At Florida Studio Theatre, it is our mission to make theatre affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. With that goal in mind, we have grown to become the largest subscription theatre in the state of Florida and among the largest in the country. Collectively, FST reaches over 225,000 attendees each year through its diverse programs. Over the years, our campus has spread to accommodate this ever-expanding audience. We have always grown only in response to a need.
Today we have a need. And FST’s Arts Plaza is our response.
FST's MULVA ARTS PLAZA
Florida Studio Theatre’s Arts Plaza will be a state-of-the-art, eleven-story building designed to meet a wide range of FST’s artistic needs and serve its robust and growing audience. Nestled amongst the theatre’s existing five theatre campus in downtown Sarasota, this necessary next step in FST’s story will take the theatre to new heights, while laying the groundwork for a strong future.
Arts Plaza Features
- A new Mainstage Theatre to allow for expansion of FST’s Mainstage and Stage III Series
- Two new Cabaret Theatres to accommodate audience demand for FST’s most popular programming
- 55 extended stay studio apartments for FST guest artists
- 30 units of affordable housing (each unit is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment) for year-round, local arts workers in Sarasota
- About 200 secure and convenient parking spaces
Put YOUR Name on FST's Future
Be part of FST's next exciting chapter. This new venture, this dream, this Arts Plaza, will thrive with your support.
Giving Levels:
• $500 recognized with a paver outside of the theatre
• $1,000 recognized with a seat plaque in the theatre
• $5,000 recognized on a permanent display in the theatre lobby
Naming opportunities are still available.
For more information, or to make your gift to FST's Arts Plaza, contact Melody Mora-Shihadeh at 941.366.9017 ext. 326 or [email protected].
"Over the years, Florida Studio Theatre has grown to become one of the largest and most successful regional theatres in the country. It is a unique jewel in the Sarasota arts scene, providing diverse, high quality, professional theatre at an affordable price. We are excited to be part of making FST’s plans for the future a reality."
- Patrick and Mary Mulva
"Since we moved here to Sarasota some 10 years ago, we have been impressed with the many professional performances at FST. Richard and Rebecca do a marvelous job with their theaters. We are especially fond of the cabarets, and that is why we sponsored the Maier Cabaret."
- Ed and Susan Maier
"We love to continue supporting FST as it expands its presence in the community, because it continuously presents great theater, engages people, creates community, and promotes education and cultural awareness. FST is a vital asset of Sarasota and the surrounding communities, and we want our name to always be connect to this."
- Jack and Priscilla Schlegel
"We feel privileged to be able to participate in FST's expansion. Richard Hopkins has built an amazing and vibrant community of theater artists over the years and continues to create new venues to honor their craft. As donors, we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. We hope that our gift will inspire others to ensure the future of FST in bringing world class theater to the very heart of Sarasota."
- Anonymous
"I'm excited to support the Artists Plaza Project and its elements of artists' housing, parking and new theater spaces. Florida Studio Theatre is such a jewel in the community, producing excellent, often inspiring, theater and making it available to all. This new building will enhance their wonderful children's theater outreach program, provide housing for artists and parking for patrons. It's an exciting new era for Florida Studio Theatre."
- Carol B. Williams
"The Artists Plaza Project cements FST in the Parthenon of regional theaters. Bravo to the leadership and staff for taking this bold move. We are proud to be a small part of it."
- Wendy and Bob Grady
"We are honored to participate in the growth of FST that will soon offer an even greater array of fabulous entertainment for the benefit and enjoyment of our wonderful community."
- Michelle & Jonathan Mitchell
"We are proud to be able to support FST’s new expansion and The Arts Plaza. The work done at FST is always innovative, unique & enjoyable. We want to recognize the talents of the artists and also the work of Richard & Rebecca Hopkins and their staff. Our contribution exemplifies this."
- Larry & Joan Castellani
"The Artists Plaza Project represents the latest triumph for Florida Studio Theater to remain among the leading cultural institutions in Sarasota. Combining affordable housing for those working in the arts with additional performance venues is remarkably creative. We remain totally supportive of this shining light of our community."
- Robert and Bonny Israeloff
"Out of love for FST, I know I won't be here forever, but I know my name and support will."
- Sydney Goldstein
"The Artists Plaza will be yet another wondrous jewel in FST's already magnificent crown."
-Gaele Barthold
"My late husband Bill loved Florida Studio Theatre and I wanted to commemorate his appreciation of the joy it brought to him."
- Patricia Kordis
