Sarasota’s cultural scene is greatly enriched by the Florida Studio Theatre, or FST as it is known. Located on North Palm Avenue downtown Sarasota, this contemporary non-profit theater has been thrilling theatergoers since 1973. It currently attracts over 200,000 attendees each season.
The main productions are spread across several venues. They include the Mainstage Series, the Cabaret Series and Stage III, along with Children’s Theater, education, new play development, and Write a Play projects.
Multiple Venues at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota
The Florida Studio Theatre is not one, but multiple theaters. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida it includes the historic Keating and Gompertz Theatres, Bowne’s Lab Theatre, and the Goldstein and John C. Court Cabarets, bringing a distinctly Parisian flavor to the mix. Each theater offers a small but intimate performance space with something for everyone.
Started in 1973, FST has bloomed to its current top position. It now operates a $6 million budget, thanks in part to over 30,000 loyal annual subscribers. Despite its small size, it is the third largest subscription theater in the USA–not bad for a city with a population of just 53,000 residents!
Photo credit Nita Ettinger