I always enjoy attending the Urbanite Theatre here in Sarasota, as it’s a premier destination for bold, contemporary black-box theater that presents so many outstanding performances in an intimate theatre setting. It’s never too early to plan ahead, as tickets are in high demand during the fall/winter season and you won’t want to miss the performances, many of which sell out well before the events.
This said, Urbanite Theatre just announced its electrifying 2024/25 season, marking its eleventh year with three regional premieres, one world premiere, and the return of the Modern Works Festival. This season will explore themes of self-reliance, independence, and the unbreakable human spirit through stories of caregiving, solitude, and profound human connection.
The season kicks off with the 5th Modern Works Festival from September 4th to September 8th, celebrating emerging female playwrights, new works, and women in theatre. The festival will feature staged readings of three new plays, multiple panelist events, and celebrations. Attendees and adjudicators will vote for their favorite new work, awarding the winning playwright a $3,200 prize.Producing Artistic Director Summer Wallace emphasizes the festival’s role in supporting and connecting female theatre makers, providing employment for over 35 artists, and serving as a pipeline for world premiere productions at Urbanite.
Mainstage programming begins on October 18th with the regional premiere of “JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING” by Morgan Gould, running until December 1, 2024. Directed by Céline Rosenthal, this play humorously and poignantly captures the demands placed on women, particularly the physical, emotional, and mental toll of caregiving.
Next, from January 3 to February 16, 2025, Urbanite Theatre presents “SPACEMAN” by Leegrid Stevens, starring Terri Weagant and directed by Summer Wallace. This one-woman odyssey of astronaut Molly Jennis explores the challenges of space travel, solitude, and the uncharted future of a pioneer.The season continues with the regional premiere of “NO ONE IS FORGOTTEN” by Winter Miller, running from March 21 to April 27, 2025. This play tells the story of two women held prisoner in a small, dirty cement cell, exploring themes of intimacy, surrender, and the will to live for someone else.
What is Urbanite Theatre and why you should support them?
