Asolo Rep Receives $25,000 Grant

August 14, 2024 | Sarasota

Asolo Repertory Theatre has received a $25,000 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation designated towards the construction steel needed for the framework of Asolo Rep’s new costume storage facility. This storage facility aims to catalog and preserve the theatre’s collection of one-of-a-kind pieces designed by artists from around the world, including a remarkable inventory of historical couture costumes, and ensure their availability for future generations of theatre enthusiasts.  

“With support from the Selby Foundation, we are one step closer to the completion of our costume storage facility,” said Ross Egan, Asolo Rep Managing Director. “The costume storage facility is one of the many ways we’re working with our community partners to preserve the arts and theatre heritage of Sarasota.” 

This state-of-the-art center will provide uncrowded, climate- and light-controlled costume storage that prevents fabric damage, increasing the longevity and integrity of each piece. Adequate costume storage also gives Asolo Rep the space needed to digitally catalogue and organize costume inventory, an essential step in increasing capacity to generate income through costume rentals, and savings through accessibility of inventory to designers. 

“The Selby Foundation has a long history of supporting the innovative work of arts organizations in our community, and it is a privilege to invest in Asolo Rep,” said Susie Bowie, Selby Foundation President/CEO. “The Staging Our Future Campaign will make new things possible as Asolo Rep continues to expand its cultural and economic impact in the region.” 

Construction of the costume storage facility will begin in the summer of 2024, with expected completion in January 2025. Asolo Rep is posed to be the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the Southeastern United States offering costume rentals, serving as a springboard for 

successful theatrical productions on Broadway and at other regional theatres 

throughout the country.