(Sarasota, FL) —Florida Studio Theatre will be hosting the Spring Ovation Luncheon this April 1 at 11:30am in the Court Cabaret. The event will feature an opening reception followed by lunch in the Court Cabaret of the Hegner Theatre Wing. The luncheon will include FST entertainment and the presentation of FST’s highest honor, “The Jon Spelman Award” will be given to this year’s recipient, Betty and Dick Hegner. An invitation only event, the Court Cabaret will be filled with honored guests and supporters of the theatre.
Artistic Director Richard Hopkins speaks to the impact of these supporters and the importance of this event stating, “This is a special day to say thank you to so many who have given so much to us and to our community. It is only with the support of these individuals that we were able to reach over 190,000 people with the magic and message of live theatre this year. Art is that thing that celebrates life, reflects it back to us, and reminds us what it means to be alive. These generous supporters have made it possible for us to feel alive. It is only with the constant support of those we celebrate today that FST has been able to bring Contemporary American Theatre to the Sarasota community.
The culmination of this event will be the presentation of the Spelman award to Betty and Dick Hegner for their outstanding service to our theatre and community. The Hegner family has shown their dedication to the arts through the many gifts to FST, including the recently completed Hegner Theatre Wing which houses the Gompertz Theatre, Court Cabaret, Bowne’s Lab, and the Green Room restaurant. Along with the Hegners, each and every one of our supporters has helped to create a home for artists and theatregoers to ponder, discuss, and most of all enjoy live theatre. It is with the utmost respect and eternal gratitude that we gather in honor of these selfless individuals. Without them, we could not do what we do.”
It is with the contributions of this distinguished group of guests that FST has reached countless children and adults through our many programs. Because of them we are able to offer a diverse mix of theatre to a diverse community of people.
An event of true gratitude and grace, FST’s Spring Ovation Luncheon will be held on April 1 at 11:30am in the Court Cabaret. The event will feature an opening reception followed by lunch in the Court Cabaret of the Hegner Theatre Wing. Special honored guests and supporters of the theatre will be in attendance for this special event of celebration and recognition.
About Florida Studio Theatre
Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman’s Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne’s Lab Theatre.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.
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