Florida Studio Theatre has received a $150,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the naming of the Mainstage Sound and Lights Booth in the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, honoring the legacy of the late Muriel O’Neil. Funding for this project has been provided by the Muriel O’Neil Fund for the Performing Arts.
“The Mainstage Sound and Light Booth is where all the magic comes together in real time,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “It’s the unseen hub that controls the lights, the sound, and the seamless flow of production. To have Muriel O’Neil’s name there, presiding over every cue and every performance, is a beautiful way to honor her enduring passion for the arts.”
As part of this gift, a commemorative plaque will be installed in the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, ensuring O’Neil’s story and unwavering commitment to the performing arts remains a visible and permanent part of FST’s campus.
