Urbanite Theatre’s Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Summer Dawn Wallace, has had an illustrious career spanning more than 30 years. She is truly the driving force behind our region’s leading contemporary theatre.

The award-winning Urbanite is known for producing work where artistic excellence, new play development, and artist-first storytelling converge for an unforgettable theatrical experience since 2015. Urbanite will be launching its 11th season, at its downtown Sarasota location this year.

In addition to being a producer, Wallace is a seasoned actor, director, intimacy coordinator, teaching artist, and mentor with deep local roots. Originally from Crossville, TN, Wallace grew up performing on stage at a professional regional theatre and found her niche in collaboration and storytelling. She came to Sarasota in 2010 for graduate school and never looked back. She is proud to call Sarasota her forever home, where she lives with her husband, Grant, and their five rescue chihuahuas. 

When she’s not busy running the theatre, Summer coaches students at both New College and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and volunteers with Comfort Zone, helping youth who have experienced loss. She is also an avid marathon runner, well on her way towards completing the world majors with a goal of running a marathon on every continent, including Antarctica.

Professionally, Wallace is driven to elevate Urbanite to unprecedented heights, aiming to establish it as a leading hub for pioneering new theatrical productions on a national scale. To support Urbanite, check out its upcoming season urbanitetheatre.com.

About Urbanite Theatre

• Urbanite believes theatre should entertain while inspiring thought, conversation, empathy and understanding.

• It prioritizes artists, fostering an inclusive environment that champions bold new voices, creating immersive experiences that resonate deeply.

• Urbanite’s Modern Works Festival is a play reading festival that celebrates female playwrights and theatre makers and provides opportunities for 40+ artists annually.

1487 2nd St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941.321.1297
UrbaniteTheatre.com