Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall sits on Sarasota's bayfront and is home to a variety of performances including dance, music, theater and comedy. Newly renovated in 2000, the facility added 25,000 square feet to the hall and the structure now has bigger lobbies and Grand Foyer, restrooms, a brand new stagehouse, latest sound and lighting systems along with an Educational Center.

The Van Wezel Hall has a seating capacity of 1,736 and is operated and owned by Sarasota City. The Grand Foyer is 6,000 square foot and seats up to 350. The Foyer extends onto the Terrace and the Baryfront lawn that can seat an additional 1500 people. In the case of smaller audiences, the Selby Educational Center, Founders Lounge and the Greenroom offer seating for groups of 30 individuals.

The Van Wezel Hall was built in 1968 from a donation from philanthropists Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel. The first performance at the Hall was a production of Fiddler on the Roof in 1970. Since that time, the Van Wezel has played host to a wide range of performances and artists. Some of these include world-renowned symphonies, classical and modern dance companies, pop legends, jazz artists, along with comedy and Broadway.

The Van Wezel is also recognized for its educational and outreach efforts as it has made an impact on the Sarasota community, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. The Sarasota County School Board, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are both part of the Performing Arts Centers and Schools and the Partners in Education Program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The partnership assists in offering professional development workshops for teachers.

The mission of the Hall has been to present a wide range of the finest performing artists to satisfy the diverse cultural needs of residents and visitors to Sarasota. The Van Wezel also assists in bringing artists into the Sarasota community in order for the meaningful education and outreach efforts to develop new audiences. Additionally, the facility also enables a place for other local cultural organizations as well.

In case you want to pick up some souvenirs, you may visit the Gift Shop at the Van Wezel an hour before a scheduled performance. The Gift Shop includes a variety of memorabilia from postcards to polo shirts.

To top off an evening of entertainment at the Van Wezel, dine at Michael's At The Van Wezel, a triumph of inspired cuisine. Other facilities include the Roskamp Auditorium, which was renovated in 2001 after Sarasota residents Bob and Diane Roskamp made a contribution of a million dollars to Van Wezel. Architect, William Wesley Peters, designed the original theater. Renowned performers such as Tony Bennett have expressed their appreciation of the acoustical dynamics at the continental seat theater by performing an acappella solo to the audience during their concerts.

The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall conducts Backstage and Art Tours so you get a better idea of what goes on at this cultural center. The Fine Arts Society presents a permanent exhibit at the Van Wezel.

777 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941) 953-3368
http://www.vanwezel.org