FST Marketing Director Robert Whyte, Development Associate Helena Rankin, Acting Apprentice Lorelei Frank, and Children's Theatre Associate Kacy Jones
Photo by Janet Combs
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With spring in the air on the evening of March 4, just a few sprinkles of rain coming down, and 200 people mingling and enjoying cocktails and appetizers on the corner of Cocoanut and Palm avenues, Florida Studio Theatre enjoyed a birthday celebration in style.Â
With 50 years behind the theater and a bright future ahead, the guests enjoyed a show featuring performances by FST cast members and others. Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins gave a warm welcome, and after the show guests tucked into a three-course dinner.
In addition to celebrating an anniversary, FST presented its Spelman Award to Patrick and Mary Mulva, who are supporters of the studio's diverse programming since 2018. In addition to underwriting for several productions and providing support for student outreach and educational programming, Patrick is on the board of trustees and contributes 40 years of executive leadership to the governing body.
Intent on bringing an alternative touring group to isolated and underserved audiences such as nursing homes, migrant camps, and prisons, artist John Spelman founded Florida Studio Theatre in 1973. Named in his honor, the Spelman Award is presented to an individual or institutional sponsor who has demonstrated outstanding leadership by providing FST with stewardship, enthusiasm, and financial and or in-kind support. The first Spelman Award was given to legislator and arts champion Bob Johnson  in 1989, for his overwhelming support to FST and all of the arts in Sarasota County. Last year's winners were Ed and Susan Maier, and to date there have been 33 awards given.
Proceeds from the 2024 Shindig will go to support Florida Studio Theatre's general funding, and a paddle raise was held to help support the development of a new play. Â
Rebecca Hopkins, Megan Schroeder and Ana Temple
Photo by Janet Combs
FST Marketing Director Robert Whyte, Development Associate Helena Rankin, Acting Apprentice Lorelei Frank, and Children's Theatre Associate Kacy Jones
Photo by Janet Combs
Gigi Delpero, Noah Sieg, and Doris Iemolo check guests in at Florida Studio Theatre
Jim and Zoe Zakovec with Bob Grady
Mickey and Terry Mussler, Zoe Zakovec, Kristin Hartnett, Nicole Hancock and Jim Zakovec
Photo by Janet Combs
Euan and Dorothy Fannell with Patricia and Roger Courtois
Jackie and John Thompson are all smiles as they enjoy the FST cocktail hour in celebration of 50 years.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sarah Durham (center) poses fellow FST Improv cast members Kathryn Parks, Sylvia Day, Will Luera, Kevin Allen and Helena Rankin at FST's 2024 Shindig! celebration.
Photo by Janet Combs
Kayla Mingus and Emilie Reed keep the guests hydrated.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sharon Snook with husband, Garry, whose peacock designed bow tie did not go unnoticed.
D. Franklin and Bruce Price
Photo by Janet Combs
Fred and Jan Burtnett
Bob Grady, Charles Williams and Trevor Harvey
Photo by Janet Combs
Mel Hall
Garry and Sharon Snook
Pat and Sam Santarosa
Jackie and Bruce Maggin
Anne Chandra and Cy Hong entertain with their violin prowess; they are known collectively as Prometheus Duo
Photo by Janet Combs
Neil and Teri Comber with Maria and Bob Soeder
Jeremy Weinstein tickles the ivory during the cocktail hour.
Photo by Janet Combs
Lucas Engle, Jacob Denney, Kelsey Wehde-Wilson and Ahkin Church
Photo by Janet Combs
Patty Bruner and Anita DeVine
Nicole Rhodes and Doug Holder enjoy a night out on the town at FST.
Photo by Janet Combs
Autumn Steiner and Caroline Saldivar
Photo by Janet Combs
Susan and Don Ullmann enjoy the cocktail reception.
Photo by Janet Combs
Ed and Maddy Freshwater
Pat and Guy Corsello
Jill and Alan Anderson
Meg Gilbert and Alex Teicheira
Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, Director of Improvisation Will Luera, and Maria Schaedler
Photo by Janet Combs
Actor, writer, and comedian Sylvia Day
Jeremy Weinstein, Meg Mechelke and Lorelei Frank
Photo by Janet Combs
Frankie Arroyo, events coordinator, and Seth Hilbert, box office manager
Photo by Janet Combs
Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by artist John Spelman as an alternative touring group. Preforming in nursing homes, migrant camps and prisons, the mission was to reach isolated and underserved audiences.
Florida Studio Theatre celebrated 50 years with a gala on March 4 at its venue with over 200 people in attendance.
Photo by Janet Combs
Florida Studio Theatre celebrates 50 years with a Shindig.
Photo by Janet Combs
Florida Studio Theatre is celebrating 50 years.
Photo by Janet Combs
Florida Studio Theatre is celebrating 50 years in Sarasota.
