Join the Journey!
FST's New Arts Plaza
November 15, 2024
Florida Studio Theatre is excited to announce that we are moving ever closer to breaking ground on the new FST McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, located adjacent to the Hegner Theatre Wing. This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward for our theatre, and we’re reaching out to our vibrant and dedicated patron base — cultivated over the last 51 years — for support. Thankfully, it’s not too late for you to contribute and help us stay on track to break ground in December 2024.
We’re thrilled to share that Ed and Susan Maier have issued a challenge to create the “McGillicuddy Circle of Friends,” with the aim of naming the new plaza after Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy. The Maiers' generous initial donation has kickstarted this fund, and every additional gift will be matched by the Maiers, effectively doubling the impact of your contribution.
Currently, the fund stands at an impressive $7.4 million, including the match. In addition, every donation made to the gift challenge will be recognized in the circle of friends display in the lobby of the new theatre building.
This challenge gift propels us forward with Phase 1 of the FST McGillicuddy Arts Plaza construction, which encompasses the new eight-story building, along with the opening of both the parking garage and three stories of artist residences.
Reflecting on our past, the last time FST undertook such an expansion was in 2012 with the Hegner Theatre Wing. That project introduced a full-service restaurant and bar—the Green Room Café—increased the Gompertz Theatre’s seating capacity, added a cabaret and lab theatre, and most notably improved restroom facilities and accessibility.
The expansion was met with enthusiasm from both audiences and city officials. Mayor Suzanne Atwell praised the initiative, stating, “This is a glorious enhancement. You are a critical component to an ever-emerging and dynamic downtown. You’re a positive, vital change agent in this community. [This expansion] is terribly exciting and a testament to your reputation in the community.” This progress would not have been possible without the generous support of individuals like Richard and Betty Hegner and Georgia Court. We hope that with contributions from our current friends and patrons, this newest addition to FST’s campus will be just as impactful for all who cherish our theatre.
Now, as FST looks to the future, affordable workforce housing remains one of our top priorities for the FST McGillicuddy Arts Plaza. Rising costs in Sarasota County have made this need more urgent than ever. The arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of our region, representing the fifth largest industry, and supporting more than 6,300 jobs in Sarasota and Manatee counties as of 2022. As FST’s Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins notes, “Affordable housing for our arts workers has become a crisis, and this project is working to be part of the solution.”
This historic project is driven by the passion of our supporters and the belief that arts and culture should thrive without financial barriers. We invite our friends, patrons, and the Sarasota community to join us in this vital effort and help make the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza a legacy for generations to come. Together, we can shape a vibrant future for FST and Sarasota’s creative community.
Together, we can shape a vibrant future for FST and Sarasota’s creative community. Each contribution brings us closer to making the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Ways to Support
Join us in bringing this exciting project to life by contributing to the McGillicuddy Circle of Friends. Here are several ways you can help make an impact:
1. Outright Gift: Make an immediate contribution or pledge to help fund this transformative project.
2. Recurring Gift: Set up monthly or annual installments to make your support manageable over time.
3. Donor-Advised Fund: Donate through your fund and help double the impact with the Maiers’ match.
4. Legacy Gift: Leave a lasting impact by including FST in your estate plans.