow, May 28 and 29 at 7:00pm. Showcasing the new works of up-and-coming performers, the Apprentice Lab Project is a culmination of the Acting Apprentices' experience at FST. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by calling the FST Box Office at (941)366-9000 or by visiting floridastudiotheatre.org.

Associate Artist and mentor to the Acting Apprentices, Jason Cannon, shares how the Apprentice Lab Project highlights the growth of the Acting Apprentices and advances FST's mission. "These young artists have been led through devising and writing prompts since last September, generating personal, original pieces of theatre that they will refine into final performances. The evening will be a collection of twelve brand new short plays, each written by, designed by, and starring our twelve outstanding Apprentices. This project comes directly out of FST's commitment to new work. It highlights the training, talent, and unique, individual voices of emerging artists who have been immersed in and critical to FST's culture and mission."

Nothing is off limits for the Acting Apprentices during this performance. Encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, the artists are stepping into uncharted territory - both artistically and personally.

Mike Manley, a first-year Acting Apprentice offers an inside look at his performance piece and the process behind it. "Inspired by the poetry of Paul Mariah, an influential writer during the Stonewall Era who spent time in prison for his gay activism, I began to create a one-man show in college called This Light Too Shall Spread. One of my goals is to tour prisons with this show and teach acting workshops that give prisoners a new, artistic means to explore themselves. During my time here at FST, I found a new direction. I will be presenting a section from my show for the Apprentice Lab Project and am excited to receive audience feedback."

The Apprentice Lab Project also offers a glimpse at the next generation of theatre professionals. "It gives us the opportunity to showcase whatever empowers us as an actor. Whether that is solo or scene work, dance, song, a new piece, or something created during our time here, this performance project is a release of whatever we desire it to be. It is a chance for our art to be seen by our colleagues and friends," adds Katelyn McKelley, a second-year acting apprentice.

Jason Cannon captures the essence of the Apprentice Lab Project, stating "This is an opportunity for them to share what they have learned with our audience, and also to exchange theatrical farewells with the community they have called home for the past season." The Apprentice Lab Project runs May 28 and 29 at 7:00pm in Bowne's Lab Theatre. Doors open at 6:00pm with a full menu and bar available. Tickets are now on sale for $10 and can be purchased by calling the FST Box Office at (941)366-000 or by visiting floridastudiotheatre.org.

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