PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 29, 2025

The show must go on – FloArts season, curricula continue during renovation

The Florida School of the Arts, its fine arts gallery and main stage theater took its final bow this April in preparation for a year-long renovation. The 49-year-old facility, located on the St. Johns River State College Palatka campus, is entering a transformational year that includes an extensive, modern refurbishment and two bachelor’s degrees, said SJR State President Joe Pickens.

“Achieving the realization of a world-class fine arts program will always begin with faculty, but facilities are important, too. This 15-month, $15 million renovation and expansion of the FloArts facilities will allow us to offer one of the most comprehensive arts education programs in the country,” Pickens said. “This new conservatory-like atmosphere makes for an experience few other institutions offer.”

According to Dean of FloArts Emily Schafer, the school’s growth is a significant milestone in the program’s evolution. “Over the years, the school and its facility have become inseparable from the journeys of the countless artists who have studied, created, and performed here. This moment is more than a milestone, it is a renewal of the creative spirit that defines Florida School of the Arts,” Schaffer said.

The project includes a remodel and addition to the existing FloArts buildings. The 27,000 square foot remodel will enable a transformative update to the existing theater, back-of-house, fine arts gallery, classrooms, and office spaces.

The 11,000 square-foot addition includes a central lobby with new classrooms and event spaces. A black box theater addition will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will provide students with a new range of performance and learning opportunities.

FloArts 2025-26 Season of Events
During the year-long renovation, students and faculty have relocated classes off campus at the college’s Workforce Training Center, located on Husson Avenue in Palatka. Despite the move, FloArts faculty and students promise an exciting season of events performed at various locations.

The Complete World of Sports (abridged) - Sept. 19-21
Performed at the Workforce Training Center in Palatka. Admission is free.

Fall Choreography Dance Concert - Nov. 14-17
Performed at the Thrasher-Horne Center (SJR State Orange Park Campus). Admission is $10.

Musical Theater Vocal Company Concert – Dec. 7
Performed at the Workforce Training Center in Palatka. Admission is free.

Electra by Sophocles, February 20-22
Performed at the SJR State Palatka Campus Courtyard. (Bring Your Own Chair). Admission is free.

Alice By Heart - May 22-24
Performed at the Thrasher-Horne Center (SJR State Orange Park Campus). Admission is $10.

Bachelor’s degrees debut
FloArts students now have the opportunity to continue their education at the baccalaureate level with the Bachelor Of Applied Science In Performance Design And Production and Bachelor Of Applied Science In Digital Art And Media

The two bachelor’s degrees are affordable and accessible options for students studying digital art or design/production, said Schafer. “These programs provide students with the opportunity to gain specialized, hands-on skills in rapidly growing fields that are essential to today’s creative technology industries,” Schafer said. “By providing affordable pathways to education, these programs allow students to pursue their dreams without the heavy financial burden, ensuring they have the chance to thrive in their chosen careers.”

Follow FloArts’ renovation

Florida School of the Arts began full operation as a part of SJR State with a charter class of 51 students in 1976. It was the first state-supported professional arts school for high school and college students in Florida.

Florida School of the Arts, located on the St. Johns River State College Palatka campus, serves the entire state of Florida, is part of the academic and administrative structure of SJR State. FloArts awards associate degrees in acting, dance performance, musical theater, stage management, theater technology, graphic design/new media and studio art. For more information, call (386) 312-4300 or visit SJRstate.edu/floarts.

The FloArts renovation project includes a 27,000 square foot remodel that will enable a transformative update to the existing theater, back-of-house, fine arts gallery, classrooms, and office spaces.