The City of Sarasota approved an agreement with The Sarasota Players on Friday that allows the performing arts organization the use of Payne Park Auditorium.
Terms of the lease are for 30 years, with $100 per year for rent, and $1 per ticket sold to be paid to the city. Starting the fifth year of the lease, and adjusted every fifth year, the amount of rent and ticket price will increase minimally. According to The Sarasota Players Chief Executive Officer William Skaggs, the city’s decision is a testament to their dedication to the performing arts and the important role the nearly 100-year-old organization plays in the community.
Skaggs expressed his appreciation for the city commission's thorough and thoughtful discussions, as well as the city staff's commitment to reflecting those discussions in the lease terms and the ongoing relationship with the theater. City staff’s diligent efforts have ensured a successful and mutually beneficial partnership for both parties, he said. “It’s a tremendous honor to partner with the city on this historic endeavor and we value the hard work of city staff and administration. The city commission’s feedback, and their careful consideration, have been instrumental throughout this process. This is an incredible opportunity,” Skaggs added. “We’re looking forward to another century of producing community-based high quality live theater, and serving as stewards of the Payne Park Auditorium.” The Players has been performing at the Crossings at Siesta Key shopping center since 2021, where they recently kicked-off their 95th Season. The Payne Park area is ideally suited to be their new base of operations, according to Skaggs, because of its central location and its role as a community hub. "Throughout the challenges we’ve faced we’ve stayed dedicated to the power of the performing arts and its positive impact on individuals in our region. We’re honored to have the opportunity to continue serving this incredible place we call home, right in the heart of downtown. To be back in the heart of Sarasota, where we originally started serving this community, is special,” Skaggs added. “Our goal has always been, and will always be, to entertain, educate, and engage the community.” Along with community productions and events, The Players Studio, the education department of The Sarasota Players, will also use the space to stage their productions. This season has started off on a strong foot for The Sarasota Players The wildly successful Seussical the Musical just wrapped in September, and they’re currently working toward The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, an exciting and fun production at the Sarasota Polo Club, which opens on Oct. 24, just in time for Halloween! Little Women the Musical, which opens in December, promises to be another incredible time at the theater.