Performing arts thrives on the coastal paradise of Bradenton and Sarasota. You can always manage to catch an excellent show on your Anna Maria Island vacation getaway.
Anna Maria Island is a short drive from the renowned theatre mecca of Sarasota while Bradenton also has its own thriving live arts culture. The local community’s passion for performing arts certainly extends into the surrounding barrier islands.
Below is a guide to some of the best live performances in and around Anna Maria Island. When you come down for a vacation getaway and stay at our rentals on Anna Maria Island, be sure to reserve tickets for a show at one of these popular theaters.
The Manatee Performing Arts Center
Many locals of Anna Maria Island head to the Manatee Performing Arts Center to catch a great live show, often referred to as the Bradenton Theater, which strives to provide “artistic inspiration for everyone
The theater hosts year-round shows that captivate the audience, taking them to another world. Over time, the center has become a staple of the community. It is currently celebrating its 70th season in 2018-2019.
The building itself is stellar. The interior is built around a chandelier piece from the set of the greatest American classic, Gone with the Wind. The center features two theaters: one for headlining shows and one that is used for repertory shows, touring acts, variety shows, and smaller runs, or rented for community events.
The theater is located right next to the Bradenton River Walk, a great place to go for a stroll and shop at some of the pop-up vendors against the backdrop of the Manatee River.
Ticket prices vary from about $25 to $90 depending on the show. Tickets can be purchased by calling 941-748-5875 or visiting tickets.manateeplayers.com
The Island Players, Inc.
The Island Players Theater is much smaller than the Manatee Center. But this more intimate and personal approach works for the group, the oldest community theater in Manatee County, and one that is located directly on the island for your convenience.
Shows run from October to May, with about five performances each season. During the summer, the theater is rented out for private events. The theater seats about 140 people in cozy tiered seating. It is a wonderful local place for artistic expression.
Local talents often utilize the space to test their abilities in the early stages of their acting careers. Others are career live performers.
Tickets are typically about $20. Shows regularly sell out, so be sure to reserve tickets. You can visit the Island Players website for further details.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts
The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota’s community theater, strives to deliver mainstage classics as well as support local and rising talent.
This Sarasota theater is most known for its seasonal Wilde Broadway Series – currently in its 88th season. For the 2018-19 season, the theater has productions like Annie Get Your Gun, Vanya, and Hairspray, among others, lined up.
It also offers the Summer Sizzler series and The Players New Play Festival, which features never-before-performed shows from local playwrights.
Plan Your Trip
Spend an afternoon on the beach, then head out for dinner and a show in the evening. Contact us for more information on our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals or planning a getaway here.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts strives to foster important community relationships through classes, events, fundraisers, and more. It offers a variety of classes and acting workshops to help actors hone their craft. The theater has become an important launching pad for many Sarasota actors who have carried their skills to Broadway and film sets.
Ticket prices vary based on the show. You can sign up for classes, review the upcoming season, or learn about the performers and theater leaders on their website. The theater is located less than an hour from Anna Maria Island. It’s certainly worth the road trip from any of our rentals on Anna Maria Island to see what this center has to offer.
With years of experience helping visitors get involved with the local community in and around Anna Maria Island, we can help make your next vacation getaway the best one yet.