SARASOTA, Fla. — The Stage at Payne Park LLC (The Stage), a wholly-owned subsidiary nonprofit organization of The Players, Inc. with a mission to remodel the existing Payne Park auditorium for its new home, has selected Fleischman Garcia Maslowski (FG+M) Architecture to lead the design process for its new location at 2100 Laurel St. in Sarasota.
“FG+M is excited and honored to have been selected to design The Stage at Payne Park,” said Marcel Maslowski, president and director of design for FG+M. “We have a deep passion for the arts and the community of Sarasota, and we look forward to collaborating with the theater groups. The rhythm and sound of actors and dancers on stage always inspire us in our designs of performing arts spaces. Our goal is to create a unique place that inspires people to come together and celebrate the arts.”
The Stage has also hired Stages Consultants to serve as the project’s theatre, AV and acoustics consultant, and will be led by theatre consultant Alec Stoll, ASTC, and acoustician Damian Doria, FASA. Stoll has played integral roles in the programming, planning, design and construction of more than 250 academic, professional and community venues, as well as historic renovation and restoration projects. He will help oversee design and construction of the new facility.
“Stages Consultants was selected because of their incredible work on other flexible theatre projects across the country and in Florida, like the new theatre at Rollins College, the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, Oolite Arts and the Faena District in Miami Beach,” said Brian McCarthy, chief executive officer of The Stage.
“FG+M was selected because they were local, with offices in Tampa and Sarasota, have extensive experience in this area, were very cost competitive and were willing to assist in promoting the project as we gear up to launch a capital campaign in September,” said McCarthy. “We are excited to work with this dynamic group to bring our joint visions to life.”
The Stage is also currently looking for a general contractor, executive director and advisory committee members. The organization has started the major conditional use permitting process with the city of Sarasota, which will take approximately four to six months.
A community workshop will be held on September 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the municipal auditorium in Payne Park to gather input from neighbors and community stakeholders.
Construction is expected to start in March 2024, with an estimated completion slated for summer 2025.
The Stage will also host a focus group and design charrette on August 29 from noon to 3 p.m. to update the consortium of performing arts organizations on the progress, tasks ahead and to understand the varying requirements of each organization for inclusion in the design for the new facility.
“Since The Stage will only be needed by The Players for its five-month theatrical season, we are dedicated to building something that meets the various needs of Sarasota’s other arts organizations, including physical requirements for the facility, common services to reduce costs, improve efficiency and customer service, marketing, ticketing, conference rooms and their scheduling needs for the 2025 season,” said McCarthy.
About The Stage at Payne Park
Founded in 2023, The Stage at Payne Park LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Players Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to promote and embrace community theatre and performing arts within Sarasota. In partnership with The Players, The Stage offers an inclusive environment that inspires cultural creativity, acts as an incubator for the performing arts community to thrive and gives aspiring performers a platform to produce and showcase original productions. The 299-seat auditorium located at 2100 Laurel St. in Sarasota will feature flexible space for a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and community events.
To learn more, visit TheStagePaynePark.org.
About Fleischman Garcia Maslowski
Founded in 1971 by Sol J. Fleischman Jr. and Eduardo Garcia, our firm is now one of the region’s largest and most experienced locally owned architecture, planning, and interior design firms, known for award-winning projects in libraries, performing arts centers, education, healthcare, and more. Eddy Garcia’s sudden passing led to retaining the name as a tribute. FG+M is committed to serving our community and sustainability with offices in Tampa, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, and Lutz, Florida. FG+M signed the AIA 2030 Commitment and earned the US Green Building Council recognition. FG+Ms skilled team of 34 professionals drives our success, complemented by a strategic partnership with BDG Architects since 2020. In 2022, Marcel Maslowski’s promotion to President/Director of Design resulted in Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture (FG+M).
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For more information, please contact:
Candice Brown-McElyea
[email protected]