Photo courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre

The Florida Studio Theatre announced this week that it will give back to the community by offering full scholarships for its Summer Theatre Camps to children of front line workers. Additional full and partial scholarships are available based on financial need.

FST is running in-person three-week Summer Camps for students ages 7-17 as well as one-week online Summer Camps for students ages 4-12 beginning the week of June 1. A full list of FST’s summer camps is below. Those interested who qualify for these full scholarships should call FST’s Education Office at (941) 366-1350 for eligibility, more information, and to enroll. Scholarships are made possible thanks to the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and support from individual donors. “We’re proud to be able to offer scholarships to students whose families have been impacted by the current pandemic,” said Josh Ford, FST’s Director of Education. “Theatre is about exploring and processing our own emotions as well as really hearing the emotions of others. So these are the times when Theatre is so essential to build on our awareness, to understand that we’re all in the same boat, and to practice empathy. Theatre is also a really fun way to blow off steam! These scholarships are just one way that we can serve those who have served our community so fearlessly.”

With FST’s summer camps, young people have the opportunity to nurture their own creativity, build self-esteem, and gain emotional awareness. Intro to Little Theatre: Online helps students ages 4-6 improve coordination and confidence, while also learning how to express themselves authentically. In Intro to Children’s Performing Arts Camp: Online, students ages 7-12 will work with professional artists to create their own original theatre pieces.

Photo courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre