Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards FST $55,000 Grant

October 5, 2022 – Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is delighted to announce that the nonprofit theater has been awarded a $55,000 Arts Appreciation grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. In receiving this grant, FST is being recognized as one of the pillars of Sarasota’s vibrant arts community that draws people—tourists, new residents, and artists themselves—from across the country to Florida’s “Cultural Coast.” Thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, this grant will help underwrite FST’s 2022-2023 Winter Mainstage and Cabaret Series, which opens October 5 with the FST original music revue The ‘70s: More Than A Decade. The funds will also go to support FST’s annual shindig, taking place on February 6, 2023, along with FST Public Works Sarasota, a community-wide participatory theatre program currently in development.

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Florida Studio Theatre for more than 20 years now,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “This grant strengthens our ability to sustain our mission to make theatre affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. Gulf Coast’s support recognizes the value of the arts and the importance of making it possible for everyone to engage in the art of theatre.”

For fiscal year 2023, Gulf Coast awarded Arts Appreciation grants to fourteen arts organizations in the region, including FST, recognizing the positive impact they have on the economy and community. During the 2021-2022 Season, FST presented 18 theatrical productions, weekly performances by its resident improv troupe, two New Play Festivals, and brought its award-winning youth playwriting program, WRITE A PLAY, to schools across the country. Funding from foundations like Gulf Coast enhances FST’s ability to continue to offer these programs and produce high-quality, contemporary theatre.

“Florida Studio Theatre has been a tremendous asset to our arts and cultural region for over 40 years,” said Mark S. Pritchett, President | CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “Time and time again, season after season, Florida Studio Theatre produces incredible productions and educational programs that wow audiences and engage our community.”

For more information on this Arts Appreciation Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, please contact Lydia Baxter, FST’s Public Relations Manager, at 941.366.9017 x338 or at LBaxter@floridastudiotheatre.org.