THE PLAYERS THEATRE History & Accomplishments

Sarasota’s first and oldest performing arts organization - second oldest in the State of Florida – began with a season of one-act plays in the midst of the Great Depression, 1930. Two hundred and eighty-one Member/Patrons each paid a $2 subscription fee for the series.

The Players first permanent home was built of native pecky cypress in 1936. The theatre seated 246 and cost just over $9,000.The current theatre on North Tamiami Trail opened in January 1974 with a production of Kismet.

The Players Theatre has achieved a reputation for quality production, and for creating programming that entertains, educates and enlightens. We strive to serve a total and diversified Sarasota community with memorable and meaningful performing arts events.

The Broadway Musical Theatre Series is a cornerstone of The Players’ cultural activities. It is collaborative and creative, always with high production values. Over 750 volunteers work 50,000-plus hours each year on theatrical productions and special events.

The Special Events Series, first introduced in 1994, provides a forum reflecting a diversity of cultural arts entertainment. Recent programming has encompassed a variety of events ranging from Big Band Festivals, to Opera, Festival Latino, Chinese Film and Music Festivals, and Black History Month performances.

The Concert Series brings internationally know favorites such as The Four Freshmen, Roger McGuinn, Taj Mahal, Tom Rush, Dan Hicks, and Willie & Lobo to The Players stage.

The Players Performing Arts Studio continues its steady growth and offers classes to children, teens and adults. The subjects taught include courses in acting, singing and dance. At the advanced level, crossover skills are emphasized. There are 40+ classes per week plus specialty workshops and an eight-week intensive summer camp for children aged 7-17. The school currently has over 600 students attending each year.

The Players Children’s Theatre: “Reflections of Diversity” program offers various forms of Theatre Arts to schoolchildren in the Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice areas. The productions focus on issues that exhibit courage, compassion, and integrity. The goal is to teach an appreciation of the arts beyond the classroom.

In keeping with The Players mission of inclusiveness, ticket prices are kept affordable, allowing tourists, families, students, or seniors to attend live musical theatre for not more than the cost of a movie, and as in previous years, fee tickets will be made available to underprivileged and disadvantaged children and special needs audiences.