Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre has restructured its leadership as the organization prepares for the addition of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, which is under construction next to FST’s current facilities on First Street. 

As part of the transition, longtime leaders Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins will assume new executive roles while continuing to guide the theater. Meanwhile, a national search for additional leadership to support FST’s continued growth is under way.

Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins will assume the title of executive producer, and managing director Rebecca Hopkins has a new title of executive director. The changes reflect the expanding scope and complexity of the organization, according to a news release.

Since joining FST in 1980, Richard Hopkins has led the theater’s growth from a small touring company into a regional theater serving more than 230,000 patrons annually. Under his leadership, FST has expanded to five venues and developed a broad portfolio of programming.

In her nearly three decades with FST,  Rebecca Hopkins has helped shape the theater’s creative identity and operational strength. She founded FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival, and has led the development of more than 25 original cabarets. She oversees the organization’s administration, marketing and development.

 “This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity for Florida Studio Theatre,” said Rebecca Hopkins in the release. “The McGillicuddy Arts Plaza represents not just growth in size, but growth in our ability to serve artists, audiences and our community.” 

Florida Studio Theatre has initiated a national search for both an artistic director and a managing director. Management Consultants for the Arts, a nationally recognized organization specializing in nonprofit arts leadership, has been engaged to guide the search, which will begin this summer. Both executives are expected to join the organization ahead of the 2027-2028 season.

“This is not a sudden change. It is a carefully planned investment in the future,” said Richard Hopkins in the news release. “We are building the structure needed to support the level of work our community is asking of us. By adding leadership capacity now, we are ensuring continued artistic excellence for years to come.”

 The eight-story McGillicuddy Arts Plaza will include housing for visiting artists and workforce housing for members of Sarasota’s creative community. The residential phase is scheduled for occupancy in fall 2027, followed by the phased opening of additional performance spaces and public venues.