Guide to performing arts, theaters and venues in Bradenton and Sarasota
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From first-rate community and professional theater to touring Broadway shows and mega-talents, the Suncoast of Florida a puts a sunny spotlight on the performing arts.
In Bradenton and Sarasota, top notch venues and arts groups offer a chance to enjoy musicals, stage plays, comedy, drama, ballet, opera and orchestra, for starters.
So if you’re in the mood for a night at the theater, look no further than one of these local arts institutions.
Here are all the places to catch a show around Bradenton and Sarasota.
SARASOTA
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. asolorep.org
What’s playing: This renowned professional theater stages up to 15 productions a year, including new plays, bold re-envisionings of classical and contemporary works and and fresh new musicals.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota. floridastudiotheatre.org
What’s playing: This contemporary theater hosts a diverse blend of new works for the stage, on and off-Broadway hits, cabaret, thought-provoking pieces, children’s theater and improv featuring the in-house Florida Studio Theatre Improv Troupe.
McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. mccurdyscomedy.com
What’s playing: Opened in 1988, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre pulls in big names in the world of stand up, as well as up-and-coming comedians; the theater is also home to the Humor Institute, a learning program for aspiring stand up comics.
Players Centre for Performing Arts, performance space located at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. theplayers.org
What’s playing: This nonprofit community theater hosts locally-grown performances of popular musicals and stage plays.
The Sarasota Ballet, performing at Sarasota Opera House and other area venues. sarasotaballet.org
What’s playing: Founded in 1987, Sarasota’s widely-acclaimed professional ballet company performs classic works of ballet as well as lesser-known and contemporary pieces.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. sarasotaopera.org
What’s playing: The Sarasota Opera House is a professional venue that brings world-class opera productions to the Suncoast, including the annual Winter Opera Festival.
Sarasota Orchestra, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. sarasotaorchestra.org
What’s playing: Florida’s oldest continuing orchestra performs more than 100 shows a year, including pops, classical, chamber and community concerts; the organization also produces the internationally-attended Sarasota Music Festival each year.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. vanwezel.org
What’s playing: Sarasota’s biggest performing arts venue, the Van Wezel offers touring musicals, stage shows, concerts, comedy, circus, dance and more.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. urbanitetheatre.com
What’s playing: Urbanite Theatre is home to bold, boundary-pushing and diverse professional theater productions.
WestCoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. westcoastblacktheatre.org
What’s playing: This nonprofit, professional theater produces musicals and plays, including hits and new original works, that promote and celebrate African American history and experiences.
BRADENTON
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. manateeperformingartscenter.com
What’s playing: Manatee Performing Arts Center is the home of community theater in Bradenton, where the Manatee Players perform a full lineup of hit shows each year. Also catch touring musicians, tribute and comedy acts.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
The Island Players Theater, theislandplayers.org
What’s playing: Founded in 1949, Anna Maria Island’s community theater produces five shows each October through May, including popular hit shows and modern plays.
This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 12:00 AM.
