This week, catch the last performances of The Sarasota Players’ production of Green Day’s American Idiot. The production, which debuted earlier this month, is the Sarasota-premiere of the two-time Tony Award-winning musical and feels particularly timely as America moves into election season.

While The Players production of American Idiot is not designed to make any kind of political stance, the very essence of the show–which is a sung-through rock musical based on the band’s iconic album of the same name–centers around feelings of sociopolitical angst and disillusionment. Written shortly after the events of 9/11, American Idiot, in large part due to its chart-topping popularity, seemed to become the collective voice of a generation fed up with the status quo. The musical, which features little dialogue other than the lyrics of the featured songs, follows Johnny, Tunny and Will, three disgruntled men who struggle to find a sense of meaning in suburban America. Their journeys take each of them on disparate paths as they search desperately for direction and purpose in 21st Century America. “The entire album contains multiple storylines but there are very few lines of dialogue. It’s pretty much just the songs,” says Amanda Heisey, Director of Marketing at The Players. “The album was written a year or two after 9/11 and that’s the time period the story is set in, but Green Day has always maintained that the story could be set in any time period because it thematically centers around something that is constantly happening and relevant.”

The positioning of American Idiot as the final show of The Players’ season was intentional. Producing the show in the summer allowed for the organization to target an untouched talent pool, one rife was actors and musicians that the organization otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to work with. “It’s very specifically in the season where it is, because we wanted to capture students that were home for college and hadn’t gone back yet. The show features a lot of upper high school or college students home from summer break–the title itself drew people out that hadn’t auditioned for us before,” says Heisey. “We just really have a wealth of talent in this area and if we’re doing things that really interest them, people will want to come out and be a part of it.”

August 7 to 18, The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-365-2494.

Pictured: L to R - Jason Ellis as Johnny, Benjamin Eisenhower as Tunny and Judah Woomert as Will. Photo courtesy of The Sarasota Players.

For ticket information click here.

This year marks the 21st year of the PMP Winter Residency in Sarasota. Under the guidance of the renowned violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman, this two-week event not only brings enjoyment to local audiences but also provides outstanding musical training to gifted students aged 14-20+ from around the world, specializing in violin, viola, cello, and bass. 

Pictured: Itzhak Perlman with students at Winter Residency reherasal. Provided photo.

As artificial intelligence transforms the creative industry, Ringling College of Art and Design’s new AI certificate program prepares undergraduate students to prioritize human creativity while proactively employing the rapidly evolving technology. The program is the first of its kind available at an art and design institution and is open to all Ringling College students. The curriculum includes fundamental AI and machine learning principles; their application in creative contexts; and the ethical, societal and cultural implications of AI in art and design. Hands-on learning provides a comprehensive education covering both the technical and ethical aspects of AI. Students learn to successfully apply the groundbreaking technology in ways that complement their artistic disciplines that range from computer animation, entertainment design and creative writing to game art, fine arts, film and virtual reality development. The courses also caution students of potential ethical and legal pitfalls and prepare them to navigate those risks effectively. They offer insight into the importance of consent, attribution and respect for original creators when working with AI tools.  Upon completion of the program, students will have a portfolio showcasing their ability to innovatively apply AI in their creative work. The program will add another credential to their resume, positioning these students as competitive candidates in the job market. As the creative world continues to evolve, Ringling College remains dedicated to providing its students with the latest education and resources necessary to thrive. Ringling College will celebrate the new certificate program with its inaugural artificial intelligence symposium Sept. 13-14. The two-day educational event titled AI and Creative Innovation: Advocating for Artists and Designers will bring together a variety of educators, lawyers, artists and thought leaders who work both directly and indirectly within the field of AI and have specific knowledge and insight about its effects on the art and design industry. The symposium is a ticketed event and will feature a series of lectures, Q&As, workshops and a panel discussion to help attendees navigate the ethical, legal and industry concerns posed by artificial intelligence. Registration for the symposium is currently open.  To learn more about Ringling College of Art and Design’s new AI certificate program, visit www.ringling.edu/ai-certificate/. 

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is dedicated to keeping kids safe through the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Serving over 50,000 children and adults each year, CPC’s Personal Safety and Community Awareness (PSCA) educators conduct free workshops for kids, professionals, parents, and members of the community. As the longest tenured child abuse prevention education program in the State of Florida, CPC’s prevention educators are regarded as experts in their area and train fellow Child Advocacy Center professionals around the state and southeast region of the U.S. Most students in Sarasota County learn from new teachers every year, but CPC’s prevention educators are the familiar face year after year. Critical topics for children as young as preschool through high school as well as workshops for caregivers include internet safety, protecting one’s body and seeking help if needed, reporting abuse and neglect, bullying, and more. Following a personal safety presentation at a local elementary school, a participating teacher wrote that “the Personal Safety and Community Awareness Program and the Child Protection Center are gifts to our children. I give it the highest of accolades from the depths of my soul. Thank you for being part of the village.” To learn about the expansive available curriculum and schedule a prevention education workshop, please contact Michelle McSwain, Program Director, at MichelleB@CPCsarasota.org. 

Students studying nursing at Suncoast Technical College got a boost of support on the first day of school. HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital donated school supplies for every student in the nursing program. More than 120 students received stethoscopes, pen lights and other supplies needed for the nursing program along with supplies like notebooks, pens and markers that are needed in the classroom. Harry Walk, RN, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital greeted the students and gave them some advice on a career in nursing. “I didn’t start out to be a nurse, but I wanted to care for people…there are a lot of opportunities to work in different areas in nursing so take all the opportunities afforded to you. Welcome to nursing,” Walk added. “Donations like this are very beneficial. The start-up costs for nursing school can be expensive for some students. This also helps our students build relationships with a potential employer in the community,” said Ron DiPillo, Executive Director of Suncoast Technical College. This is the second year the hospital has donated supplies to all nursing students at Suncoast Technical College. 

Art 4 Change is excited to launch its 2nd Annual “A Better World Through Art” Poster Contest, inviting students from Sarasota and Manatee Counties in grades 6-12 to use their creativity to illustrate the positive change they wish to see in the world. This year’s contest challenges young artists to create powerful visual statements that depict a future where their chosen social issues are resolved or improved. The emphasis is on visual storytelling to inspire action and spark meaningful conversations about creating a better tomorrow. Participants can submit their artwork until December 20, 2024, and have the chance to win cash prizes. This contest not only provides a platform for students to showcase their talents but also aims to foster dialogue and raise awareness about critical social issues. To enter or learn more about the contest, visit www.art4changeinc.org/abetterworld.