Asolo Rep awarded 2022-23 Arts Appreciation Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation
(SARASOTA, FLA) — Asolo Repertory Theatre has received an $80,000 Arts Appreciation Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation that will be used to support the 2022-23 season. In addition to the season sponsorship, Gulf Coast’s contribution supports Asolo Rep’s 2023 Annual Gala, the Starry Night Series, the IllumiNation Series and the Artistic Excellence Society.
“We continue to be thankful for Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s recognition of and commitment to our mission in the community,” said Asolo Rep Managing Director Linda DiGabriele. “Their partnership helps us excel with the high-quality productions Asolo Rep is known for, while also enhancing our ability to engage with the communities we serve in meaningful ways.”
The grant will provide essential support for the 2022-23 mainstage season, which is an engaging mix of the classic and the new, bookended by the iconic musicals Cabaret and Man of La Mancha. The four-show rotating repertory season of plays includes Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers, Silent Sky, Chicken & Biscuits and Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
In addition to the theatrical season sponsorship, Gulf Coast’s funds will support the IllumiNation Series, which explores the social, political, and cultural themes threaded throughout Asolo Rep's productions. This season, attendees will discuss topics related to Cabaret, Silent Sky, Chicken & Biscuits and Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation is recognized as a platinum-level sponsor for Asolo Rep’s Annual Gala, set for March 4. The theatre company’s biggest fundraiser of the season, the evening features a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner, paddle raise, live music and dancing. Gulf Coast will also support the Starry Night Series, which presents exclusive events at amazing locations themed to this year’s productions of Cabaret, Silent Sky and Man of La Mancha.
Finally, in honor of Asolo Rep Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards, Gulf Coast is designating support for the Artistic Excellence Society (AES) for the first time. AES is a devoted group of donors whose mission is to support Edwards’ vision, ensuring that bold artistic choices can be made in selecting works that embody a spirit of risk-taking, collaboration and innovation.
“Gulf Coast Community Foundation is honored to support Asolo Repertory Theatre with this Arts Appreciation Grant. With leadership changing and leaving a legacy of world-class theatre, we are proud to continue supporting this vital arts organization and their amazing programming,” said Mark Pritchett, President|CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
To learn more about Asolo Rep’s 2022-23 season and programs, visit asolorep.org.
ABOUT ASOLO REP
Now in its 64th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few select theatres in the nation that performs in true rotating repertory, Asolo Rep’s highly skilled acting company and extensive craftsmanship bring to life this unique performance method that gives audiences the opportunity to see multiple productions in the span of a few days. Asolo Rep presents up to 10 productions each season, including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with the best theatre artists working in the industry today and cultivating new artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, Asolo Rep’s ambitious theatrical offerings and ground-breaking education and community programming engage audiences and ensure its lasting legacy for future generations. Visit asolorep.org to learn more.
ABOUT GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for over 25 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy, and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has granted nearly $500 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” nationally by The Nonprofit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, and 2021. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook at @GulfCoastCommFnd.