FST Celebrates 35th Season W/ Its Annual ROW PARTY 2/22

Florida Studio Theatre's annual Row Party will be held Sunday, February 22, 2009. This festive event will celebrate FST's 35th season.

During the Row Party, community members gather together in support of FST's artistic and education programs. Longtime FST supporter Anne Folsom Smith is the chair of this year's Row Party, and U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management is the Corporate Grand Sponsor of the event.
The Row Party begins with a wine and hor d'oeuvres reception on the Donald and Mildred Stein Terrace at 5:00 PM. A special performance of Boleros for the DisenchanTed Follows at 5:45 PM in the Keating Theatre. After the show, the celebration continues across the street with a "Gala in the Garage" featuring a festive catered dinner. FST's Row Party derives its name from the idea that individuals commit to serve as "Row Captains" by committing to fill a Row of seats for the show.
During the Row Party, FST will present the Spelman Award. Named in honor of Florida Studio Theatre's founding Artistic Director, Jon Spelman, the Spelman Award has been presented to an individual or a corporate sponsor who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by providing FST with spiritual, financial, and/or in-kind support.

This year, FST is proud to present the Spelman Award to Jules and Sheila Rose. The Roses have been supporting FST since 2000 and have displayed passionate dedication to the Theatre's success and growth within the Sarasota community.

Over the years, Jules and Sheila have helped to support FST's Winter Mainstage, and Summerfest Season as co-producers. This year they are underwriting the Mainstage Season. Indeed, the Roses have been a strong force behind many of FST's programs.

Artistic Director Richard Hopkins is proud to be honoring the Roses with the Spelman Award this year, saying "Jules and Sheila are staunch supporters of Florida Studio Theatre; but what they have done for us goes far beyond their financial gifts. They are truly interested in what we do, how we do it, and why we do it - and what they can do to help. Whether it's hosting a party for us, underwriting a season, or attending our children's show, Jules and Sheila are engaged in helping us achieve our mission every day. Their belief in and enthusiasm for what we do at FST makes them such an integral part of our success, and I am so pleased for the opportunity to recognize them in this way."
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 eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman's Club building - now 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 three theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and its newest space, the Gompertz 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.