Searching for fun things to do in Anna Maria Island during your next trip to our slice of paradise?
If you’re looking to take a bit of a break from the sun and sand, you should definitely consider seeing a performance from The Island Players Community Theater on Anna Maria Island.
You can find their venue just a short distance from all of our most popular Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, and you’re sure to be in for a night of entertainment that you’ll never forget! Here’s everything you’ll want to know before you purchase your tickets.
About The Island Players Theater
The Island Players is an Anna Maria classic, more than 70 years old. It started back in 1949, and the goal of this organization remains the very same as it was in those earliest days, which is to really immerse people in the best that the local arts have to offer. That goal stands true for both island locals and visitors to the area.
Stage productions are what the company really specializes in. Manatee County is also lucky enough to be able to call this place the oldest community theater in the area!
The Island Players of Anna Maria Island offer five rich performances every single year, usually going from October to May. The performers pour their heart and soul into each script, line, scene, and bow…. and that is why dozens of Anna Maria Island locals love visiting them. You will be able to quickly tell that each show carries heart, passion, and all in all, real entertainment, at its very centric core.
Island Players History
What’s any place without an origin story, right? So, how did The Island Players Theater become the local staple that it is today? This organization actually has quite a fascinating history to uncover.
The Parrish family of Mr. William H. Gillette lived in the home that’s now used for these productions. Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue was the chosen location for the house and where it still remains today. A little-known fact is that the house was actually brought over by barge in 1912 just a few years before they launched the production theater!
In the 1920s, they used the home as an information booth, in which tourists passing by could learn about the area and really get their bearings as they learned the lay of the land. During World War II, they used this home as a Service Club. Many flower shows, community clubs, and other exciting events have taken place in the house since its original placement. So from the moment, it became a playhouse, even until today, it has been used for MORE than just theater shows; city council meetings, school classes, and even church services have also been held here.
This Season’s Shows
Even with all the craziness of the last couple of years, the show must go on. The theater is already well on its way to ramping things up for what’s left of its 73rd – 74th years of performing! They call it the 73rd Season, and it will cover not only some shows that have already taken place this year but also a few others yet to come. These shows are set to occur from January of 2022 through May of 2022, and these performances coming up are promised to be nothing short of spectacular! Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit is one of the top ones on the charts, set to make waves and kick off the new year in the right way. Jeffrey Steiger is set to direct it all the way through. Its performances will hopefully run from the 6th to the 23rd of that month.
Then in March, from the 3rd to the 20th, you’ll get a chance to see A Comedy of Tenors (from Ken Ludwig), directed by Mr. Preston Boyd. Following from May 5th to the 15th, they will be running the production known as The Psychic (Sam Bobrick’s), directed by James Thaggard. This last play will be an award-winning type of psychological thriller. So, if you like that sort of thing, as well as murder mysteries, then this would be the one for you! The other two hold more of a comedic tone (especially A Comedy of Tenors) but with some drama and suspense in them as well. Keep this in mind, too: tickets sell for just $25 each!
About the Anna Maria Island Art League
When it comes to supporting the arts, attending a performance from The Island Players isn’t the only thing you can do. You can also check out the Anna Maria Island Art League to get even more involved in the local arts scene. You’ll be glad you did!
With the rise of technology, entertainment in movies and other media, for instance, you see fewer people going out and enjoying a good night at the theater. That is also a part of the goal of this art league: to get students of all ages to get out there and be more active with their lives, taking control of their own futures and learning to immerse themselves in arts and cultures of the past (as a way to learn in the present and to advance into the future).
They offer multiple art and wellness classes, special workshops on certain topics, and a full membership that can get you in the door and set to enjoy all of it. A basic membership is only $15 to $45 (depending on whether you’re purchasing a membership for an individual, youth, or family), while a Gem membership can get you so much more and asks for your commitment of anywhere from $100 to $5,000.
The Anna Maria Island Players Theater is just one of the many art-based attractions to take advantage of while you’re in the area. The performances they hold here are truly unique and special, and they’re sure to add something fun and unique to your itinerary. If you want a break from the sunshine and want to make some incredible memories with your family, try to catch a performance from The Island Players while you’re in town!
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
Are you ready to experience everything Anna Maria Island has to offer? Answer the island’s call today by contacting our team for the best places to stay on Anna Maria Island. We can help make your dream Florida vacation a reality!
Your Anna Maria Island Rental
Once the curtain has closed for the evening, it’s time for you to head back to your Anna Maria Island vacation rental to relax and reminisce about your favorite parts of the show. Mainsail Vacation Rentals is proud to offer all kinds of incredible Anna Maria Island rentals to meet the needs of any group or family. No matter which of our numerous rental properties you select, you can rest assured you’ll have convenient amenities like high-speed internet, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, breathtaking views of the island, fully stocked kitchens, and so much more.
