FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING
ANNOUNCES 2011-2012 SEASON
Conservatory Director Greg Leaming selects four ambitious works that span eras and genres
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s 40th season, under the leadership of director Greg Leaming, includes a modern take on an classic tale of faith, human nature and patricide; a comic commentary on ethical dilemmas by one of America’s most engaging playwrights; a sprawling epic by one of the titans of German theater; and an imaginative comedy about power politics and sexual attitudes.
Leaming says that this season’s dynamic line-up reflects the FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s mission to present a high-caliber, creative mix of theater for the dual purpose of training acting students—and engaging audiences. Students in their second year perform the roles in this season’s four performances.
“Our selection always includes works from classical dramatic literature, as well as modern masterpieces,” explains Leaming. “I select each production with the talents of the company in mind. Our second-year students get to stretch their muscles, push themselves creatively, and explore a stimulating mix of roles and situations. At the same time, our audiences get the rare opportunity to see works not often performed.”
Leaming says the 2011-2012 season continues the Conservatory’s celebrated tradition of presenting edgy, progressive and demanding theatrical productions. “Our audience expects to be challenged, entertained and educated,” he says.
Leaming adds that this season the Conservatory is featuring a special $100 subscription price for all four plays. “While we’re very eager to raise much-needed funds for the Conservatory, we also want to ensure that our ticket prices are affordable.”
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s 2011-2012 season includes The Brothers Karamazov by Anthony Clarvoe (Nov. 1-20, 2011); Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan (Jan. 3-22, 2012); The Robbers by Friedrich Schiller (Feb. 21-March 11, 2012); and Cloud Nine by Caryl Churchill (April 3-22, 2012).
November 1–20, 2011
The Brothers Karamazov by Anthony Clarvoe
The epic story of faith, human nature and patricide based on the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
January 3-22, 2012
Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan
Two security guards and two cops tussle over right and wrong while doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons. Sexual jealousy, police corruption, racial defensiveness and a clumsy yearning for honor all play a part in this very funny and moving play by one of America’s most engaging playwrights.
February 21-March 11, 2012
The Robbers by Friedrich Schiller
A sprawling epic by one of the titans of German theater. Two brothers wage war against each other for power and the love of their father. The limits of personal liberty are stretched as one brother plots through diabolical court intrigue and the other sets up camp in the Bohemian forest, forcing liberty through revolutionary anarchy. A story about the violent overthrow of the status quo by a younger generation that, even 225 years after it was written, seems ripped from international headlines.
April 3-22, 2012
Cloud Nine by Caryl Churchill
The divide between the sexes is shattered in this carnival of sexuality and liberation. A group of British colonialists in 19th-century Africa desperately struggle to keep their sexuality hidden under the veneer of upper crust decorum in Act I. In Act II, the same people, having discarded the shackles of repression, discover some difficult truths about themselves when they embrace the free-wheeling sexuality of the 1980s. Men play women, women play men, adults play children in this wild anarchic comedy.
TICKET INFORMATION
The first three productions are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The fourth and final production, Cloud Nine, is at the Historic Asolo Theater. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000. A special subscription offer of $100 for all four plays is being offered. The 2011-2012 season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now.
ABOUT THE CONSERVATORY
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a celebrated three-year graduate program culminating in a master of fine arts degree. For more than 30 years, tens of thousands of actors from across the continent have auditioned for admission. A maximum of 12 students are admitted each year. In their second year, the students perform in the Cook Theatre, a 161-seat space designed to create an intimate experience for the audience and actors. Third-year students are seen on the Mertz Stage working with the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s professional actors in exciting and significant roles. For more information, visit www.asolorep.org.
Photos courtesy of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training
