Florida State University/Asolo Announces Partnership With Manatee School for the Arts

The Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training today unveiled a new partnership with Manatee School for the Arts (MSA) that creates a program of advanced training for MSA theatre students and adds a teaching component to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory program.

Inspired to action by the impact of the economic crisis on arts education programs, administrators of the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training began investigating ways of utilizing the Conservatory's own resources to meet the needs of regional arts and education programs, and advance training and performing opportunities for students in the area. The creation of this partnership with the Manatee School for the Arts (MSA) is the result of their efforts and eagerness to offer innovative opportunities that are not only mutually beneficial, but also help to preserve the rich cultural landscape of the region.

FSU College of Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance Dean Dr. Sally McRorie explained, "The FSU/Asolo Conservatory has played an important role in the national arts and education scene for generations, and we're continually exploring new ways to deepen our roots in and develop stronger ties with the Sarasota/Manatee community. This partnership provides the perfect opportunity for us to reach out beyond our own campus and give back to the people who have for so many years inspired and supported our educational and artistic efforts."

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Director Greg Leaming added, "This innovative partnership is clearly a win-win situation for everyone involved. In addition to the benefits to MSA and its students, this program will increase the value of the Conservatory's training by offering the graduate students teaching experience for the first time since we began operating the program in Sarasota. Adding this component to the Conservatory program will enhance both the curriculum and the marketability of Conservatory graduates upon completion."

Manatee School for the Arts Principal and founder Dr. Bill Jones says, "MSA is pleased to partner with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. This relationship will bring additional benefits to both of these outstanding programs and will establish a level of theatrical training for high school students that has not generally been available in the Tampa Bay area."

The basic structure of the partnership provides that in the coming year, the Conservatory's third year graduate students will essentially become members of the MSA faculty and will lead theatre studies classes. This will allow upper level MSA students in the program to receive advanced training in theatre and earn early college credit in the process. In turn, the FSU/Asolo Conservatory graduate students will receive teaching experience for their participation. The program begins with the new school term on Aug 23, 2010. Among other opportunities to perform, MSA students participating in the program will present a showcase of their work in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts at the end of the school year in 2011.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a celebrated three-year graduate program culminating in a master of fine arts degree. For more than 30 years, tens of thousands of actors from across the continent have auditioned for admission. A maximum of 12 students are admitted each year. In their second year, the students perform in the Cook Theatre, a 161-seat space designed to create an intimate experience for the audience and actors. Third-year students are seen performing in exciting and significant roles with professional actors on the Asolo Repertory Theatre mainstage. For more information about the FSU/Asolo Conservatory or this partnership, contact Greg Leaming at 941-351-9010 x2311.

Manatee School for the Arts (MSA) is a Public Charter School in Palmetto, FL, which services students from Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. The FSU/Asolo partnership program is offered to students in the 11th and 12th grades who have achieved a high level of acting training and academic success. For more information on the MSA program, please go to www.msfta.org or contact Mr. Terence Devine, Assistant Principal at MSA, at 941-721-6800 x1139.

Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida's premier professional theatre and one of the most important cultural forces in the Southeastern United States. As a center for theatrical excellence, Asolo Rep crafts the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary and newly commissioned work all performed in the rarest form of rotating repertory. Featuring an accomplished resident company - complemented by distinguished guest artists - Asolo Rep offers audiences a unique and dynamic theatre experience. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, this world-class institution has taken bold steps toward the future, building landmark partnerships and collaborations which will add to its success for generations to come. For more information about Asolo Rep visit www.asolo.org.