Asolo Rep Receives $70,000 Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly announces that it is the recipient of a $70,000 Arts Appreciation Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant will support Asolo Rep's 2016-17 season, the fifth and final of its ambitious American Character Project, an exploration of the nation's fascinating history, culture, and people.

This core support will allow Asolo Rep to continue to bring highly skilled artists, including directors, actors, and designers, to Sarasota, to produce engaging and innovative theatre for the community. From the elaborate sets and props, to the intricate costumes, Asolo Rep's world class productions are only possible with seed support from organizations like Gulf Coast Community Foundation. A major economic force, Asolo Rep is an essential part of what makes Sarasota a cultural destination for tourists and seasonal residents, and a better place to live and work for full-time residents.

The 2016-17 season kicks off in November with the Tony Award-winning classic musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS. THE GREAT SOCIETY, the much-anticipated sequel to last season's hit production of ALL THE WAY, and THE ORIGINALIST, John Strand's thrilling political drama about the late Justice Antonin Scalia open in January. The season continues in February with Garson Kanin's beloved romantic comedy BORN YESTERDAY. In March, Asolo Rep presents iconic American author Lillian Hellman's THE LITTLE FOXES. The innovative new play that takes place center ring in the world of wrestling, THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY, opens in April. BEATSVILLE, a brand new musical comedy, will have its world premiere in April. The season concludes in June with TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, a thrilling deep sea adventure infused with state-of-the-art technology that's perfect for all ages.

"We truly could not do the caliber of work that we do without our longtime relationship with Gulf Coast Community Foundation," said Linda DiGabriele, Managing Director of Asolo Rep. "Box Office sales only cover 50 percent of our annual operating budget, so grants like this enable us to take artistic risks, and to offer affordable access to our work, without jeopardizing the fiscal health of the institution. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support."

"Gulf Coast and our donors recognize how big a contribution Asolo Repertory Theatre makes to our region's cultural life and economy," said Mark Pritchett, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. "We call this an 'Arts Appreciation' grant because we want to show our appreciation for cornerstone arts groups like Asolo Rep by enabling them to focus on what they do best-meeting their artistic missions."

Now in its 58th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few select theatres in the nation that performs in true rotating repertory, Asolo Rep's highly skilled Acting Company and extensive craftsmanship bring to life this unique performance method that gives audiences the opportunity to see multiple productions in the span of a few days. Asolo Rep presents up to 15 productions each season including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with the best theatre artists working in the industry today and cultivating new artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, Asolo Rep's ambitious theatrical offerings and ground-breaking education and outreach programming engage audiences and ensure its lasting legacy for future generations.

Together with its donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation transforms our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, it has become the philanthropic home of more than 650 families who have established charitable funds there, and has invested over $234 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org.