Florida Studio Theatre Hosts FAMILY DAY on 9/2

Three of Sarasota's lead cultural organizations are joining forces this Labor Day weekend to present the first-ever FAMILY DAY Celebration. Combining arts exploration, education, and workshops, this special event provides youth and adults alike with a free and fun-filled day of arts and educational programs for the whole family.

"We are so excited to partner with Selby Gardens and Sarasota Opera on this special family day event," said Caroline Kaiser, Director of Children's Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre. "Family Day will take experiencing downtown Sarasota to a new level with families participating in hands-on activities and games offered by all three organizations. In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, it is refreshing to just take an hour or two to spend time together as a family and, make lasting memories. "

Participants will make their on-stage debuts with Florida Studio Theatre, go on an interactive safari with Selby Gardens, and discover their opera voices with Sarasota Opera.

Florida Studio Theatre Workshop:

Do you or your child have a flair for the dramatic? Then join Florida Studio Theatre's Director of Education, Christine Hopkins, and Director of Children's Theatre, Caroline Kaiser, for an acting workshop for the whole family! This workshop will include games, improvisation, and a special sneak peek behind the scenes of our brand new children's theatre show Robin Hood.

Selby Gardens Workshop:

What is a rainforest? What kinds of plants and animals live there? Join Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Manager of School and Family Programs, Tracy Calla, as we safari through the sights and sounds of the rainforest, and create our own rainforest symphony!

Sarasota Opera Workshop:

Sing Like an Opera Singer - Though opera may sound scary or weird, we are here to show you that anyone can sing like an opera diva (or divo for the guys) with a few tips. With the help of Youth Opera music director Jesse Martins and assistant George Hemcher, we will have you singing with your "opera voice" in no time (horned helmet and spear not required).

FAMILY DAY Schedule:

10:00am Selby Gardens (Hegner Back Deck)

10:30am Sarasota Opera (Goldstein Cabaret)

11:00am Florida Studio Theatre (Keating Theatre)

11:30am Selby Gardens (Hegner Back Deck)

12:00pm Sarasota Opera (Goldstein Cabaret)

12:30pm FST (Keating Theatre)

Family Day is FREE to attend. RSVP is requested by not required. To RSVP email ckaiser@floridastudiotheatre.org with your name and number of people attending.

ABOUT FLORIDA Studio Theatre

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Artist, 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 Producing Artistic Director 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.

ABOUT MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

Originally the home of William and Marie Selby, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens today is an urban, bayfront oasis showcasing a living collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants. The Gardens is also a respected world leader in the study and conservation of plants, particularly epiphytes-plants adapted to live in the tree canopy, including orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns.

The more we know, the better we understand the importance of plant preservation and habitat conservation. Since 1973, scientists from Selby Gardens have ventured into some of the world's wildest places to identify, study, collect and learn from these resourceful, remarkable plants. As a result, we've developed a rich body of knowledge to share with present and future generations.

Just as Selby Gardens is a respected center for research and education, it is famous horticultural showplace that delights more than 130,000 visitors annually. Visitors come to relax, learn, explore and experience the living collection of tropical plants and programs available 364 days a year.

Since 1984, Sarasota Youth Opera has given young people age eight and up the chance to experience opera first hand through after-school choruses, Sarasota Opera's mainstage productions, summer camps, and fully staged Youth Opera productions. As the only program in the U.S. committed to presenting annual full-scale opera productions for young voices, SYO is a national model for opera exploration. SYO accepts all who wish to participate regardless of skill level, prior experience, or ability to pay.

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