Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is a premier non-profit theater company. Founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman, it has since grown to become a prominent institution for the performing arts in Florida.

FST's architecture is unique and has become an iconic feature of the theater. The building itself is a collection of five historic buildings that have been renovated and connected to create a unified space for the theater's performances and programs.

The main entrance to the theater is through the Hegner Theatre Wing, a large, modern structure that houses the 173-seat Gompertz Theatre and the 109-seat John C. Court Cabaret. The Hegner Theatre Wing is a contemporary addition to the historic buildings that make up the rest of the complex. Its sleek, angular design stands in contrast to the traditional architecture of the surrounding buildings.

The historic buildings that make up the rest of the FST complex include the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, and the renovated Woman's Club building. These buildings have been restored to their original grandeur and have been adapted to serve the theater's needs.

The Keating Theatre is a converted church that seats 237 people. It has a traditional proscenium stage and is used for larger productions. The Goldstein Cabaret is a smaller, more intimate space that seats 109 people. It has a flexible stage that can be adapted to different types of performances, from cabaret to musicals to plays.

The Woman's Club building, which was originally built in 1916, has been renovated to serve as FST's administrative headquarters. The building also houses rehearsal spaces and a costume shop.

Overall, the architecture of FST is a blend of traditional and modern elements. The historic buildings that make up the majority of the complex provide a sense of history and character, while the Hegner Theatre Wing adds a contemporary edge to the overall design. The result is a unique and dynamic space that has become an important cultural hub in the Sarasota community.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sarasota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Florida Studio Theatre on Map

Sight Name: Florida Studio Theatre
Sight Location: Sarasota, USA (See walking tours in Sarasota)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Sarasota, Florida

Create Your Own Walk in Sarasota

Create Your Own Walk in Sarasota

Creating your own self-guided walk in Sarasota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ringling Estate Walking Tour

Ringling Estate Walking Tour

Among other things, the city of Sarasota, FL is renowned for its arts community, historical sites and museums. By far the most notable location that fits all the three categories here is the winter estate of the American circus mogul, entrepreneur, and art collector, John Ringling, and his wife, Mable. Indeed, their 66-acre property, turned museum complex, is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Sarasota Historical Buildings Tour

Sarasota Historical Buildings Tour

Sarasota, Florida, has no shortage of historical buildings, many of which are found downtown. Some of these properties were designed by the well-known local architect Thomas Reed Martin, who created some 500 residential and public buildings in Sarasota and had a huge impact on the area's architectural style in the early 20th century. Today, these structures serve as both landmarks and living...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Sunset, Dinner & Drinks of Sarasota

Sunset, Dinner & Drinks of Sarasota

There is nothing like watching the sun set over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico on Lido Beach in Sarasota Florida. Once the sun sets the fun begins at several great restaurants. Whether you want dinner, nightlife or both St. Armands Circle will not...