A beloved tradition since 2009, there is no Sarasota Improv Festival this year, as the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza is still under construction. Florida Studio Theatre kept the energy alive by inviting last year’s breakout group, Orlando’s “Forgotten Broadway,” back to the stage.
The Sarasota Improv Festival’s been a beloved summer tradition, thanks to Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins. It’s not disappearing; organizers plan to bring it back next July.
“Forgotten Broadway” puts on a completely improvised musical comedy revue. They jump in with nothing prepared, grab suggestions from the audience, and build characters, songs, and full Broadway-style scenes right there in the moment. You can catch them at Bowne’s Lab at 7:30 p.m. on July 31 and August 1.
Right after, on August 8, FST’s own improv team returns with “Out of Bounds.” It’s fast, competitive, and totally unpredictable, two teams go head-to-head playing quick-fire games, guided by whatever the crowd throws at them. At the end, you don’t just watch, you pick the winner with your applause. “Out of Bounds” runs through September 9.
Performance details aside, the FST crew isn’t slowing down. All summer; they’re stacking the calendar with performances and hands-on improv workshops. Forgotten Broadway’s return and the local favorite “Out of Bounds” showdown promise a string of spontaneous, memorable shows.
“We love bringing so much creativity and joy to our audiences, especially the laughter,” says Sarah Durham, associate director of improv at FST. “The great thing about improv? No two shows are alike. Even if you return, you’ll always see something new.”
If you want to try improv instead of just watching, “Forgotten Broadway” has you covered. On August 1, they’re leading two workshops: Singing (Minus the Scary) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and The Story in the Songs! from 3 to 5 p.m.
Singing (Minus the Scary) helps anyone, even the shy, build confidence singing without a script. It’s open and welcoming; no experience is necessary. The Story in the Songs! gets into how to weave stories, characters, and relationships into spontaneous musical numbers, without losing the fun. Each workshop costs $30, and you don’t have to be a seasoned improviser to join.
Since opening in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has grown from a single venue to a vibrant collection of five theatres, right in downtown Sarasota. Intimate spaces, big ideas. These theatres pack a punch, with over 225,000 people turning up every year for productions across Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, Improv, The FST School, and new play development.
Even as it expands, FST sticks to a core mission: making theatre accessible and affordable for everyone. Under Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, the theatre develops work that speaks directly to today’s changing world. It’s a place where the historic meets the hip, and where anyone can find something to engage with, onstage or in the audience.
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