ASOLO THEATER INC

Asolo Rep’s mission to entertain, engage and inspire through the highest quality professional repertory theatre and superior educational programs is underpinned by the following goals: a) Produce bold, compelling work in a creative, nurturing home for resident and guest artists; b) Give a diverse audience access to world‐class productions and public programs; c) Develop and present new work and embrace innovation in artistry; d) Inspire youth throughout the region to experience, discuss, and create live theatre, and e) Foster the next generation of artists for the American theatre through our partnership with FSU/Asolo Conservatory.

Asolo Rep is a professional regional theatre which produces ten productions on three stages over nine months each year. Asolo Rep is one of the only regional theatres in the nation that stages performances in true rotating repertory, a unique method that challenges actors while giving audiences access to multiple productions in the span of a few days.

Asolo Rep is based in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, which we share with the Conservatory and the Sarasota Ballet. The 89,700 sq. ft. building was opened by Asolo Rep in 1989 and is now owned/maintained by FSU. Asolo Rep provides the core theatrical offerings from November-July in the 503-seat Mertz Theatre. The 161-seat Cook Theatre is used primarily for the Conservatory’s season performed by 2nd-year students. In addition to the Costume Shop at the Center, Asolo Rep owns the Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center, a 36,000 sq. ft. facility that houses our scenic studios, costume and prop collection, and the Weiller Rehearsal Hall. Asolo Rep owns 10 condos for Guest Artist Housing. All of our owned facilities are debt-free as a result of the theatre's capital campaign.

Based at Asolo Rep, FSU/Asolo Conservatory draws a select group of 12 students annually from more than 1,000 national applicants. The students’ rigorous 3-year schedule includes classes; understudy work for the mainstage company in their 1st year; a 4-production season in the Cook Theatre in their 2nd year followed by a 6-week summer study program in London; a regional tour in their 3rd year followed by becoming Main Stage company members, performing a variety of roles throughout the season. These talented actors allow Asolo Rep to mount large scale productions often beyond the capability of other theatres.

Asolo Rep programs and publications for youth and adults engage people of all ages and backgrounds in conversation about the work on stage, while connecting it to the world around them. Thousands of students experience our Main Stage productions, and over 18,000 throughout the State experienced our Fall 2012 New Stages tour; two teams of 3rd year Conservatory students performed “Macbeth" in over 50 venues from Tallahassee to Miami. These programs include pre- and post-performance work with teachers and students and ties to the curriculum.

 

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