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SEASON 2 - Tales of Love and Darkness

Sunshine State Theatre - Tales of Love and Darkness

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Sunshine State Theatre's captivating season, 'Tales of Love and Darkness.' This thought-provoking season seamlessly blends the realms of passion, tragedy, and chilling suspense, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

Experience the heart-wrenching romance and poetic brilliance of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, 'Romeo and Juliet.' Witness the collision of love and fate, portrayed by our exceptional cast in a fresh and imaginative interpretation.

Immerse yourself in the spine-tingling atmosphere of our first annual playwriting competition, 'The Shadows' Stage: A Nightmarish Barroom Brouhaha.' As emerging playwrights unleash their darkest tales in the haunting setting of a coffeehouse/bar, prepare for an unparalleled theatre experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

'Tales of Love and Darkness' is a season that transcends boundaries, captivating your senses and sparking conversations. Join us for a series of exceptional performances that will resonate long after the curtains fall

Season 2 - A Nightmarish Barroom Brouhaha

PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

UPDATE: THE COMPETITION IS CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ENTRIES.

TICKETS ON SALE SOON.

Introducing Sunshine State Theatre's first annual playwriting competition, "The Shadows' Stage: A Nightmarish Barroom Brouhaha"! We invite you to unleash your creativity and submit your original 10-minute "horror" scenes for a chance to be part of this thrilling event.

Here are the details:

Free entry: Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your talent. Submit your entries via email to sunshinestatetheatre@gmail.com during the submission period from July 1 to July 30.
The Prompt: A few friends have gathered at Oscura, a local bar, to grab a drink and honor a friend who recently passed away. As they reminisce and share memories, they begin telling their favorite scary stories in honor of their late friend, who had a deep love for all things terrifying.
Rules: We encourage playwrights to send in their most imaginative and bone-chilling scenes. Keep in mind that each scene should have a maximum of four characters and be set in a single location. While nudity is not allowed, scenes can have an R-rating and explore the realms of comic horror. Scenes must also be 10 minutes or less. The deadline to submit is July 31st.
Selection process: Our team will carefully review the submissions, and six outstanding scenes will be chosen. The chosen playwrights will have the exciting opportunity to collaborate with SST's esteemed Literary Manager, Jalex Scott.
Playwright collaboration: Once the finalists are announced on August 6th, selected playwrights will work closely with Jalex Scott from August 7 to August 17 to compile and finalize their pieces, ensuring they reach their full terrifying potential.
Auditions and rehearsals: Auditions for "A Nightmarish Barroom Brouhaha" will take place on August 19th at the Braden River Library from 12:30PM. Rehearsals will commence the week of August 21st, as the talented cast brings your chilling visions to life.
Premiere and voting: Mark your calendars! The show will premiere from October 6 & October 7 at Oscura Live, our eerie venue and bar. Audiences will have the power to vote for their favorite scene of the show, adding an element of suspense and excitement.
Awards Show: The playwright whose scene garners the most votes by the end of the weekend will be crowned the winner at our spectacular Awards Show on October 8. They will receive a well-deserved trophy and a prize of $250.

Join us for a spine-tingling experience as we celebrate the art of horror storytelling. Submit your scenes, immerse yourself in the world of "The Shadows' Stage," and let your creative nightmares take center stage.

SEASON 2 - Romeo & Juliet

ROMEO & JULIET

Auditions: December 2023

Rehearsals: January - March 2024

**Sunshine State Theatre and Waterside Place Partner to Bring Shakespeare's Classic "Romeo and Juliet" to Waterside Place **

[Manatee County, September 13] —Sunshine State Theatre (SST) and Waterside Place are delighted to announce a thrilling collaboration set to unfold next spring at the Waterside Place Plaza. This partnership will bring to life a captivating production of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, “Romeo and Juliet.”

This partnership between two prominent local organizations promises to deliver an unforgettable theater experience that combines classic storytelling with modern inclusivity, set against the stunning backdrop of Kingfisher Lake.

Sunshine State Theatre (SST), Manatee County’s first professional theatre company, is dedicated to entertaining and engaging audiences with performances that resonate with the modern audience. Founded just last year in 2022, SST has quickly established itself as a leader in the local arts scene. With a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, SST is set to elevate the outdoor theater experience with their production of "Romeo and Juliet."

Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place, a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in the region, has joined forces with SST to support this production. Their shared passion for community engagement, the arts, and accessibility aligns perfectly with the production's goals. This partnership will not only bring a beloved Shakespearean classic to life but also emphasize the importance of making theater accessible to all.

"We are thrilled to partner with Waterside Place for this iconic production," said Janet Raines, producing executive director of Sunshine State Theatre. "Their commitment to community engagement and inclusivity resonates with our own values. Together, we are determined to create a theatrical experience that not only entertains but also fosters a sense of unity within our community."

The production of "Romeo and Juliet" will feature innovative elements, including a "classic Shakespeare with a Florida Twist" costume aesthetic, a talented music director leading an acoustic band, creative lighting and audio designs, and an inventive set designed specifically for the pavilion at Waterside Place. Additionally, SST's dedication to inclusivity shines through with closed captioning services, ensuring that all audience members can fully engage with the performance.

"This partnership embodies our commitment to the arts and community enrichment," said Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager at Lakewood Ranch Communities. "By supporting Sunshine State Theatre's production of 'Romeo and Juliet,' we are not only showcasing the incredible talent within our region but also opening their doors to a diverse audience, reinforcing the power of the arts to bring people together."

The joint effort between Sunshine State Theatre and Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place represents a milestone in collaborative community initiatives. With this production, they aim to create an artistic experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, fosters inclusivity, and highlights the magic of live theater.

"Romeo and Juliet" will run the last two Fridays and Saturdays of March at the Plaza at Waterside Place. For more information about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and the production, please visit sunshinestatetheatre.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

JANET RAINES

SST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR