FST Launches Camp for Youth on the Autism Spectrum and Continues Theatre Program for Bereaved Youth

June 18, 2021 – Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) will launch The Puzzle Project, an all-new Summer Theatre Camp exclusively for youth on the autism spectrum beginning July 12. This two-week offering is specifically designed to inspire imagination, communication, and interest in personal relationships for students ages 7-12 on the autism spectrum. Also this summer, FST will continue its Blue Butterfly program, offered in partnership with Tidewell/Hospice Foundation and dedicated to giving young people experiencing grief a safe and supportive space to explore and express their emotions. Both programs will be offered free of charge to participating families thanks to generous support from the Barancik Foundationand Tidewell/Hospice Foundation.

“Theatre is such a powerful tool and offers us a wellspring of wisdom both on and off the stage,” said FST School FounderKate Alexander. “Through our new Puzzle Project program, and the growth of our Blue Butterfly Program, we are drawing from the rich lessons theatre has to offer to inspire, teach, and connect.”

FST’s Puzzle Project is a two-week experience for students ages 7-12 with a focus on building social skills while exploring acting technique, movement, and creative play. The camp culminates in an open class for family and friends. Qualified participants should be verbal and able to work in a collaborative environment. A recommendation from an educator is also required to enroll.

“We are so excited to launch this new program,” said Josh Ford, FST’s Director of Education. “FST’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone is a creative being. We’re proud to serve this community, giving its members the opportunity to explore their imaginations and develop interpersonal skills simultaneously.”

This camp builds on the success of FST’s VIP Performing Arts Program, offering theatre classes to individuals with physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges—completely free of charge since 1992.

In addition, FST is proud to continue its partnership with Tidewell Hospice/Foundation to offer its Blue Butterfly camp for a second summer, this time in-person. These two-week-long programs begin July 6 and will provide a caring, accepting atmosphere for students facing challenges with grief to process their emotions through the art of theatre.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with FST again on this program,” said Danielle Visone, Director of Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly Children and Family Grief Center. “These students will have the opportunity to explore their feelings in completely new ways.”

“The Baranciks long believed in the influence the arts have on an individual’s educational and social well-being,” says Teri A Hansen, President | CEO of Barancik Foundation, a key supporter of this special summer camp. “We’ve seen first-hand how Florida Studio Theatre not only provides opportunities for students to express themselves, but also to heal, and we wanted to support more ways for young people to navigate difficult feelings.”

Blue Butterfly students will explore acting, movement, improvisation, and will listen to the personal stories of their fellow campers—all in a supportive environment where they can give voice to their own thoughts and feelings. A therapist from Tidewell Blue Butterly will be present each day to provide additional support. The camp is offered free of charge to students dealing with the trauma of grief—whether it be through the illness of a family member, loss, or divorce. A recommendation letter is required to enroll.

“FST is Sarasota’s Crown Jewel of creative arts; a true gem that has helped countless families and children be heard—most importantly—in their own words,” said Ken Kinzie, the VP of Grief Services at Tidewell/Hospice Foundation. “Without this connection, our Blue Butterfly Children and Family Grief Center would still remain just a dream.”

For more information about or to register for either summer theatre program, please contact Kim Thomas-Cain, FST’s Education Manager, at fstschool@floridastudiotheatre.org or 941.366.1350. A full schedule of special summer camps follows the end of this release.