Center Stage: A Look at Sarasota County’s Thriving Theaters
During the 50th Anniversary Season, the work to tell the challenging and diverse stories of our time, lives on in FST’s three-show Stage III Series. Photo Courtesy.
Sarasota County boasts a vibrant and expansive theater scene, pulsating with creativity and artistry. Our theaters are an artistic ecosystem where storytelling transcends boundaries, enriching the cultural fabric of our region. From premier professional theaters to community-grown stages, it's no surprise that the theatre arts are a sought-after experience on Florida’s Cultural Coast.
When Florida Studio Theatre first found its home in Sarasota, FST was known for breaking new ground in both content and form. Originally touring to prisons and migrant camps, plays like Peter Handke’s Self-Accusation spoke to prison audiences who did not attend the theatre, but who were intimately familiar with the play’s themes.
Scene from “The White Chip” by Sean Daniels, one of three plays in FST’s 2024 Stage III Series. Photo Courtesy.
After FST was established as a resident theatre in 1980, it produced challenging contemporary plays like Seascape by Edward Albee, Betrayal by Harold Pinter, and True West by Sam Shepard. Today, during the theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season, the work to tell the challenging and diverse stories of our time lives on in FST’s three-show Stage III Series. The 2024 Stage III Series features three daring plays penned by award-winning playwrights: Ugly Lies the Bone by Lindsey Ferrentino, A Night in November by Marie Jones, and The White Chip by Sean Daniels.
“The 2024 Stage III Series tackles difficult subjects,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “Ugly Lies the Bone deals with overcoming personal obstacles that can appear overwhelming. A Night in November explores overcoming bigotry and hatred, and The White Chip addresses overcoming addiction. The thread that connects these three plays is that each one offers a solution to a unique circumstance, which is something that I think we are all looking for right now.”
January 19 - February 24, 2024, feel the heat of the courtroom in the sizzling American classic “Inherit the Wind,” at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Photo Courtesy.
Sarasota County's theater scene is thriving, with theater companies contributing to the artistic excellence our region has become known for. Whether you're in the mood for spontaneous laughter, classic drama, Broadway extravaganzas, or thought-provoking performances, you'll find it all in Sarasota County's dynamic theater community. So, the next time you find yourself in this corner of Florida, be sure to take in a show or two from these exceptional theater companies.
Explore more of what our theater community has to offer this season:
Asolo Repertory Theatre is known for its outstanding productions and, in particular, its commitment to rotating plays. This means that within just a week or so, theatergoers have the opportunity to catch not one, not two, but three different Equity productions. The 2024 season promises an exciting lineup, including the world premiere of "Born with Teeth," a compelling exploration of Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe's relationship, Lynn Nottage's evocative tale of forbidden love in "Intimate Apparel," and a new rendition of the classic thriller "Dial 'M' for Murder." It's a testament to the theater's dedication to providing a diverse and captivating theater experience.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre is a group of Jewish and non-Jewish theatre professionals who believe that theatre has always been our north star, telling us the stories of our lives and showing us a path forward. With a treasure trove of Jewish drama – contemporary, classic, richly humorous, and deeply meaningful, SJT brings to life plays and programs which express the uniqueness and universality of Jewish heritage and cultural life. Jewish theatre has a long history of universal appeal – delighting and enlightening theatre lovers of all backgrounds with its humanitarian values and original humor. Their team is devoted to making the magic of theatre even more magical with the addition of a little Yiddishkeit (Jewish thinking). SJT is a proud member of the Alliance for Jewish Theatre.
Dedicated to delivering high-quality productions and fostering community engagement through theatre arts, The Sarasota Players is one of the oldest community theater groups in Sarasota County, currently in their 94th season. The Players seek to provide an artistic outlet for locals and visitors alike to experience live theatre and live theatre training. From staged plays and musicals to The Players New Play Festival and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Players.
Sheldon Roden performing as the late singer, Marvin Gaye, at WBTT. Photo courtesy of Sorcha Augustine; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
Since its establishment in 2015, Urbanite Theatre has solidified its position as Sarasota's foremost hub for audacious contemporary professional theatre. Committed to showcasing the most exhilarating new plays in the area, it consistently attracts top-tier acting and directing talent from across the nation. Nestled within an intimate, adaptable black-box setting, Urbanite Theatre continuously reimagines its seating arrangements and ambiance for each production, offering Sarasota's most distinctive and immersive entertainment encounters.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall boasts a star-studded Broadway season for 2023-24. With six Tony Award-winning shows and seven Van Wezel premieres, it's a season that promises theatrical excellence. Theatergoers can expect to be dazzled by performances such as "The Cher Show," "Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations," "Hadestown," and the long-awaited arrival of the megahit, "Hamilton." This lineup is a testament to the commitment of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to bring the very best of Broadway to Sarasota County.
Per capita, Venice Theatre is the largest community theater in the country, and it has a well-deserved place in the heart of the Venice, Florida community. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian, Venice Theatre is set to embark on its 74th season, and it's coming back stronger than ever. This resilience reflects the unwavering spirit of the theater and its commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the region. As a beloved cultural institution, Venice Theatre continues to offer a wide range of productions, from classic dramas to musicals and everything in between.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Sarasota takes pride in being home to one of the nation's most successful Black theater companies, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. With a robust season that includes four mainstage shows, holiday entertainment, special musical performances, and artist showcases, this theater troupe is a vital part of the local arts scene. What makes this theater truly special is its dedication to promoting rising talents and offering a platform for underrepresented voices. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe continues to be a beacon of diversity and inclusion in the world of Sarasota theater.
Urbanite Theatre presents new audacious contemporary works in its space downtown. Photo Courtesy.
About the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
The Arts and Cultural Alliance is the leading advocate for arts and culture in Sarasota County and Florida’s Cultural Coast. Our primary goals include bolstering our arts powered economy, promoting health and wellness to nurture our artists and audiences, and advancing arts education and community engagement to ensure accessibility to arts and culture for all. To learn more about the Alliance and our membership opportunities, please visit: sarasotaarts.org