Florida Studio Theatre Announces Leadership Evolution in Preparation for the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza

SARASOTA, Fla. (April 30, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) today announced a strategic evolution in its leadership structure as the organization prepares for the expansion of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza. As part of this transition, longtime leaders Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins will assume new executive roles while continuing to guide the theatre, alongside a national search for additional leadership to support FST’s continued growth.

As part of this transition, Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins will assume the title of Executive Producer, and Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins will assume the title of Executive Director. These changes reflect the expanding scope and complexity of the organization as FST continues to grow its programs, facilities, and impact.

Since joining FST in 1980, Richard Hopkins has led the theatre’s growth from a small touring company into a nationally recognized regional theatre serving more than 230,000 audience members annually. Under his leadership, FST has expanded to five venues and developed a wide-ranging portfolio of programming spanning Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Education, and New Play Development.

Rebecca Hopkins, who has been with FST for nearly three decades, has played a pivotal role in shaping the theatre’s creative identity and operational strength. As the founder of FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival, and lead developer of more than 25 original cabarets, she has helped define some of FST’s most recognizable programming. She also maintains critical operations of the theatre by overseeing the organization’s administration, marketing, and development efforts.

Together, their leadership has established FST as a cornerstone of Sarasota’s arts community and a model for artist-centered, accessible theatre.

“This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity for Florida Studio Theatre,” said Rebecca Hopkins. “The McGillicuddy Arts Plaza represents not just growth in size, but growth in our ability to serve artists, audiences, and our community. These changes allow us to expand our leadership thoughtfully while keeping our focus where it has always belonged: on the art.”

In tandem with this transition, FST will launch a national search for both an Artistic Director and a Managing Director. The theatre has engaged Management Consultants for the Arts, a nationally recognized firm specializing in nonprofit arts leadership, to guide the search. The firm will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of FST’s operations and culture to identify candidates who align with the organization’s mission and are positioned for long-term success within the Sarasota community.

The search will begin this summer, with both new leaders expected to join the organization ahead of the 2027-2028 season. They will work closely alongside Richard and Rebecca Hopkins during a multi-year transition period, ensuring a seamless evolution of leadership.

“This is not a sudden change. It is a carefully planned investment in the future,” said Richard Hopkins. “We are building the structure needed to support the level of work our community is asking of us. By adding leadership capacity now, we are ensuring continued artistic excellence for years to come.”

Construction of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza is already underway and represents one of the most significant developments in FST’s history. The eight-story complex will include housing for visiting artists and workforce housing for members of Sarasota’s creative community. The first phase is expected to welcome residents in fall 2027, with additional performance spaces and public-facing venues opening in stages thereafter.

“As our organization has grown, FST has remained committed to its founding mission: creating theatre that is entertaining, challenging, and accessible to all,” says Dennis McGillicuddy, longtime FST supporter and namesake of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza. “By strengthening our leadership structure and expanding our campus, we are positioning ourselves to meet the evolving needs of our audiences while continuing to support and treasure our artists and serve our community."

“Our goal is to build the ideal theatre: one that is more rewarding for artists, more engaging for audiences, and more deeply connected to its community,” said Hopkins. “This is how we get there.”

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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 225,000 live attendees each year across its diverse programs: Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, Improv, The FST School, and New Play Development.

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 where everyone is welcome to engage in the art of theatre.