Florida Studio Theatre receives anonymous $1 million gift

With an anonymous seven-figure gift in hand, Florida Studio Theatre has launched a matching challenge to double the $1 million donation to be applied toward development of its now under construction McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.

Florida Studio Theatre announced the gift on Dec. 4 and the donor’s wish for FST to use the gift “where it would do most good,” according to a news release. The organization will leverage the generosity to match all donations made toward the Arts Plaza project dollar for dollar.

“An anonymous donor has stepped forward with an astonishing $1 million gift, and with it they have ignited Act 2 of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza campaign,” said FST Managing Director, Rebecca Hopkins in the news release. “Though they choose to remain unseen, their impact will be felt by every artist we support and every audience member we welcome.”

“Act 1” of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza is a $46 million phase on track to open in August 2027, which will include the eight-story building’s full exterior, a 127-space parking garage and 57 artist housing units. Those apartments will include 39 extended-stay studios to accommodate more than 250 guest artists per year, plus 18 units supporting year-round local artists.

With Act 1 fully funded, FST is turning its attention to the second act of the Arts Plaza, a $6 million phase to include two cabaret theaters — the Maier and Schlegel Cabarets — adding 200 new seats, accompanying dining spaces and a welcome lobby.

“This gift allows us to create the greatest possible impact,” said FST Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. “By using it to launch a matching challenge, we’re inviting our full community to participate in shaping the future of FST. Every gift is automatically doubled, and every donor becomes a part of the momentum behind this major expansion.”

On Oct. 29, Florida Studio Theatre celebrated the groundbreaking of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, an expansion that will ultimately include two new 100-seat cabaret spaces and a second main stage theater in addition to the parking structure and residential units. 

The estimated total cost of the project is $57 million.