FST OPENS ITS DOORS TO SHARE CREATIVITY OF YOUTH
(Sarasota, FL)—Education classes are in full swing at Florida Studio Theatre. On November 1, FST offers a live, in-action glimpse of the inner workings of FST’s theatre school at the Education Open House. Showcasing the various educational programs FST has to offer, parents and potential students will get an inside look at the Florida Studio Theatre School between 10am and 12pm. For more information, please contact Pamela Smith, Education Administrator, at 941-366-1350.
Adam Ratner, Lead Teaching Artist at FST, gives a sneak peak of the Open House. “We will be welcoming children and families to visit our campus. They will meet the FST teaching artists and participate in various theatre exercises and improvisation games. These activities will strengthen imagination and emotional intelligence, as well as create friendships through ensemble building. Young actors currently enrolled in our popular improv/sketch comedy troupe, The Kids Komedy Club, and our Musical Theatre class will be present at the Open House to interact with potential students. These students will answer any questions people may have about FST’s programs. We want everyone to experience a creatively exciting and joyful time. This will hopefully encourage newcomers to join the artistic growth and fun that is the cornerstone of FST’s Education classes and workshops.”
Students from these classes will connect with potential classmates on a deeper level and encourage them to get involved with the educational programs FST offers. The spotlight is on the children at this event, giving them an opportunity to share their experiences with peers.
FST Director of Education, Beth Duda, shared her thoughts on this upcoming event. “The Open House is a great opportunity for our current students to share how they have grown. We always look for new opportunities to help our students explore their imaginations and build creativity. Our professional teaching artists do an incredible job of connecting with the students and challenging them to grow as individuals and build the self-confidence to let their accomplishments shine. It’s a great way to introduce our classes, teaching artists, and students to prospective new students. We are looking forward to a great day.”
Students enrolled in Session I have been working hard since classes started 4 weeks ago. With ages ranging from 5 to 17, youth and teens are working closely with FST teaching artists to gain a better understanding of theatre. From acting and playwriting to growth on a more personal level, FST classes strive to nurture the creativity of everyone.
Kate Alexander, FST Associate Director, sheds light on the heart of the education program and its mission throughout the years. “The Education program was founded on the philosophy that children are not only human beings, but that they are creative beings. We believe that each child has a creative well-spring deep within themselves that is the font of their humanity. By engaging in literature, art and self-expression through the theatre arts, they become fuller people and better human beings. We never have auditions or a competitive atmosphere. We don’t want to pit children against each other. We want to be an artistic home for all children, the place where they are comfortable to explore their artistic selves.
FST opens its doors on November 1, 2014. All who are interested in the programs FST has to offer are welcome to join the excitement. Between 10am and 12pm, current FST students will share their experiences and answer any questions future students may have. For more information, please contact Pamela Smith, Education Administrator, at 941-366-1350.
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. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, 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.
WINTER MAINSTAGE
HAIRSPRAY – November 12 – January 4
DANCING LESSONS – December 10 – February 27
FLY – February 4 – April 4
CHAPATTI – April 8 – May 30
WINTER CABARET
WITH THE PRIMA DONNETTES – October 22 – February 5
AMERICAN PIE – December 31 – April 23
NEVER MARRY A GIRL WITH COLD FEET
AND OTHER LIFE LESSONS FROM VAUDEVILLE – February 18 – June 7
FST IMPROV
OUT OF BOUNDS MATCH UP – October 18 – January 3
WRITE A PLAY
RAP-Punzel – September 23 – November 14
