Florida Studio Theatre Kicks Off its 2026-27 Children’s Theatre Series with Pinocchio

SARASOTA, Fla. (September 3, 2026) — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to kick off its 2026-27 Children’s Theatre Series with Pinocchio, a lively adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s cherished classic, reimagined by Greg Banks. This inventive journey begins September 19 and runs through October 18, 2026, in FST’s Keating Theatre.

Audiences of all ages are invited to follow everyone’s favorite wooden puppet on an unforgettable journey filled with curious encounters and plenty of surprises. As Pinocchio searches for what it truly means to become a real boy, he discovers that honesty and courage matter more than anything else. Filled with imagination and theatrical fun, this beloved story springs to life for a new generation of young theatregoers and their families.

“Pinocchio  is a timeless story, but this production brings fresh energy, laughter, and plenty of surprises,” said Caroline Saldivar, FST’s Director of Children’s Theatre. “While audiences will enjoy the comedy and adventure, they'll also connect with Pinocchio’s journey to understand friendship, honesty, and what it really means to be real. It’s the kind of theatrical experience that entertains children and adults alike while leaving everyone with something meaningful to talk about on the ride home.”

The production features FST’s 2026-27 Acting Apprentices, a select group of emerging theatre artists who spend a year receiving professional training and gaining hands-on experience across the organization. In addition to performing in FST’s Children’s Theatre Series and its award-winning WRITE A PLAY program, the apprentices have opportunities to understudy Mainstage, Cabaret, and Stage III productions while working alongside professional union performers and exploring the many departments that bring FST to life.

Pinocchio features Noel Nieczyporowicz as Pinocchio and Flynn Nolen as Gepetto. They are joined by Jackson Cole Rogers (Cricket/Showman/Coachman), Ella Berry (Fairy/Ticket Seller), Joshua Jordan (Punch/Lampwick/Old Man), and Elisabeth Desmond (Policeman/Judy/Donkey).

The creative team includes Timothy L’Ecuyer (Director), Dellan Short (Associate Director), Jim Prosser (Music Director), Nicholas Schons (Scenic Design), Ainsley Cornwall (Costume Design), Andrew Gray (Lighting Design), Nyle Samuels (Sound Design), and Katherine Dunham (Stage Management Intern).

Wish upon a star and join Pinocchio on a daring adventure from September 19 to October 18, 2026! Single tickets start at just $12.

Pinocchio is part of FST’s four-show Children’s Theatre subscription package, which also includes Deck the Halls, FST’s festive annual holiday celebration; Imagination Rocks!, an interactive experience where stories leap from page to stage; and The Monster Who Got a Second Chance & Other Winning Plays, a collection of award-winning plays written by elementary school students. Subscriptions are available for as little as $25 – that’s just $6.25 per show. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.

Pinocchio Performance Schedule*

Saturday, September 19 at 10AM and 12PM
Sunday, September 27 at 10AM
Saturday, October 3 at 10AM and 12PM
Sunday, October 11 at 10AM
Sunday, October 18 at 10AM
*Additional performance dates may be added.

By Greg Banks
With Music By Victor Zupanc
Originally produced by Children’s Theatre Company
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences

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Sponsors

Florida Studio Theatre is grateful to its sponsors of the 2026-27 Children’s Theatre Season: The Shubert Foundation, Florida Arts & Culture, Bishop-Parker Foundation, The Exchange, Manatee Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Wells Fargo, The Patterson Foundation, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, theatre works!, and Publix Super Markets Charities.

This season is made possible by a grant from Suncoast Credit Union. Sponsored in part by the Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. Funding for this program was provided in part by The School Board of Broward County, Florida – SEAS Program.

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 Executive 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.