Players Circle Theatre

Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts and culture grants that had been approved by the Florida Legislature. This year, the state’s $115.5 billion budget includes $18.3 million in arts and culture grants, but only a handful of Southwest Florida arts organizations qualified for a share of that money. For the second year in a row, 14 Lee county arts organizations were denied state funding, including the Alliance for the Arts and Florida Repertory Theatre. Each of Lee’s arts organizations is employing a medley of measures to make up for the loss of state grants.

“Cabaret” headlines a list of 11 shows onstage at area theaters this week.

The $115.5 billion budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis includes more than $18 million for 184 arts organizations. Most Southwest Florida arts and culture organizations remain on the outside looking in.

This week, one show opens, two close, five continue their runs and there are two limited engagements at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

This week, two shows open, four close and five continue their runs, and there are two limited engagements at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

This week, one show opens, three close, eight others continue their runs and four more enjoy limited engagements at equity and community theaters from Sarasota to Marco Island.

This week, nine shows close, 12 continue their runs and there are two limited-run young actors' productions at equity and community theaters from Sarasota to Marco Island. As an added bonus, there are three performances of Frank Blocker’s “Good Jew” at the Norris Center in Naples.

This week, four shows open, four shows close and 17 others continue their runs at equity and community theaters from Marco Island to Sarasota.

This week, nine shows open, there’s a preview of another, two shows close and 12 others continue their runs at equity and community theaters from Marco Island to Sarasota.

This week, six shows open, three close and 12 others continue their runs at equity and community theaters from Marco Island to Sarasota. In addition, Southwest Theatre at Gulf Coast Symphony's production of 'West Side Story' will be at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for two shows only on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 & 23.