The Sarasota Players, the area’s first performing arts organization, has secured its new permanent home, announcing plans for a full-scale renovation of the Payne Park Auditorium.
After years of searching for a location that keeps its roots firmly in Sarasota, the organization has finalized a 30-year lease and unveiled designs that will transform the city-owned 1960s structure into a modern, flexible community theater.
The project calls for a renovation, estimated at $2.5 million, that will convert the building into a 200-seat performance venue. Designers are focused on maintaining the original mid-century aesthetic of the auditorium while introducing key modern enhancements, including a new lobby and expanded restrooms, to improve the patron experience.
“Our goal is to create a flexible, comfortable space that will accommodate plays, musicals, and community events,” said William Skaggs, CEO of The Sarasota Players. “We are excited to unveil our architectural plans and renderings, which showcase a new lobby, expanded restrooms, and so much more.”
The adaptive reuse project is being led by Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture. With the design complete, The Sarasota Players are pushing forward with the construction timeline. Work is anticipated to begin by fall of 2025, with the goal of having the new venue open and operational in late 2026. The Players are running a fundraising campaign to secure the final community support needed.
