We just overcame a hurricane. Temperatures continue to soar above 90 degrees with no relief in sight. Let’s look on the positive side of things as Sarasota’s Urbanite Theatre is air conditioned and has an amazing lineup of shows planned, including the Modern Works Festival – an annual event celebrating emerging female playwrights and new theatrical works.
Scheduled for September 4-8, 2024, this festival marks its fifth year and features a variety of activities including staged readings of new plays, panel discussions, and networking events aimed at supporting women in theatre.
The festival is structured as a playwriting contest where attendees can vote for their favorite new work, with a prize of $3,200 awarded to the winning playwright. Over 35 artists are employed during the festival, which serves as a vital platform for showcasing groundbreaking works and facilitating future productions at Urbanite Theatre. The event emphasizes the importance of female voices in the arts and aims to connect and support women theatre makers
Urbanite is also producing three regional premieres and one world premiere, as well as the return of their Modern Works Festival. From the relentless demands of caregiving to adrenaline-pumping solitude and profound human connection, Season 11 is a fearless exploration of resilience, community building, and the unbreakable human spirit.
What is Urbanite Theatre?
Urbanite Theatre is a professional non-profit theatre located in downtown Sarasota, Florida. Established in 2015, it has become a prominent venue for contemporary theatre, focusing on producing new and innovative works. The theatre is known for its intimate setting, featuring a 65-seat flexible black-box space that allows for a unique and immersive audience experience.
The mission of Urbanite Theatre is to challenge perspectives and foster conversation through its productions, which often include daring and thought-provoking themes. The venue regularly hosts a variety of performances, including regional premieres and works by emerging playwrights, drawing talent from across the country.
Urbanite Theatre also engages with the community, partnering with local non-profit organizations to align with the themes of its productions. The theatre is committed to maintaining affordable ticket prices while ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work.
IF YOU GO TO MODERN WORKS
September 4 – 8 Modern Works Festival
Purchase Festival pass here:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND BUY TICKETS TO SEASON 11
Urbanite Theatre’s Season 11 for 2024-2025 features a diverse lineup of plays and events that continue its tradition of presenting new and thought-provoking works. The season includes:
- Jennifer Who Is Leaving”: Set in a Dunkin Donuts along a Massachusetts highway, this play explores the physical, emotional, and mental toll of caregiving through the lives of three women dealing with various personal pressures.”Spaceman”: This play follows astronaut Molly Jennis on her interplanetary expedition to Mars, delving into themes of solitude, space travel, and personal reflection.
- “No One Is Forgotten”: Inspired by true accounts, this play tells the story of U.S. citizens Lali and Beng, who are held prisoner in a small cell, exploring themes of intimacy, surrender, and survival.
“From 145th to 98th Street”: A drama that captures the struggles and triumphs of the Curtly family as they navigate economic opportunities and personal challenges after moving from Harlem to 98th Street. - “Spaceman” is a play by Leegrid Stevens, scheduled to run from January 3 to February 16, 2025. The production stars Terri Weagant and is directed by Summer Wallace. This one-woman show follows astronaut Molly Jennis on her solo expedition to Mars, exploring the physical and emotional challenges of space travel, solitude, and the uncharted future that lies ahead. The play is designed as a full-sensory, surround-sound experience, immersing the audience in Molly’s journey and the profound reflections on her past decision.
- From 145th to 98th Street” is a play by Nia Akilah Robinson, featured in Urbanite Theatre’s 2024-2025 season. This production is part of the theatre’s commitment to presenting contemporary works that address significant themes. The play captures the experiences and challenges faced by women, particularly focusing on the emotional and mental toll of caregiving.
Performances of “From 145th to 98th Street” are scheduled to take place at Urbanite Theatre, located in Sarasota, Florida. The theatre is known for its intimate setting and dedication to showcasing bold, new works that provoke thought and conversation within the community.
These plays highlight Urbanite Theatre’s commitment to producing compelling new works that challenge perspectives and foster conversation within the community. Tickets sell fast, so buy yours before they’re gone.
See video promo of Season 11 Here
~ Andrea Martone
