The 5 Must-See Productions Of Florida Studio Theatre's 2025-2026 Season: A Deep Dive Into Sarasota's Cultural Powerhouse
As of December 2025, the Florida Studio Theatre (FST) in Sarasota is not just a regional theatre; it stands as a dynamic cultural powerhouse, consistently delivering some of the most engaging and contemporary programming in the Southeast. The energy surrounding the announcement of the complete 2025-2026 Winter Season, coupled with the ongoing development of the transformative McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, confirms FST's commitment to artistic innovation and community growth.
This season, under the enduring leadership of Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, FST continues its mission to develop theatre that speaks directly to a living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. From the flagship Mainstage Series to the intimate Cabaret productions, the upcoming lineup offers a compelling mix of Broadway hits, world premieres, and adventurous new works designed to challenge and entertain the modern theatregoer.
The Dynamic 2025-2026 Winter Season Lineup
Florida Studio Theatre’s programming is structured across multiple distinct series, each catering to a different theatrical taste. The 2025-2026 Winter Season is particularly robust, featuring a four-show Mainstage Series and a three-show Cabaret Series, along with the cutting-edge Stage III and Children's Theatre productions. The variety ensures FST remains a vibrant center for the Sarasota theatre scene.
1. Mainstage Series Highlights: New Hits and Beloved Comedies
The Mainstage Series, FST's flagship program, is housed primarily in the 237-seat Gompertz Theatre. This series is known for bringing the best in contemporary theatre, from the latest Broadway successes to brand-new plays.
- Lucky Stiff (Gompertz Theatre): Kicking off the winter season, this madcap musical mystery runs from November 2025 through early January 2026. This production exemplifies the Mainstage’s focus on high-energy, entertaining theatrical experiences.
- A Tailor Near Me (Keating Theatre): Running from December 2025 to February 2026 in the Keating Theatre, this show demonstrates FST's commitment to diverse storytelling and more intimate, thought-provoking works within the Mainstage umbrella.
2. The Intimate & Engaging Cabaret Series
The Cabaret Series, performed in venues like the Goldstein Cabaret and the John C. Court Cabaret, is a cornerstone of the FST experience, offering music-centric, often revue-style shows in a more relaxed setting. The 2025-2026 Cabaret Series features three exciting productions:
- Feeling Good: A show designed to uplift and entertain, featuring classic hits and powerful vocal performances.
- Three Pianos: A unique musical experience that is sure to blend virtuosic performance with engaging stage presence.
- One Hit Wonders: A nostalgic journey through the history of pop music, focusing on those unforgettable songs that defined an era.
3. The Adventurous Edge: The 2026 Stage III Series
For the adventurous theatregoer, the Stage III Series—often performed in the Bowne's Lab Theatre—is where FST presents theatre that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains. The 2026 Stage III Series, announced in December 2025, features three compelling productions centered on themes of human resilience and deep personal endurance.
- A Musical Exploration of an Icon: While the full lineup is tightly curated, one announced production, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, suggests a powerful, historical look at a figure who embodied resilience and passion. This series is a crucial venue for exploring new and impactful stories.
FST's Commitment to New Work and Community Growth
Florida Studio Theatre’s influence extends far beyond the stage, making it a critical hub for the arts community and new playwright development. This deep commitment is evidenced by several key initiatives and facilities.
The Transformative McGillicuddy Arts Plaza
A major development for FST and the entire Sarasota cultural district is the groundbreaking of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, which commenced in October 2025. This ambitious project is set to enhance the entire FST campus, creating a vibrant, accessible public space that connects the various theatre venues, including the Gompertz Theatre and the Keating Theatre, and further solidifies FST's role as the beating heart of the Sarasota arts scene.
Fostering New Playwrights and Diverse Voices
FST is a national leader in developing new work. Its dedication to emerging voices is showcased through programs like the partnership with The Terrence McNally Foundation, which awards the Terrence McNally Recovery Commission—a $10,000 commission—to an emerging playwright. Additionally, The Suffragist Project is a significant initiative that commissioned four playwrights to create brand new plays inspired by the fight for women's right to vote, ensuring that FST’s stage reflects important historical and contemporary conversations.
Education and Community Engagement
Beyond the professional productions, FST maintains a robust educational wing, including the FST School and the Children's Theatre. The 2025-2026 Children's Theatre season opens with a beloved classic, Peter Pan, demonstrating the theatre's commitment to nurturing the next generation of theatre lovers and artists. The Forums Series, which runs alongside the main productions, features panel discussions inspired by the themes explored on stage, fostering a deeper connection and dialogue with the audience.
FST: A Legacy of Contemporary Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre was founded on the principle of presenting contemporary theatre, and under the four-decade-long tenure of Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, it has grown from a modest venture with 106 subscribers into a major regional theatre with five distinct performance spaces. The multiple venues—including the Gompertz Theatre, Keating Theatre, Goldstein Cabaret, John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne's Lab Theatre—allow FST to simultaneously run diverse programming, from large-scale Mainstage productions to intimate Cabaret shows and experimental Stage III works. FST's focus on affordability and accessibility ensures that this cultural gem remains open to the widest possible audience, solidifying its reputation as a crucial cultural anchor in Sarasota and a vital force in the national theatre landscape.
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