Studio 84 Productions
Introduction
The theatre program of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts presents four or five shows annually under the name of Studio 84 Productions. These comedies, dramas, mysteries and musicals are presented in either the Neel Performing Arts Center or in the new David S. & Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre.
These theatre productions are staged by professional directors, most of whom also serve as full-time or adjunct theatre faculty. Auditions are open to SCF students and community members.
Upcoming Events
Auditions:
Plays:
ZARA SPOOK AND OTHER LURES
Playwright: Joan Ackermann
Director: Dean Anthony
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: Evelyn is a little woman with a big dream: she hopes to win the national women's bass fishing tournament sponsored by Bassin' Gal Magazine. She's got stiff competition, legendary champion Ramona. Evelyn must contend with her boyfriend who desperately wants to marry her and won't take "get lost" for an answer. Ramona also has a man in pursuit, her macho estranged husband who was dismissed from Ramona's life for being insensitive. He's out to prove her wrong, even he has to shoot her to do so.
Cast: Nicholas DeLisi, Madeline Heath, Sara Brown, Sally Fint, Sean Darcy and Alexandra Cowan
Performance Dates and Times: April 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. and April 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. in the David S. & Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre, Bldg. 11, Room 163.
Reserved Seats: $12 for adults; $10 for SCF students and staff.
Tickets go on sale April 2 in the Neel Performing Arts Center box office, open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays. The Howard Studio Theatre box office will open one hour before each performance.
Seating Chart
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The Story of Studio 84
In November 1966, the SCF Department of Theatre presented its first production, "The Little Hut" on the stage of the Samuel R. Neel Auditorium. In the summer of 1972, a "black box" studio theatre was constructed under the leadership of Professor John W. James, the director of theatre. The wooden risers originally seated folding chairs until 120 seats were salvaged from the old Players of Sarasota building. However, only 84 seats could fit into the theatre, which led to the studio theatre's original name.
In the mid-1980s, a new stage was built and the original 84 seats were replaced with newer, larger and more comfortable ones. The old wooden risers were replaced one or two at a time with welded steel risers and casters. In the early 1990s, Studio 84 obtained a new lobby, hallway, and box office. Soon after his retirement in December 1998, Studio 84 Theatre was renamed the John W. James Studio Theatre in honor of the professor's perseverance in fulfilling his vision of transforming a hollow shell into a vital studio theatre.
The final performance in the John W. James Studio Theatre was held on June 16, 2007. One week later, 40 alumni helped pack and move 35 years worth of theatre materials prior to the studio theatre's dismantling. For the 2007-08 season, Studio 84 Productions was housed in the former film annex during major remodeling of the new performing arts wing. On September 26, 2008, the first performance of "The Servant of Two Masters" was held in the new 116-seat David S. & Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre.
Theatre
Classes in the dramatic arts are offered each semester through the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Please click here to see the course of study. For further information, please click here to contact Ken Erickson , director of theatre, or by telephone at (941)752-5586.
Delta Psi Omega
Delta Psi Omega was organized March 20, 1929, as an honorary dramatic fraternity for the purpose of providing an honor society for those doing a high standard of work in college dramatics. The expansion of Delta Psi Omega among the colleges of the United States and Canada provides a wider fellowship for those interested in college theatre. The Manatee Community College chapter of Delta Psi Omega, Cast #202, was established in 1966. Students are admitted into this national honorary fraternity at an awards banquet held each April.
Delta Psi Omega funds go directly to the students in the form of tuition scholarships and theatre activities, including the New York Theatre Honors Tour each March.
Mailing List
If you are interested in receiving additional information about Studio 84 Productions and upcoming performances, please contact James Thaggard box office manager, by e-mail or by telephone at (941)752-5252.
