Asolo Repertory Theatre’s scene shop is getting a boost where the magic begins.
Asolo Repertory Theatre’s scene shop is getting a boost where the magic begins. As one of Florida’s leading theaters, Asolo Rep brings imagination and connection to the stage, and now, through Southface Institute’s GoodUse: Audit Kickstart pilot, its behind-the-scenes workspace has a clearer path to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
With support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Southface conducted an ASHRAE Level II audit of the Robert and Beverly Koski Center, transforming complex building systems into a simple, actionable roadmap. The audit identified practical upgrades that could unlock more than $63,000 in annual savings, reducing environmental impact while freeing up resources for productions, materials, and expanded community programming.
For nonprofits, every dollar matters, yet aging and inefficient buildings often drain limited resources. In fact, up to 30% of building energy use can be wasted, diverting funding away from mission-driven work. Southface’s GoodUse program helps change that by equipping nonprofits with clear, data-driven solutions to cut costs and improve building performance. GoodUse: Audit Kickstart was designed to make that support more accessible, offering an approachable starting point for organizations to better understand their buildings and take action.
“Southface were genuine partners throughout the process… The audit has given us a clear-eyed picture of where we stand and a practical roadmap forward,” said Ross Egan, Managing Director of Asolo Rep. By helping nonprofits reduce operating costs, GoodUse empowers organizations like Asolo Rep to reinvest in what matters most: deeper community impact, expanded access to the arts, and stronger, more resilient programs. Every dollar saved is a dollar returned to the community.
About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $605 million in more than 1,600 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $44.7 million last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare, and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has granted $542 million to nonprofits in the community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit cfsarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.