Florida Studio Theatre Keeps the Laughter Flowing with its Summer Improv Lineup

SARASOTA, Fla. (July 20, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is keeping the laughter rolling all summer long with an exciting lineup of improv performances and workshops. The season continues with the return of Orlando's acclaimed Forgotten Broadway and FST Improv's fan-favorite showdown Out of Bounds. Together, these performances promise weeks of spontaneous comedy and unforgettable fun.

This summer's expanded improv lineup was created while the Sarasota Improv Festival takes a one-year hiatus due to the construction of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza and FST's continued expansion. Founded in 2009 by FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, the Festival will return next July. In the meantime, audiences can still enjoy many of the talented performers and inventive shows that have made the Festival a Sarasota favorite.

"We've loved filling the summer with so much creativity, joy, and most importantly laughter!" said Sarah Durham, FST's Associate Director of Improv. "One of the best parts of improv is that no two performances are ever the same. Whether you're coming back for another show or visiting Bowne’s Lab for the very first time, there's always something new to experience."

The season continues July 31 and August 1 with Orlando's Forgotten Broadway, a breakout hit of the 2025 Sarasota Improv Festival. In this one-of-a-kind musical comedy, "forgotten" Broadway stars take center stage in a completely improvised revue. Using audience suggestions, the performers create original characters, songs, and Broadway-style productions entirely on the spot.

Forgotten Broadway will also lead two interactive workshops on August 1. Singing (Minus the Scary) helps performers build confidence in a supportive, judgment-free environment, while The Story in the Songs! explores how to create compelling stories through improvised musical theatre. Whether participants are seasoned improvisers or simply curious to try something new, these workshops offer a fun and welcoming introduction.

Beginning August 8, FST's resident improv team returns with Out of Bounds, an audience-favorite competition where two teams battle for laughs in a fast-paced series of games. Every scene is inspired by audience suggestions, and the winning team is up to the spectators to decide – and the method of voting is applause!

From musical comedy to laugh-out-loud games, FST's summer improv season offers something for everyone. Tickets for performances and workshops are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.

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FULL SCHEDULE

Forgotten Broadway
Bowne’s Lab | 7:30PM
July 31, August 1

Out of Bounds (FST Improv)
Bowne’s Lab | 7:30PM
August 8-September 19

WORKSHOPS

Singing (Minus the Scary) – Forgotten Broadway
11AM-1PM | August 1 | $30

Singing on stage without a script can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. This welcoming, judgment-free workshop will help you turn fear into confidence while learning structures, tips, and techniques for creating songs in the moment. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or someone who's never sung on stage before, this workshop is for you.

The Story in the Songs! – Forgotten Broadway
3-5PM | August 1 | $30

Improvising a musical means balancing characters, relationships, story, and songs all at once. This workshop focuses on building clear narratives while still embracing the playful surprises that make improvised musicals so much fun.

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Sponsors

FST Improv is grateful to its sponsors: Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax, The Shubert Foundation, and Florida’s Cultural Coast.

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.