Lazier was a strong advocate for Asolo.(TICKET)(STATE OF THE ARTS)

Byline: CHARLIE HUISKING

Gil Lazier, who is retiring after 17 years as dean of theater at Florida State University, is much better-known in Tallahassee than Sarasota. Yet, Lazier has made enormous contributions to the Sarasota-based FSU/Asolo Conservatory, and to the Asolo Theatre Company.

The ties between FSU and the Asolo have always been strong. Lazier's predecessor, Richard Fallon, served as the Asolo's executive director during the theater's early years.

During his tenure, Lazier continued to nuture the FSU-Asolo relationship. When the Asolo began to struggle financially in the early 1990s, Lazier lobbied for more FSU support of the company. He also helped the conservatory (FSU's three-year …