Florida Studio Theatre to Host 50s Shindig This Winter

Florida Studio Theatre hosts a Fifties Shindig on February 27 to celebrate the artistic home that has been cultivated over the last four decades at FST. This retro evening full of fun, will start with a 50s themed cocktail party and pre-show entertainment. This will be followed by a special one-time only show in the Gompertz Theatre featuring favorite performers from FST. The night concludes with dinner in the Court Cabaret and Bowne's Lab Theatre.

Tickets are $250 per person with proceeds supporting the ongoing work of FST. To reserve a seat, call Steve Turrisi, Development Associate at (941)-366-0932.

Managing Director, Rebecca Hopkins speaks to the importance of bringing together the many faces of FST in one place known to so many each year as their true artistic home. "This is a night to celebrate all those that make it a reality for FST to continue creating art that is accessible and affordable to as many people as possible. It really does take a village of people to make our village of theatres run - from the behind the scenes crews, to the costumers, to the actors, to the designers, to the donors, and to so many more. I am looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces as we honor where we came from, where we are, and where we hope to go."

During the Shindig, FST will present the prestigious Spelman Award. Named in honor of Florida Studio Theatre's founding Artistic Director, Jon Spelman, the Spelman Award has been presented to an individual or a corporate sponsor who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by providing FST with spiritual, financial, and/or in-kind support.

Chairing the Shindig is long-time FST supporter, Marie Kropp. Kropp has collaborated on many FST events over the years including the charming Bags and Baubles luncheon and last year's groovy Sixties Shindig. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, this event will feature the presentation of The Spelman Award, live entertainment, and a seated dinner. Tickets are $250 per person with proceeds supporting the ongoing work of FST. To reserve a seat, call Steve Turrisi, Development Associate at (941)-366-0932.

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 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.

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