Review: SARASOLO FESTIVAL at Crocker Memorial Church

Sarasota is blessed with international and local talent, celebrated in various venues and festivals throughout the year. One of the most unique is the SaraSolo Festival that promotes the solo performer and offers master classes in the arts for people of all ages and stages of life.

Artistic Director Ann Morrison and Managing Director Blake Walton of Gotta Van Productions, members of the United Solo Academy in New York, were encouraged to start a version of the United Solo Festival to be presented in the Gulf Coast area, with a dream of expanding it in the future to include a retreat for solo artists to develop and hone their craft with other like-minded artists. Ms Morrison says, "Blake and I are excited to be going into our fifth season which we believe is going to be deep, profound, entertaining, and provocative!"

You won't find more passionate people than co-founders Ann and Blake who have a passion to promote, educate, encourage and strengthen the solo performer and small cast. They believe in affordable theater that supports diversity collaboration in the transformative power of intimate performances for both artists and audiences alike. They also continued to grow in their year-round programming which includes SaraSolo Originals and SaraSolo Encore Series, Educational Outreach and Development programs such as Flying Solo and Solo Synergy, which bridges generations through the sharing of profound personal stories.

Now in their 5th year, they continue to present 'Unique, Brave and Uplifting' solo performances from a variety of national, local, and international professional artists in all areas of The Arts--including dance, musical theater, stand up comedy, cabaret, storytelling, magic, performance art, and poetic, dramatic, biographical and autobiographical solo plays".

Founders continue to explore education and outreach opportunities for solo performers with new programs for Elder Voices (people over 82 years old) and Flying Solo Jr. (teenagers) The Festival is presented on two weekends -this year on January 26-27 & February 2-3, at the historic Crocker Memorial Church in Sarasota, FL. "Betwixt Between Week" occurs between the two performance weekends at the Festival. Taking place at various other venues and provides a series of master classes, workshops and other experiences designed for those who are interested in honing their knowledge of and experience with solo performing.

The following performers are scheduled over the 2-weekend festival starting today: January 26 Glenn Schudel-Asides; Or My Life with Will, Larissa Marten-I Killed the Cow, Joseph Galata-Papa, Come Dance with Me Again, Synia Carroll-Finding Sassy, January 27 Hendrik Morsman-Hendrik's Magic Flute, Maureen Muldoon-Trans-Parent Love, Matthew Magee-Waltzing Matilda, Tyler Crose-Tyler's Time Out, February 2, Jeremy Ryan Mossman-This Is How I Feel, This Is What I Think, Kylene McCaw-Suntella, Paula Broadwater-You Are What You Think, Chris Jackson-Charles Lindbergh:ALife In Flight, February 3, Dennis McSorley-Typhoon of Tenderness, Richard Caldwell-Making Love Great Again, Kuniko Yamamoto-Oh, Origami, and Ashley Strand-Enough of an Asshole To Say It On Stage.

For more information on SaraSolo and festival tickets visit www.sarasolo.org or contact Company Manager Maren Ericsson at mericsson.sarasolo@gmail.com.

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