It’s easy to get swept away by the wide array of engaging theater right at your back door living in Florida’s culture-filled Sun Coast. One of the county’s most exciting theater venues is the Manatee Players, which has been under the creative eye of artistic director Rick Kerby for the past five years. In that time, the troupe has propelled itself as a heavyweight in the local theater scene, earning awards as the top community theater in the state, region and nation. Of its many honors is a national best production award for “Metamorphoses” during the 2004-2005 season. More recently, it won best production at the state and regional level for “Sweeney Todd” during the 2006-2007 season.
The theater’s vast pool of talent comes from savvy acting veterans and technical crews — some of whom are transplants from thriving art scenes up north — and up-and-coming fresh faces from all walks of life. “We provide an incredible showcase for our local talent,” Kerby said. “It’s kind of fun to see the person bagging your groceries as a star on stage.” This season, the Manatee Players will present productions such as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and the soulful, classic rock and roll of “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.” Local audiences are anticipating the Manatee Players’ new performing art center in downtown Bradenton. The troupe hopes the spacious, state-of-the-art venue will be ready to welcome the public sometime in 2009. In the meantime, audiences continue to enjoy affordable, quality shows at the Manatee Players’ Riverfront Theater.
The award-winning theater troupe shares the county tuff with another community troupe, the Island Players on Anna Maria Island. Island Players are well-attended for its funny comedies, its intimate theater and affordable ticket prices. This year’s lineup includes the productions of “Cliffhanger” and “The Affections of May.” The troupe has a loyal fan base that enjoys the shows it offers. “We do good productions,” said Gabe Simches, a board member. “I can say that for most of the theaters around here.” More theater can be found south beyond Manatee County’s boarders in Sarasota.
The city boasts such professional theaters as Asolo Repertory Theatre Company, which hosted the world premiere of last season’s “Tale of Two Cities,” currently playing on Broadway.
This year, its schedule includes productions of “Barnum,” a musical based on the life of circus entertainer P.T. Barnum, and the holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The Asolo Rep. also shares its stages with the Florida State University/ Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. The conservatory is a three-year graduate program for actors earning a master of fine arts degree and membership into the Actors’ Equity Association.
Thousands of actors from across the nation audition for one of 12 spots in the program each year. Graduates go on to appear in film, regional theaters, national tours and other productions on and off Broadway. Other area theater includes the community troupe of The Players Theatre, the professional Florida Studio Theatre, which offers some edgier shows in its season offerings, and the Golden Apple Dinner Theater.
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