Kay Kipling is executive editor of Sarasota Magazine, where she has worked in one capacity or another for more than 30 years. (Yes, she’s seen a lot of changes.) She also acts as arts editor for the magazine, frequently interviewing local and national arts personalities as well as writing features on the performing and visual arts scene and online reviews of theater productions. A longtime member of the American Theatre Critics Association and the magazine’s theater critic, she spends untold nights in Sarasota’s many theaters every year and has served on numerous arts grant panels at both the state and local level. In her off time she enjoys reading, movies, nature walks and, all too seldom, the beach.

Review

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Hits Us with a Hot Note

The company's season opener, 'Sophisticated Ladies,' salutes composer Duke Ellington with style and verve.

10/19/2026 By Kay Kipling

Orchids and Art

In Selby Gardens' Orchid Show, Live and Imagined Beauties Mingle

Artist Christian Sampson has collaborated with the gardens on this year's show paying homage to the orchid.

10/12/2026 By Kay Kipling

Hall of the Future

Sarasota Orchestra Music Center Tunes Up

Orchestra leaders and design team members share updates on the multimillion project with Architecture Sarasota audiences.

10/02/2026 By Kay Kipling

Young at Heart

Manatee Performing Arts Center Focuses on Youth and Education

The Manatee Performing Arts Center and its resident community theater, the long-running Manatee Players, are breaking new ground this season, in more ways than one.

10/01/2026 By Kay Kipling

Big Top Breakup

Circus Arts Conservatory and Its Co-Founder Dolly Jacobs Part Ways

In a shocking turn, the CAC has terminated Jacobs' employment and board position.

09/15/2026 By Kay Kipling

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

Singing with Mick

Sarasota-Born Naarai Jacobs Backs Up Mick Jagger on New Rolling Stones Album

Naarai Jacobs turns up on the Rolling Stones' new album, "Foreign Tongues."

07/24/2026 By Kay Kipling

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

The Women Behind the Art

The Untold Stories of Sarasota's Women Artists

From the earliest days of Sarasota’s vaunted arts history, women were painting, drawing, sculpting and otherwise creating.

07/01/2026 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

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

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

Fest Forward

The Venerable Sarasota Music Festival Returns This Month

And there are some changes in store for audiences and musicians alike.

06/01/2026 By Kay Kipling

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

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

On View

Two New Exhibitions Open at Sarasota Art Museum

One features the work of a solo artist; the other borrows extensively from local collectors.

04/23/2026 By Kay Kipling

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

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

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