Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training $7,500 Grant
By: Liz Cearns Sep. 27, 2016
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training today announced that it is the recipient of a $7,500 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This generous gift supports the Conservatory's Shakespeare in the Gardens: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, a new initiative presented in collaboration with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The final show of the Conservatory's 2016-17 season, the production will present Shakespeare's spirited and whimsical classic on the stunning grounds of Selby Gardens April 11 through 29. The grant is made possible by the Jarrett Family Fund at Gulf Coast.
Featuring the entire second-year graduate company of the Conservatory, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM tells the classic Shakespearean tale of four young lovers, five rude mechanicals, and an army of fairies and spirits who cross paths one magical night in a forest outside Athens. The most beloved of Shakespeare's plays, the story captures the essence of young-and not-so-young-love.
"There is no better match for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM than the glorious Selby Botanical Gardens," says Greg Leaming, Director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. "And there is no better way to see Shakespeare than in this kind of charming outdoor setting. It's a great educational opportunity for our students, a tremendous offering to the community of Sarasota, and a perfect way for two of this community's finest organizations - the Selby Gardens and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory - to collaborate."
Funding from the Jarrett Family Fund of Gulf Coast Community Foundation provides a substantial contribution to meet the expenses of presenting a high caliber Shakespeare production at an unconventional venue. The grant allows for the renting of additional equipment for the outdoor production, as well as increased maintenance to keep the grounds in prime condition during its use as a temporary theatre space.
"Martha and Jerry Jarrett were beloved Gulf Coast donors who cared deeply about their community and valued the arts as a vehicle for education," says Veronica Brady, senior vice president for philanthropy at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. "Their legacy lives on through grants like this one, which will allow more members of our community to experience innovative, high-quality arts."
ABOUT THE CONSERVATORY
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a celebrated three-year graduate program culminating in a master of fine arts degree. For more than 40 years, tens of thousands of actors from across the continent have auditioned for admission. A maximum of 12 students are admitted each year. In their second year, the students perform in the Cook Theatre, a 161-seat space designed to create an intimate experience for the audience and actors. Third-year students are seen on the Mertz Stage working with the Asolo Rep's professional actors in exciting and significant roles.
For more information, visit http://www.asolorep.org/conservatory/welcome.
TICKETS
Subscriptions for the complete 2016-17 FSU/Asolo Conservatory season can be purchased now by calling 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388, visiting www.asolorep.org, or visiting the Asolo Repertory Theatre Box Office, located at 5555 North Tamiami Trail in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Summer box office hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Single tickets for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and the entire 2016-17 season are now available for donors and subscribers and will go on sale to the public online on October 1 and at the box office and by phone on October 3.
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