Playwright Audrey Cefaly asks two things of all of her characters: “How did you get so stuck?” and, “What is the full cost of leaving?” “I believe that stories of healing are important,” said Cefaly. “I gravitate toward characters who are lost, stuck, and emotionally fatigued. I want to tell every love story worth telling.” Cefaly’s plays are almost always “two-handers,” or plays that feature … Continue reading The Root of Every Love Story Ever Told
If you find yourself sitting in the audience of Laughing Matters thinking, “That guy sure does look familiar…” you’re not wrong. Late last month, actor Gil Brady wrapped up his Mainstage comedy performance as Chris aka Inspector Carter in FST’s sold-out production of The Play That Goes Wrong. Fellow actor William Selby of Laughing Matters had a pre-planned engagement to perform in Forbidden Broadway at North Coast Repertory … Continue reading From Stage to Stage with Gil Brady
Growing up in Arkansas, actor/musician Grant Alan Watkins has always been surrounded by country music. Through the year, that music, and its many stories, have brought him cherished memories and musical inspiration. Now, Watkins returns to FST to bring the music of artists like Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Brad Paisley – among others – to life onstage in FST’s hit Cabaret, Friends in Low … Continue reading The Southern Boy – Grant Alan Watkins in “Friends in Low Places”
For the audience member, improv is a night of fun. A night of freedom. A night of laughter with friends. But for the improviser, the art form packs far more than a punchline. In addition to a joyful creative outlet, improvisers find that practicing the art form comes with real-life added benefits, like improved cognition, better listening skills, increased adaptability, decreased social anxiety, and heightened … Continue reading Take Your Vitamins. Get More Sleep. Practice Improv
Inspired by the real-life convention of the same name, FST’s World Premiere production of America in One Room by Jason Odell Williams explores what could happen if you put a diverse group of people from across the country in the same room and ask them to open up about some of their most firmly held beliefs. As the conversation moves from the hotel’s continental breakfast to more serious issues, … Continue reading Meet Lisa, The Referee of “America in One Room”
When we first meet Michael in Richard Dresser’s heartwarming comedy Rounding Third, he doesn’t seem to be the kind of coach to lead a team to victory. He’s constantly late, tripping over equipment, and insisting that fun is more important than winning. He’s very clearly a novice at this whole Little League thing. Timothy C. Goodwin, on the other hand, is no novice. Not only … Continue reading The Big Swing with Timothy C. Goodwin
Pack your bags! This summer, FST is taking the whole family on a one-of-a-kind musical road trip with On The Road Again, an all-new touring live performance. Featuring songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” we will celebrate all that makes this country special from sea to shining sea. “We modeled this show off of our … Continue reading FST Children’s Theatre Goes “On The Road!”
Will Luera has been a fixture of Sarasota’s blossoming improv scene since 2014, when he joined Florida Studio Theatre as its Director of Improv. Since then, Will and his family have made this little slice of paradise – with its countless roundabouts and annual New Years Eve pineapple drop – their home. We sat down with Luera to learn more about FST Improv’s summer show, … Continue reading Poking Fun at the Place You Call Home with Will Luera
Kenneth Jones has always enjoyed theatre. For decades, he was an active voice in theatrical journalism, reporting on and writing reviews for shows across the Detroit area. Then, he decided to make a career change. Today, in addition to writing about theatre, he writes for theatre. His play, Alabama Story, has been produced by theatres across the country, (including FST, where it received its Regional … Continue reading Challenge and Change with Kenneth Jones
Playwright Jeffrey Couchman has spent his career bringing historical stories to life that are as fascinating as they are shockingly true. As a part of FST’s Playwright Collective, Couchman is developing his latest project: Master of the Revels, a Shakespearean drama about an unassuming writer with a big secret. We sat down with Couchman to learn more about his involvement with the Collective and how … Continue reading Forging the Forger with Jeffrey Couchman
FST Stage Directions 