Performing Arts

Review

Urbanite Theatre Goes on a Journey with 'Spaceman'

An astronaut on a long solo mission confronts both technical and personal crises.

01/06/2025 By Kay Kipling

Review

FST's 'The Heart Sellers' Is a New Asian-American Tale

Set in the 1970s, Lloyd Suh's two-character play both touches and amuses.

12/16/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents 'Snow Queen' at the Van Wezel

The performance is set to reopen the hall after flooding, and the company has its own survival story.

12/09/2024 By Kay Kipling

Forever Daredevil

Circus Legend Elvin Bale Reflects on His Groundbreaking Career

Bale, who lives in Myakka, will be inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame's class of 2025. Due to post-hurricane damage to the Circus Ring of Fame plaques, the event will take place in 2026.

12/06/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Bound for Stardom

Meet Three Young Performers Making a Name for Themselves on Local Stages

Nikolina Šupe, Finley MacBeth and Kayla Hayes' stars are shining bright.

12/01/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Start Spreading the News

The Best Shows, Exhibits, Talks and Performances Coming to Sarasota This Season

We’re in for another stellar arts season. Here are some of the shows and events we’re most jazzed about.

11/21/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's 'Beautiful—The Carole King Musical' Has Hits Aplenty

The season opener looks at the ups and downs of prolific songwriter King's life.

11/18/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

Florida Studio Theatre Serves Up Some Sweet Moments with 'Waitress'

This musical version of the 2007 movie offers self-realization along with its pies.

11/14/2024 By Kay Kipling

Awards

Naomi Iizuka Named Fifth Recipient of Hermitage Major Theater Award

An award-winning playwright based in California, Iizuka will receive a cash prize of $35,000, a residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat and a developmental workshop in a major arts capital.

11/04/2024 By Staff

Review

Take a Bite of Urbanite Theatre's 'Jennifer, Who Is Leaving'

There's both laughter and tears on tap at the Dunkin' Donuts in this Morgan Gould play.

10/21/2024 By Kay Kipling

The Show Must Go On

Now in Its 75th Season, Venice Theatre Looks Back to Its Very First Show—and Forward to a Restored Theater

The theater is still struggling to get its mainstage space, the Jervey Theatre, in working order after 2022’s Hurricane Ian wrought major havoc.

09/01/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Sarasota Opera Announces Lineup and Casts for 2025 Winter Festival

The season opens Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, and casts include some company favorites, along with singers making their Sarasota Opera debuts.

08/26/2024 By Staff

Coming Up

What's New at the Van Wezel

The performing arts hall announces more music, dance and comedy for its 2024-25 season.

08/25/2024 By Kay Kipling

Future Focus

FST Announces Terrence McNally Recovery Commission Winner

Writer, lyricist and birthday party clown (really!) Jake Brasch will receive a $10,000 stipend and the mentorship of well-known playwright Craig Lucas.

08/13/2024 By Megan McDonald

Preview

EnsembleNewSRQ Announces 2024-25 Season

The group's ninth season lineup includes six performances, beginning in September.

08/12/2024 By Staff

Review

Review: FST's 'The Outsider' Tackles Politics with Satire

Paul Slade Smith's play goes for laughs, but gets in a few serious points, too.

07/29/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Sarasota Jewish Theatre Announces 2024-2025 Season

The lineup includes three plays and a documentary screening.

07/24/2024 By Staff

Theater

Sarasota Jewish Theatre Launches 'Newish Jewish Plays' Series

The three pieces were picked from a submission of 19 new plays by Jewish playwrights or plays dealing with Jewish content.

07/10/2024 By Staff

Affordable Housing

In the Wake of Florida's Arts Funding Cuts, Florida Studio Theatre Receives Workforce Housing Grant for Its New Arts Plaza

Ron DeSantis cut $32 million in funding from Florida's arts budget—but a $1 million grant for affordable housing made it through for Florida Studio Theatre. That means the organization is on track to break ground on a new $57 million project next year.

07/10/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Preview

The Ringling Announces Its 2024-2025 Art of Performance Lineup

Highlights include work by hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris, a performance inspired by mushrooms and a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

07/09/2024 By Staff