Business Details
Community Theatre in Sarasota, FL | The Sarasota Players
The Sarasota Players have dedicated nearly a century to enriching our community through accessible, high-quality live theatre. As a non-professional community theatre located on Florida's Cultural Coast, we provide artistic opportunities for locals and visitors through diverse stage productions, educational programs, and performance groups. Our organization emphasizes inclusivity by maintaining open auditions for all community members while offering theatre training programs tailored to participants of all ages.Through our commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, we create shared experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire. Our dual locations in Sarasota provide flexible spaces for both instruction and performance, ensuring convenient access for participants across the region. With a continuous operating history dating to our founding in the 1920s, we remain dedicated to preserving and evolving the theatrical traditions that have connected our community for generations.
Services
Community Theatre
Live Productions
Theatre Classes
Auditions
Performance Groups
Broadway Competition Team
Play Submissions
Sponsorships
Volunteer Opportunities
Fundraisers
Highlights and features
- Ninety-five years of continuous community theatre operations
- Broad access through open auditions and all-ages programming
- Diverse productions appealing to varied audience preferences
- Professional-grade venues on Florida's Cultural Coast
- Integrated education and performance opportunities
Services
Community Theatre
The Sarasota Players offer community theatre opportunities through open auditions and volunteer-based productions. This program allows local residents to participate in all aspects of live performance, from acting to technical production. With a focus on accessibility and artistic development, these productions provide valuable creative outlets for both participants and audiences.
Theatre Classes
Our arts education programs provide theatre instruction for students of all ages and experience levels. Courses cover acting techniques, stagecraft, and performance skills through structured workshops and masterclasses. Led by experienced theatre professionals, these programs emphasize practical skill development while fostering appreciation for dramatic arts in a supportive learning environment.
Live Productions
We produce a diverse range of professional-quality theatrical performances throughout the year. Our season includes classic plays, contemporary works, and musical productions that appeal to varied audience tastes. Each show features community cast members supported by professional directors and production staff, ensuring high artistic standards while maintaining local participation.
Performance Groups
Our youth-focused performance programs provide structured training and stage experience for young actors. These groups develop essential theatre skills through rehearsals and public performances while emphasizing teamwork and creative expression. Participants benefit from mentorship by experienced theatre practitioners in a positive, educational setting.
Fundraisers
We organize special fundraising events to support our community theatre programming. These events include themed galas, benefit performances, and donor appreciation activities that help sustain our operations. Proceeds directly support production costs, facility maintenance, and educational initiatives that benefit both participants and theatergoers in our service area.
Questions
How can local residents participate in productions?
We offer open auditions for all community members. Visit our website to check current casting calls and audition requirements.
What types of theatre classes are offered?
Our education programs include acting workshops, performance training, and technical theatre instruction for students of all ages.
Are there youth performance opportunities?
Yes, we maintain dedicated youth performance groups focusing on age-appropriate training and stage productions.
How long has The Sarasota Players operated?
We've been active for nearly a century, making us Florida's longest continually operating community theatre.
Where are performances held?
Main stage productions occur at The Crossings at Siesta Key. Educational programs operate from our studio location.
How are productions funded?
We rely on ticket sales, donor contributions, sponsorships, and fundraising events to support our theatrical operations.
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Reviews (5)
Josh Stuart
Jul 29, 2021
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My most favorite place to go. I have had season tickets for over 6 yes. I have loved every show. The people are great and put on a show as good as Broadway.
Erin Jackson
Jan 17, 2021
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I had the amazing opportunity of seeing my younger sister, Alexis Jackson, perform Backstage at the Players Theater in "Rabbit Hole"... and let me tell you, what a great place to sit and enjoy an evening! The actors were ALL awesome and nailed their performance. The venue was small and intimate and just completely felt like I had VIP tickets to the show. I recommend any and all to visit the players theater... what a terrific experience
B. Hoef
Oct 20, 2020
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Love of community theater fosters my appreciation for the dedication and and hard work that these local people put into their craft. Sarasota players, as well as Manatee players are two of my favorite local theaters. I was fortunate enough to be involved in the raising of my stepdaughter who was heavily involved in theater and help me to appreciate the amount of work involved in putting time into one of these productions. If you have any appreciation for Life theater, I highly recommend this venue!
Diego Carballo
Nov 16, 2019
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Wow, what a marvelous performance I witnessed here. Impeccable acting group, the seating was very intimate, the stage crew was phenomenal ,the play itself was so incredibly fluid , the drinks were afforadble (5 dollars for wine at a play isn't a bad deal!) Great venue ,the acoustics were awesome, and there wasn't a bad seat in the house! Also a fully packed house it was! The ticket clerk was a little less than friendly but not unfriendly, just clearly takes their job VERY seriously which really is a good thing ,all in all 5 stars
Diane Schertzer
Oct 14, 2019
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Come experience the NEW Players Center. The opening night performance of Shout was way beyond my expectations...200 % better than any performance I have seen there. The 5 talented ladies were amazing, with vocals and choreography, over the top, and professional...cheers to the enthusiastic artists, management professionals and behind the scenes folks who put on this fabulous production. High energy and songs from the 60's & 70's you'll relive and adore...Well done.
