The Players Theatre News www.theplayers.org
838 North Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34236 • 941.365.2494 Fax: 941.954.0282
THE PLAYERS THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW STUDIO OPENING
Sarasota, FL – The Players has much to be celebrating in the New Year. The Players Performing Arts Studio, the educational arm of The Players Theatre will be relocating to a brand new facility in September 2016 with the help of a generous donor, Arnold Simonsen. The Arnold Simonsen Players Studio will be a new state-of-art facility located within walking distance of the existing theatre, on Boulevard of the Arts in the new Rosemary Square development. In its 20th year, the current studio provides vital training to over 300+ students from ages three years old and up. The program offers 29 performing arts classes weekly, an 8-week summer camp program, and three community outreach groups: The Players Kids, The Players Follies, and The Players Flash Tappers. Relocating to the new Arnold Simonsen Players Studio will enable the program to increase to over 50 classes; provide daytime mommy, baby and senior classes, and develop a performing arts after school care program.
“Education in the arts is more important than ever,” says Managing Director, Michelle Bianchi Pingel. “In the global economy, creativity is essential. Today’s workers need more than just skills and knowledge to be productive and innovative participants in the workforce. The best way to foster that creativity is through comprehensive arts education. We could not be doing this without the generosity of Mr. Simonsen. We are so excited about this opportunity and grateful to him”
Likewise, Artistic Director, Jeffery Kin is just as ecstatic. “We are honored to change the name of our studio to The Arnold Simonsen Players Studio,” said Kin. “Mr. Simonsen gets the big picture of how performing arts impact students. The study of drama, dance, music, and the visual arts helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be conveyed simply in words or numbers or taught in the classroom setting.”
There are still interior naming opportunities at the new studio which will feature two dance rehearsal rooms, a vocal room, a welcoming lobby/waiting area, quick change rooms, and a lunch area. The new complex will also include a courtyard in which students can even work on their skills outdoors, weather permitting. Please contact Michelle Bianchi Pingel for additional information regarding naming opportunities at 941-365-2494 or [email protected].
The Players Theatre
838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34236, 941-365-2494, Fax: 941-954-0282
www.theplayers.org. Box Office: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and one hour prior to curtain time.
The Players Box Office is located on Tamiami Trail between 10th Street and Blvd. of the Arts.
