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Sarasota Magazine

Performing Arts

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From reptile encounters and a paddle race to improv comedy, live music, queer art, cats and clothing swaps, and hands-on pasta making and crafts, here’s what to do in Sarasota and Manatee this week.

08/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Urbanite Theatre Navigates Changing Arts Scene as It Plans 13th Season

The downtown playhouse will offer four new plays and a female-focused new play festival.

08/17/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Pop a Wheelie

Sarasota Unicycler Is Featured in 'Ripley’s Believe It or Not' Book

Ivan Arestov performs on the "ultra wheel," a seatless unicycle with just pedals—no seat, frame or handle.

08/12/2026 By Jules Telfort

Suncoast Searchlight

Florida’s New Anti-DEI Law Threatens Sarasota Arts Groups’ Funding

Sarasota County arts organizations seeking a share of $2.1 million in public grant funding this year are facing a new requirement to sign an acknowledgment tied to Florida's restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

08/11/2026 By Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight and Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Meet the New Sarasota Ballet Dancers

The company bolsters ranks with new hires.

08/11/2026 By Carrie Seidman/Suncoast Searchlight

Review

'The Last Romance' Wraps Up FST's Mainstage Summer Season

There's something in the air when two older people meet in FST's 'The Last Romance.'

07/27/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Harold Mendez, a Dancer Who Doesn’t Fit the Traditional Ballet Aesthetic, Ends His Career While Still in His Prime

At 5 feet, 5 inches tall, regardless of his outsized talent, Mendez’s lack of stature relegated him to less acclaim and opportunity than he deserved.

07/15/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Jingle All the Way

Van Wezel Announces Holiday Season Lineup

This year's slate of performances includes a Taylor Swift tribute, a high-flying circus performance and "Hamilton" star Leslie Odom Jr. making his Sarasota debut.

07/14/2026 By Staff

ArtsBeat

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Builds Connections at International Black Theatre Festival

Nate Jacobs' Sarasota-based company returns to the biennial festival in North Carolina with a new revue celebrating Marvin Gaye.

07/13/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Nature's Score

After 44 Years at Sarasota Opera, Victor DeRenzi Is Heading to the Gardens

The longtime maestro will serve as honorary curator of Selby Gardens’ spring 2027 season, bringing music, performance and horticulture together in a new series of exhibitions and programs.

07/13/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Popular Content

    What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

    Urbanite Theatre Navigates Changing Arts Scene as It Plans 13th Season

    Florida’s New Anti-DEI Law Threatens Sarasota Arts Groups’ Funding

    The Rockstars Who Live in Sarasota Right Now

    Meet the New Sarasota Ballet Dancers

    Asolo Rep's Rhinoceros: Timely, Terrifying and Entertaining

Review

We're Off to See the Wizard in Asolo Rep's Summer Show

In a pared-down but still entertaining adaptation, "The Wizard of Oz" brings the classic movie musical to the stage.

07/13/2026 By Kay Kipling

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

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

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July-August 2026

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