Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is truly one of the best downtown campuses for all things theatre, improvisation and music. Tickets sell fast during the season, so now is the time to consider buying ticets for the 2024-25 season, especially if you want to expose your children (or grandchildren) to the captivating shows this year.
The Power of Peanut Butter and Other Winning Plays: Lorelei Frank, Lucas Engle, Emilie Reed, Mitchell Nalos, and James Randolph. Photo by John Jones.
Beginning September 28, the season debuts with four captivating shows that promise enriching theatre experiences for families at an affordable price. This season includes a vibrant adaptation of Junie B. Jones: The Musical and award-winning plays penned by elementary students from around the world, ensuring there’s something for children of all ages and their adult companions.
Subscriptions for the four-show weekend series are available for just $25 at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling 941.366.9000.Since its inception in 2016, FST’s Weekend Children’s Theatre Series has aimed to introduce children and families to the world of theatre arts. The series offers interactive performances, complete with question-and-answer sessions with the cast, enhancing the educational experience for young audiences. Caroline Saldivar, FST’s Director of Children’s Theatre, stated, “This season, we’re highlighting the depth and significance of the stories we share. Stories help us make sense of the world and foster meaningful connections.” This year’s lineup features Junie B. Jones: The Musical, Deck the Halls, Aesop’s Fables, and The Flying Penguin & Other Winning Plays, catering to audiences of all ages.The series begins with Junie B. Jones: The Musical, adapted by Marcy Heisler with music by Zina Goldrich, starting September 28, 2024. This lively production brings Barbara Park’s beloved character to life through catchy songs and humorous escapades as Junie B. navigates her new school year.Following this is FST’s annual holiday show, Deck the Halls, created by Resident Artist Sarah Durham and Caroline Saldivar, featuring musical arrangements by Jim Prosser. Celebrating its eighth year, this festive production invites families to enjoy Florida’s unique Christmas and Hanukkah traditions, beginning November 30, 2024.The new year kicks off with Aesop’s Fables, an original two-actor play by Sarah Durham, premiering January 4, 2025. This fresh adaptation brings Aesop’s classic tales to life with humor and engagement, imparting timeless morals.Concluding the series is The Flying Penguin & Other Winning Plays, showcasing award-winning plays by elementary school students from around the globe, starting March 15, 2025. This cherished annual event celebrates the creativity of young writers.Families can enjoy FST’s Children’s Theatre Series on select weekends throughout the year. Subscriptions are priced at $25, making it just $6.25 per show, while single tickets are available for $12 each. For more details and ticket purchases, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9000.
Children’s Theatre Schedule at a Glance:
Junie B. Jones: The Musical: September 28, October 6, 12, 20, and 27.
Deck the Halls: November 30, December 1, 7, 8, and 15.
Aesop’s Fables: January 4, 12, 18, 26, and February 2.
The Flying Penguin & Other Winning Plays: March 15, 23, 29, April 6 and 13.
About Florida Studio Theatre
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.
FST Children’s Theatre 2024-25 Season is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Manatee Community Foundation, The Patterson Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Suncoast Credit Union, Embracing Our Differences, Publix Super Markets Charities, Wells Fargo, and the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota.
~ Andrea Martone
