Florida Studio Theatre (FST) immediately closed its theatres as of March 16, 2020 in response to the corona virus. The nonprofit theatre is hopeful it will be able to reopen with its Summer Mainstage Season beginning the first week of June. “Caring for our patrons, artists, staff, and their families continues to be our top priority here at FST,” shared Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. “Therefore, we know that this course of action is the right one. We close today to ensure that we will play another day.” This difficult decision comes following the CDC’s latest update, issued 3/15, which decreased the recommended size of public gatherings from a maximum of 250 persons (which is in keeping with the capacity of all five of FST’s intimate theatres) to no more than 50, forcing the theatre to temporarily suspend all public performances. Ticket holders for cancelled performances are encouraged to donate their tickets as tax-deductible donations back to Florida Studio Theatre to help support the organization through the imminent financial impact of these forced closures. Patrons may also transfer their tickets to future seasons at FST. Box Office staff members will reach out to ticket holders directly to help patrons exchange, donate, or transfer their tickets. According to Hopkins, these closures are projected to cost the theatre over $1.5 million in lost revenue. The non-for-profit is asking those who are able to give to make additional contributions to please donate, helping support the organization and its staff in weathering these unprecedented and challenging times.
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