FST and The Terrence Mcnally Foundation Announce Jake Brasch As Recovery Commission Winner

FST and The Terrence Mcnally Foundation Announce Jake Brasch As Recovery Commission Winner

(Sarasota, FL) - Florida Studio Theatre, The Recovery Project, and The Terrence McNally Foundation, are proud to announce that Jake Brasch has been selected as the recipient of the Terrence McNally Recovery Commission. This accolade, part of FST’s ongoing commitment to foster new talent and promote compelling storytelling, includes a $10,000 new play commission and the invaluable mentorship of esteemed playwright Craig Lucas.

Jake Brasch, an emerging playwright known for their unique voice and powerful narratives, will have the opportunity to develop a new work with the support and guidance of Lucas, who will serve as an artistic mentor and fellow artist in recovery.

“By being able to commission artists in recovery, not only do we continue to let people know that recovery is possible, but we also get to uplift and demonstrate that many artists in recovery are thriving,” said Sean Daniels, the Director of the Recovery Project. “In 2015, one-tenth of all US overdose deaths occurred in Florida... Personally, as an artist in recovery, I'm grateful to The Terrence McNally Foundation and FST for being real leaders in how we not only create more art but also keep our artists alive.”

The Terrence McNally Recovery Commission not only highlights Brasch’s exceptional talent but also reinforces FST’s mission to support artists at critical junctures in their careers. The commissions will culminate in a "Works-in-Progress" showing at FST, where the community can engage with selected scenes from Brasch’s play and participate in an on-stage discussion with Brasch and Lucas.

Craig Lucas, an acclaimed American playwright and director, is renowned for his works such as the Broadway musical Days of Wine and Roses and the Obie Award-winning play Small Tragedy. His mentorship will provide Brasch with a wealth of experience and insight to further enhance the development of his new play.

“Florida Studio Theatre has been collaborating with emerging playwrights for the entirety of its fifty-year existence,” said Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. “What makes this collaboration particularly special is the opportunity to connect one of my favorite American playwrights, Craig Lucas, with an emerging playwright as a mentor. This experience will undoubtedly be valuable for the Fellow, for FST, and certainly for Mr. Lucas. Furthermore, the commission of a play by Craig Lucas is a significant bonus for the theatre and our audience.”

In addition to Brasch, finalists include Brendan Borque-Sheil, Adam Esquenazi Douglas, Alex Lin, Colin Murphy, Terry Tocantins, Garrett Zuercher, Sarah Galante, and Gabrielle Lennon.

The Terrence McNally Recovery Commission is inspired by the personal journey of the late Terrence McNally, who began his own recovery journey through a chance encounter with Angela Lansbury at a pivotal moment in his life. McNally's commitment to sobriety and his belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and support others serve as the driving forces behind this commission.

ABOUT THE TERRENCE MCNALLY FOUNDATION

The Terrence McNally Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to supporting bold new voices in the American theatre by providing financial and institutional support to early- career playwrights. Created by Terrence McNally and supported through the royalties of his work, the Foundation is also committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes, as McNally did throughout his life.

ABOUT FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Artist Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman’s Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne’s Lab Theatre. 

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience.  FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world.  As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.

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