Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Sharifian, Hesam

Area of Concentration

Theatre Dance and Performance Studies

Abstract

This thesis argues that Asolo Repertory Theatre may not be the only single foundation for other existing and future theaters in Sarasota to exist but serves as a central model due to its unique historical layer, institutional structure, and lasting artistic influence which have helped modern day theaters like Urbanite Theatre to exist in a coexistent city. What originally began as a comparative project focused on identifying the differences between Asolo’s multiple performance venues, including its expansive proscenium Mertz Theatre and Urbanite’s concentrated black box space, led to a shift in perspective. It became an exploration of meaningful relationships that extend beyond physical structure. This study reveals how connections between actor and audience, artist and community, along with an emphasis on the interplay of tradition and innovation collectively shape Sarasota’s theatrical identity. Both theaters, although differ in structure, extend beyond entertainment to the public but hold their own values, beliefs, and produce various content that applies to their specific demographics. Asolo being more traditional produces a wide range of classics, musicals, dramas and worldwide premieres that attracts the older, retired community that is already familiar with this theater and its family-oriented customs. Urbanite, while still appealing to older patrons, draws in more of the younger crowds including nearby college students. As it takes on challenging, rare content that tests the limits of what theatre can look like, especially in a smaller modern 2015 black box space, it draws attention to issues concerning social justice, trauma, emotion, empathy, while ensuring marginalized voices are amplified. Through the combination of historic research, in person fieldwork, interviews with both companies, and performance analysis, the project uncovers common overlaps in how both help evolve Sarasota as an arts ecosystem and how it draws in closer communities, adding to the population increase. Rather than functioning in competition, they operate alongside each other, strengthening community and cultural growth.

Ultimately, this thesis looks at Sarasota’s advancement within a broader historical timeline, tracing its transformation from a pre-20th century water-centered, Indigenous city to a thriving arts hub by the midtwentieth century. Sarasota remains a city whose legacy continues to expand into the present day.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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