Performing Arts

Review

FST's Production of the New Comedy 'Dog Mom' Mixes Laughs With Heart

Elizabeth Hanyok’s play reminds us of how we humans can benefit, not only from being with a dog, but from learning from them

06/29/2026 By Kay Kipling

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From circus thrills and country legends to roller derby, tap class, ukuleles, emo night and a few very Sarasota ways to spend a summer weekend, here’s what’s happening around town this week.

06/25/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Venice Symphony Grows Into New Season

Audiences are responding to the symphony's orchestral concerts mixing classics and pop music.

06/23/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Review

Romance Gets Raunchy in Asolo Rep's 'Lady Disdain'

The show offers a steamy 21st-century take on "Much Ado About Nothing."

06/15/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

A Grown-up Girl Scout Earns a New Badge

In Lifeline Productions' "Begin Again Badge," Cristela Carrizales shares her story of trauma, addiction and joyful recovery.

06/09/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Review

Review: FST's 'Honky Tonk Women' Puts Some Country Twang in Your Summer

The show is packed full of country songs you’ll remember, from the likes of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bobbie Gentry, Tammy Wynette and KT Oslin.

06/04/2026 By Kay Kipling

Review

Who Was Eartha Kitt? Urbanite Theatre Gives Us the Answer.

The theatre's season-closing production, "Who Is Eartha Mae?," brings the performer to life.

06/03/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Squeaky Wheel Fringe Gives Artists a Platform to Experiment and Play

Nine new local and national shows will be presented in Squeaky Wheel's fourth festival.

05/26/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Building Excitement

A New Gift and New Look for Sarasota Orchestra's Music Center

A major investment and new design renderings move the center's future closer.

05/18/2026 By Kay Kipling

Coming Attractions

The Ringling Announces Its 2026-2027 Art of Performance Lineup

Spanning Grammy-nominated vocalists, puppetry, experimental dance and contemporary circus, this year’s Art of Performance series continues the museum’s commitment to adventurous, interdisciplinary live art.

05/12/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Marie and Rosetta' Rocks and Reveals

George Brant's play introduces us to music legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her protégée, Marie Knight.

05/11/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Powerful 'Assassins' Closes Sarasota Players Season

The Stephen Sondheim-John Weidman musical remains a potent and topical story.

05/05/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Ringling's 'MicroWIP@TheHat' Fosters New Work by Local Artists

The program provides rehearsal space, a stipend and a performance showcase.

05/05/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Orchestra Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero Connects With the Community

Giancarlo Guerrero has brought new energy to Sarasota Orchestra as he announces programs for his second season.

04/27/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Manatee Theater Expands With New Building

The Manatee Performing Arts Center quickly outgrew the building that opened in 2013. A new four-story structure will add more space for rehearsals and education programs.

04/20/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Review

Asolo Rep Presents 'Fiddler on the Roof' for the First Time

And it's well worth the wait.

04/20/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Casts a Spell With ‘Midsummer Night's Dream’

Jonathan Epstein's staging is as colorful and spirited as theater critic Jay Handelman has ever seen it.

04/15/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Review

WBTT's 'Lies, Spells & Old Wives' Tales' Leans into Ancestral Wisdom

The world premiere show features original songs and some entertaining stories.

04/13/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Ballet Celebrates Two Decades Under Iain Webb’s Leadership

The upcoming season will feature 16 ballets from 13 choreographers and eight company premieres.

04/13/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Review

FST Closes Mainstage Season with Poignant 'Birthday Candles'

The play by Noah Haidle is a reminder of how fleeting even a long life can be, and how important it is to savor it.

04/06/2026 By Kay Kipling