By Jenna Tonsor and Becca Jennings

Sandy Rustin jokes that her career path as a playwright and actress has been percolating since the sixth grade, when she was assigned to write her autobiography.

“Sandy hopes to grow up to be an actress and playwright,” wrote 11-year-old Sandy.
As it turned out, that single homework assignment would be more prophetic than little Sandy could have ever known.

Today, this creative powerhouse has a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical entitled Rated P for Parenthood under her belt.

Her play Struck enjoyed two critically acclaimed productions at New Jersey Rep and Theatre Raleigh, and her play Houston is the recipient of the New American Musical Award.

She appeared at The Upright Citizen’s Brigade’s Gravid Water in New York City, and has guest starred on Comedy Central multiple times. Rustin is also a seasoned voice-actor, writes for television, and directs podcasts. She does all this while being a mom.

Florida Studio Theatre is now proud to present the regional premiere of Rustin’s newest work, The Cottage, as part of its Summer Mainstage Season.

Called “Laugh out loud,” by The New York Times, The Cottage comes to FST from its recent workshop production by Manhattan Theatre Club.

Next to those eleven words, sixth grader Sandy pasted a photograph of herself sporting dense bangs and a thick pastel sweater. The autobiography also thoughtfully thanked her dog, Waggles Pierre, for his unwavering support.

In a world where many adults still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up, it’s pretty remarkable that young Rustin had such clarity about the future she dreamt about, as well as the courage and commitment to bring it to life.

Today, The New York Times describes Rustin as “sweet and wistfully funny.” And it’s no surprise that her art follows suit.

Rustin’s The Cottage plays in FST’s Gompertz Theatre through August 18. For tickets and more information, click here.