The Woman's Exchange Contributes $20,000 to FST's Winter Cabaret Series

Florida Studio Theatre has announced that the Woman's Exchange, has granted $20,000 to graciously underwrite the 16-17 Winter Cabaret Season.

This grant will be used to support the costs of all three productions of the Cabaret Series this season which includes the productions Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves, Piano Men, and Older Than Dirt.

Supporting FST for over 20 years, the Woman's Exchange provides grants to support and enrich a variety of programs for local arts and cultural organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Since its inception in 1962, the Woman's Exchange has awarded more than
$7.8 million in grants and scholarships. In the past two years alone, the Woman's Exchange awarded a total of $580,000 in grants and scholarships. The Woman's Exchange is one of Sarasota's largest scholarship providers.

Now reaching over 12,100 Cabaret subscribers, FST's Cabaret series is unique in its duration of shows, with musical revues running for a minimum of 17 weeks. The recent 14-15 Cabaret season was successfully marked by the hit musical revue, American Pie, which ran for a record-breaking 19 weeks.

FST's Managing Director and Lead Developer on multiple Cabaret productions, Rebecca Hopkins shares FST's excitement and appreciation for this partnership. "We are grateful to have the support from this continued long term relationship with the Woman's Exchange. The Woman's Exchange has been a strong partner with FST throughout these 20 years. We are going into this season with gratitude and as much gusto as ever."

FST's Cabaret series was attended by over 46,000 patrons in the 15-16 season, making it almost equal in popularity to the Mainstage series. With the continued support of the Woman's Exchange, FST invites audiences to experience the 16-17 Cabaret Season; Complete with revues highlighting the fierce vocals of music's powerhouse female solo artists in Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves, the elegance of virtuosity of the Piano Men, and the musical comedy revue, Older Than Dirt.

Subscriptions for all three Winter Cabaret shows are available for as little as $39. Subscriptions may be purchased online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000, or by visiting the Box Office.

A consignment store like no other, the Woman's Exchange is a favorite haunt for Sarasota residents and a "must visit" destination site for visitors from around the world. In her recent book, "I Brake for Yard Sales," Lara Spencer, of ABC's "Good Morning America" and PBS's "Antiques Roadshow," lists this 12,000 sq. foot cache of affordably priced treasures as one of her favorite places to shop. Dedicated to the support of Sarasota and Manatee counties' local arts community since its inception in 1962, over 230 dedicated volunteers work to ensure that the ever changing inventory is filled to the brim with such amazing finds as Baccarat crystal, Tiffany silver, Gucci handbags, fine jewelry, women's clothing, high-end furniture and oriental rugs. Awarding more than $7.8 million dollars in grants and scholarships during its 50-year history, you are invited to come see how "Together We Can Make a Difference." The Woman's Exchange was awarded the "2016 Retail Business of the Year" by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Artist Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman's Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and 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 five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne's Lab Theatre.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the Arts Accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. 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.

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