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Sarasota Magazine

Performing Arts

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

Waterfront art shows, live music, bookish gatherings and art-inspired cocktails make room for culture lovers and curious minds across Sarasota and Manatee this week.

10/29/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Performing Arts Center Hits Another Snag

The City of Sarasota and nonprofit foundation have entered dispute resolution over amended partnership agreement.

10/28/2026 By Carrie Seidman

Soul Woman

From 'American Idol' to Her Sarasota Roots, Syesha Finds a New Rhythm

Ahead of her Nov. 5 "Ladies of Soul" concert, the former "American Idol" finalist talks Broadway, the women who shaped her voice and why her latest work is taking her beyond the stage.

10/28/2026 By Kim Doleatto

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

ArtsBeat

Two Years Post-Hurricanes, Hermitage Artist Retreat Still Awaits County Repairs

Historic buildings remain damaged, boarded up and unusable.

10/16/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org and Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Turns 21

The upcoming season will celebrate company's roots and break new ground.

10/05/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

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

ArtsBeat

Supporters Outraged by Ouster of Circus Sarasota Co-Founder Dolly Jacobs

The legendary aerialist announced she was removed from the board of directors and fired from her position with the Circus Arts Conservatory.

09/18/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Players Launches Campaign to Outfit New Theater Home

After years of financial losses, new leaders are working toward balanced budgets as they try to raise $500,000 for renovations at Payne Park Auditorium

09/16/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Popular Content

    From 'American Idol' to Her Sarasota Roots, Syesha Finds a New Rhythm

    What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

    Sarasota Performing Arts Center Hits Another Snag

    The Ringling Announces Its 2026-2027 Art of Performance Lineup

    Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Hits Us with a Hot Note

    The Rockstars Who Live in Sarasota Right Now

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

ArtsBeat

Conductor Leads Key Chorale Into His 20th Season

Joseph Caulkins plans concerts that tell stories through music 2026-27 season programs.

09/08/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

FST Offering Hope and Positivity With New Season Selections

New plays and award-winning musicals, plus original cabaret shows, are part of the 2026-2027 lineup.

08/25/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Urbanite Theatre Navigates Changing Arts Scene as It Plans 13th Season

The downtown playhouse will offer four new plays and a female-focused new play festival.

08/17/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Pop a Wheelie

Sarasota Unicycler Is Featured in 'Ripley’s Believe It or Not' Book

Ivan Arestov performs on the "ultra wheel," a seatless unicycle with just pedals—no seat, frame or handle.

08/12/2026 By Jules Telfort

Suncoast Searchlight

Florida’s New Anti-DEI Law Threatens Sarasota Arts Groups’ Funding

Sarasota County arts organizations seeking a share of $2.1 million in public grant funding this year are facing a new requirement to sign an acknowledgment tied to Florida's restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

08/11/2026 By Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight and Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Meet the New Sarasota Ballet Dancers

The company bolsters ranks with new hires.

08/11/2026 By Carrie Seidman/Suncoast Searchlight

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

ArtsBeat

Harold Mendez, a Dancer Who Doesn’t Fit the Traditional Ballet Aesthetic, Ends His Career While Still in His Prime

At 5 feet, 5 inches tall, regardless of his outsized talent, Mendez’s lack of stature relegated him to less acclaim and opportunity than he deserved.

07/15/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Jingle All the Way

Van Wezel Announces Holiday Season Lineup

This year's slate of performances includes a Taylor Swift tribute, a high-flying circus performance and "Hamilton" star Leslie Odom Jr. making his Sarasota debut.

07/14/2026 By Staff

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