Creating theatre for the whole family, Florida Studio Theatre announces its 2016-17 inaugural Children’s Theatre Series. This four show subscription series begins with the touching tale of The Velveteen Rabbit, followed by the festive variety show, Deck the Halls! Then comes the inventive Alice With a Twist and the series concludes with the imaginative anthology, The Dragon vs. The Hiccups & Other Winning Plays. Subscribers can see all four shows for only $20. A deal unlike any other that allows families to enjoy kid friendly theatre for less than movie theatre prices. Single Tickets are also available for $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org or by calling the FST Box Office at 941-366-9000.
Opening the Children’s Theatre series is The Velveteen Rabbit by Kevin Del Aguila, playing November 19 and 26 in Bowne’s Lab Theatre. Springing to life for a whole new generation is the enchanting tale of a toy bunny who longs to become real. Complete with a wise old rocking horse, an assortment of toys, and even a magical fairy, this timeless story uses the audience’s imagination to transform the actors and their simple props. After its premiere Off-Broadway in 2012, Broadway World called this play “Exceptional storytelling”, and Entertainment Weekly says it’s “As beautifully engaging for adults as for children.” 4
The second slot of the season is a brand new holiday show, Deck the Halls! Created by FST WRITE A PLAY Coordinator Patrick A. Jackson and FST Director of Children’s Theatre, Caroline Kaiser, this interactive sketch show plays in Bowne’s Lab Theatre on December 10 and December 17. Join us as we deck the palms with boughs of holly and have a very sandy Christmas. In this show full of favorite carols, festive sketches, and family fun we will celebrate everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special! According to Kaiser, “This variety show celebrates why being in Sarasota is unique and special at that time of year. It’s great to get the whole family to come enjoy theatre and celebrate the holidays ‘Florida style.’”
Next up is a family improvised adventure, Alice With a Twist. This improvised adventure will play in Bowne’s Lab Theatre on January 21 and 28. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland in this interactive improvised twist on the classic children’s story. What kooky characters will she meet along the way? How will she find her way out of Wonderland? YOU decide. Created in the spirit of “Choose Your Own Story” theatre, this show is an opportunity for your child to be a part of Alice's adventure!
Kaiser speaks to the addition of a family improv show stating, “We tested it this Summer with Zap! Bang! Pow! It went over really well. Kids are natural improvisers. Alice With a Twist lets that kooky imagination come to life all while bringing improv to family audiences of FST.”
The final show of the children’s series is The Dragon vs. The Hiccups and Other Winning Plays which plays in the Keating Theatre on May 6 and 13. This wise, heartfelt, and often hilarious anthology of award-winning short plays highlights the most creative and imaginative writing from Elementary school students. Performed by a cast of professional actors, these authentic stories from the minds of children contain laughter, lessons, and learning for us all.
From a magic forest, to Wonderland, and even to a dragon’s lair, Florida Studio Theatre is taking families on an original and engaging adventure into the world of Children’s Theatre. This full series of family shows allows FST to continue its mission to inspire children to open their minds and explore their imaginations.
Subscriptions are available for the Children's Theatre Season, and are $20 for all four shows. Single Tickets are $10. Subscriptions and Single Tickets can be purchased online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org or by calling the FST Box Office at 941-366-9000.
For information on the benefits of children’s theater, check out the following links!
