Performing Arts

ArtsBeat

Orchestra Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero Connects With the Community

Giancarlo Guerrero has brought new energy to Sarasota Orchestra as he announces programs for his second season.

04/27/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

A giant parade! Elmo! Blueberries! A mangrove dance! Music, books and more! There's so much to do this weekend.

04/23/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Manatee Theater Expands With New Building

The Manatee Performing Arts Center quickly outgrew the building that opened in 2013. A new four-story structure will add more space for rehearsals and education programs.

04/20/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

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

ArtsBeat

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Casts a Spell With ‘Midsummer Night's Dream’

Jonathan Epstein's staging is as colorful and spirited as theater critic Jay Handelman has ever seen it.

04/15/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

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

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Ballet Celebrates Two Decades Under Iain Webb’s Leadership

The upcoming season will feature 16 ballets from 13 choreographers and eight company premieres.

04/13/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

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

Review

'A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical' Packs in All the Hits at Van Wezel

Plus, audiences will learn a little about what lay behind the songs.

04/02/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Theater Review: 'The Crucible' Stays Potent in Changing Times

The Arthur Miller classic about the Salem witch trials speaks to new generations at Sarasota Players.

03/30/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Venice Theatre Takes a 'Drive' Through Sensitive Subjects

Paula Vogel won a Pulitzer Prize for her engaging and disturbing "How I Learned to Drive."

03/25/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Review

What's the Buzz in Urbanite Theatre's 'The Apiary'?

The bees aren't doing so well in Kate Douglas' play. Neither are the humans.

03/23/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Van Wezel Books ‘Hell's Kitchen' and 'Six' for 2026-2027 Broadway Season

The new season celebrates female empowerment with new and returning favorite musicals.

03/18/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Against History and the Odds, Azara Ballet Sets a New Standard

In its third season, the company—which emphasizes inclusion and mental health—continues to challenge ballet culture and the political climate.

03/16/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Curtain Up!

Asolo Rep Announces Its 2026-27 Season

And it's heavy on connections to the circus and the year 1927.

03/12/2026 By Kay Kipling

Preview

'Naga-Mandala' Premieres This Weekend at the Circus Arts Conservatory

The production, by a new Sarasota company, mixes music, storytelling and more with South Indian folklore.

03/10/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

A New Sound for the Sarasota Opera

Meet incoming artistic director—and longtime opera executive—Richard Russell.

03/04/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Preview

WBTT Announces Its 2026-2027 Season

Themed "Rhapsodies of Rhythm," this season's performances span Stevie Wonder to Shakespeare.

02/24/2026 By Staff

Review

Asolo Rep Takes a Wild Comic Ride with 'The Unfriend'

Steven Moffat's play makes its bow with this U.S. premiere, and it's a doozy.

02/22/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

A Do-Over for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center

An updated plan features a different location, reduced cost, revised design and alternate parking—but will the city and community buy in?

02/19/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org