Florida Studio Theatre Announces Its 2018-19 Children's Theatre Season

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce its 2018-19 four-show weekend Children's Theatre Season. Now in its third year, FST's Children's Theatre subscription series brings children and families together to explore the world of theatre arts - all for less than the price of a single movie theatre ticket. From the timeless classics of Peter Pan and Snow White to award-winning plays by youth from all over the world, this year's season has something for all children...and their favorite grownups. Subscriptions for the four-show Children's Series are now on sale for ONLY $20-that's just $5 per show. Single tickets are also available for $10 per ticket. More information is available at floridastudiotheatre.org or through the Box Office at 941.366.9000.

"The weekend Children's Theatre Series started as an idea for how we could reach more children in the area," explained Caroline Kaiser, FST's Director of Children's Theatre. "Three years ago, we started with just two performances of each show. Today we have more than tripled that, which tells me that families see the value of theatre, and that the need for this kind of programming is definitely out there. Our goal is to have some sort of family programming take place every weekend at Florida Studio Theatre. It is important that our community has somewhere that they can go, as a family, at an affordable price, and know they will see professional theatre that is exciting and engaging for all ages."

Celebrating childhood wonder and imagination, the season kicks off with a magical trip to Neverland, an enchanted island where there are no parents or chores, and fairies and pirates rule, in Peter Pan adapted by Douglas Irvine. Adults can introduce the younger generation to the characters they love from J.M. Barrie's timeless masterpiece, such as Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, and the mischievous Lost Boys. An imaginative interpretation of a timeless classic, Peter Pan opens in FST's Keating Theatre on October 13.

Just in time for the holiday season is FST's Deck the Halls: Home for the Holidays, a brand new rendition of everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. Audiences will celebrate the holidays Florida style-with decorated palm trees, winter swimming, and sand snowmen. Featuring all new songs and sketches, Deck the Halls will get audiences into the holiday spirit starting November 24 in FST's Bowne's Lab Theatre.

Continuing FST's Children's Theatre Series is a charming, creative take on the classic fairy tale Snow White. This fresh adaptation is written by Greg Banks, the same playwright who adapted last season's Robin Hood. Snow White features a wide array of characters-a beautiful princess, her evil queen, a huntsman, a magic mirror, and the legendary seven dwarfs-all portrayed by just two actors. Families can enjoy this true tour de force starting January 12, 2019 in FST's Bowne's Lab Theatre.

Finishing off the season is A 'Beary' Big Adventure & Other Winning Plays, playing in FST's Keating Theatre beginning March 30. A collection of clever, heartwarming, and frequently humorous award-winning short plays written by elementary school students, A 'Beary' Big Adventure highlights the most creative and imaginative writing by young people from around the world. Performed by FST's Acting Apprentices, these original stories from the minds of children contain laughter and lessons for us all.

Families can enjoy FST's Children's Theatre series on select weekends throughout the year, starting October 13, 2018 with Peter Pan. With its mission to make theatre accessible to the broadest possible audience, subscriptions to the four-show Children's Theatre Series are available for ONLY $20-just $5 per show. Single tickets are also available for just $10. Subscriptions and single tickets are available at floridastudiotheatre.org, and through FST's Box Office at 941-366-9000.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE SCHEDULE*
Peter Pan: October 13, 14, 20, 27, and November 3
Deck the Halls!: Home for the Holidays: November 24, 25, and December 1,2,8,15,22, and 29
Snow White: January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and February 2, 9, and 16
A 'Beary' Big Adventure: March 30, 31, and April 6, 13, and 20

*Additional performance dates may be added later in the season

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, the 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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