Florida Studio Theatre Announces Annual Fundraising Event

Florida Studio Theatre Announces Annual Fundraising Event: “Oh, What A Night!” Shindig 2025

(Sarasota, FL) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to announce its annual fundraising event, The Shindig, taking place on Monday, March 10, 2025, at FST’s Hegner Theatre Wing. This year’s theme, Oh What a Night!, draws inspiration from the upcoming spring musical Jersey Boys and promises an evening filled with entertainment, community spirit, and support for the theatre’s expansion project, the FST Arts Plaza.

The event will be chaired by Anita DeVine, a longtime FST subscriber and 2024 Co-Producer. “I have been attending the Shindigs for over a decade,” said DeVine. “The event brings together theatre lovers, performers, and staff to celebrate FST. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to chair this year, and work with the staff to create a truly memorable event.”

The Shindig: Oh What a Night! will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a lively cocktail reception in FST’s Hegner Theatre Wing. Guests will then move to FST’s Gompertz Theatre for exclusive live performances by FST’s talented artists, showcasing the creativity and energy that define the theatre. The evening will conclude with a seated dinner catered by Michael’s On East.

This year’s event is generously supported by Gulf Coast Community Foundation as the lead sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities include:

• “Who Loves You” – $5,000 (includes six tickets)
• “My Eyes Adore You” – $2,500 (includes two tickets)
• “Working My Way Back to You” – $1,000 (donation only).

Individual tickets are available for $350 per person.

The evening will also feature the presentation of the Spelman Award, honoring a foundation or individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through mentorship, service, or philanthropic support. This award highlights the incredible contributions that make FST’s affordable and accessible programming possible for over 225,000 attendees each year.

To reserve tickets or become a sponsor for this unforgettable evening, contact Kristin Hartnett, Development Associate, at KHartnett@FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9017 ext. 316.

About Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is Sarasota’s contemporary theatre. Founded in 1973, FST has grown to a village of five theatres located in the heart of Downtown, Sarasota. Each theatre is small in size and large in impact— providing intimate and engaging settings for high-quality, professional performances.

Today, FST has established itself as a major force in American Theatre. FST is the largest subscription theatre in the state of Florida and among the largest in the country, serving more than 230,000 live attendees each year across its diverse programs: Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, The FST School, New Play Development, and FST Improv.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to as many people as possible. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. Hip and historical, entertaining and challenging, we are the theatre where the street meets the elite — where everyone is welcome to engage in the art of theatre.

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