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Players Theater is proposing an adaptive reuse of Payne Park Auditorium
(A subsidiary of) the Players Theater is planning to rehab and renovate, as a performance space, Payne Park Auditorium (no longer in use as an auditorium, and in recent years serving as office space for part of the City Parks & Rec department). Expected opening date would be fall 2025. Next steps in the planning process, to come: Planning Board and DRC meetings, then to City Commission. |
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At September 11, 2023 community workshop, Players presented a VERY preliminary draft image from which to solicit input from community; this will change as plan is further developed. Image shows building expansion, added parking, including drop-off loop, required emergency access, ADA requirements, etc. (pervious brick paving in brown, buildings in black). Note: this will NOT be fenced off from park; those exterior lines are just "lot line" markers. Participants voiced overwhelming welcome for The Players coming to Payne Park; concerns mainly focussed on expanded paved parking lot taking over the lawn "corral" area, plus parking and traffic issues in general. |
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Per Community Workshop 23-CW-32 agenda:
"In addition to interior renovations to update the auditorium space to accommodate performances and use by the Players Theater, other community based performing arts organizations and the public, the following changes are proposed: interior space enancements, acoustical and lighting improvements, flexible seating, restroom enhancements, outdoor-covered gathering and performance space, accessible and required parking and emergency services circulation, a proposed ticketing, office and storage building addition, and including dressing rooms, green room and catering. The proposed use of the auditorium and adjoining outdoor space include performance space, special events programming, community theatrical and musical productions, educational programs, and office administration, as well as for uses by other community groups. The auditorium and adjoining outdoor space may also be used for limited food services, alcoholic beverage services and periodic outdoor food truck services."
The plan is to renovate the existing building and potentially enlarge it by 50%. Players will cover costs. In addition to The Players productions, the space will also be utilized by other local arts groups.
Meanwhile, the City will be re-roofing the old Auditorium building (after roof damage from storms).
Per the Herald Tribune 5/17/23: "The Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously Monday [May 15 2023] for an early framework of a lease agreement that would allow the area’s oldest performing arts organization to transform the nearly 60-year-old Payne Park Auditorium into a new theater space. The company would pay the city $100 per year for 10 years (with at least two 10-year renewals possible) and $1 from every ticket sold would go to the city."
"In addition to interior renovations to update the auditorium space to accommodate performances and use by the Players Theater, other community based performing arts organizations and the public, the following changes are proposed: interior space enancements, acoustical and lighting improvements, flexible seating, restroom enhancements, outdoor-covered gathering and performance space, accessible and required parking and emergency services circulation, a proposed ticketing, office and storage building addition, and including dressing rooms, green room and catering. The proposed use of the auditorium and adjoining outdoor space include performance space, special events programming, community theatrical and musical productions, educational programs, and office administration, as well as for uses by other community groups. The auditorium and adjoining outdoor space may also be used for limited food services, alcoholic beverage services and periodic outdoor food truck services."
The plan is to renovate the existing building and potentially enlarge it by 50%. Players will cover costs. In addition to The Players productions, the space will also be utilized by other local arts groups.
Meanwhile, the City will be re-roofing the old Auditorium building (after roof damage from storms).
Per the Herald Tribune 5/17/23: "The Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously Monday [May 15 2023] for an early framework of a lease agreement that would allow the area’s oldest performing arts organization to transform the nearly 60-year-old Payne Park Auditorium into a new theater space. The company would pay the city $100 per year for 10 years (with at least two 10-year renewals possible) and $1 from every ticket sold would go to the city."
