Players Inc

Programs: Sarasota's first and oldest performing arts organization, second oldest in the state of florida, began in 1930, in the midst of the great depression, with a season of one-act plays. Two hundred and eighty-one members/patrons each paid a two-dollar subscription fee for the series. The players first permanent home was built of native pecky cypress in 1936. The original theatre seated two hundred forty six and cost just over $9,000. The pecky cypress building was torn down to make room for the current theatre on north tamiami trail, which opened in january 1974, seating four hundred ninety seven. The players theatre has achieved a reputation for quality productions and for creating programming that entertains, educates, and enlightens. The theatre serves a diverse audience with memorable and meaningful year-round performing arts that includes the broadway theatre series, the snap (something new at players) series, the summer sizzler series, the players playwriting festival, concerts, and community partnerships. The players strives to achieve the highest possible artistic quality in the context of a volunteer based theatre. Artistic leadership from some of the area's best professional directors, music directors, choreographers, set, lighting and costume designers, create an environment that challenges everyone to achieve high artistic standards. The players maintains affordable ticket prices, from $5 to $25, ensuring the experience of live theatre is available to as many people as possible. The players also provides over thirty-five hundred complimentary tickets to local community service agencies each year through its charity preview performance program. In addition to its dedication to the performing arts, the players has embraced the fine arts through "the players art gallery". Located in the theatre lobby, the gallery promotes the work of different local artists during the broadway theatre series. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the players theatre.

the players performing arts studio opened in 1995 and is the educational arm of the players theatre. It is a reputable performing arts studio and vital feeder to the players theatre for actors. The studio offers classes for students age three and older. Classes include the study of acting, singing and dance. At the advanced level, crossover skills are emphasized. There are twenty-nine classes offered each week, specialty workshops, and an eight-week intensive summer camp for children ages seven to seventeen. In addition to classes, there are three community outreach elements of the studio: the players kids; and the sarasota players follies, a fifty-five and older travelling performing troupe. Over three hundred students benefit from classes at the studio annually.