Alliance for the Arts

A production of playwright August Wilson’s “Jitney” opens this week at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. The play marks the eighth chronological installment in Wilson’s series known as the American Century Cycle. Set in the late 70s, “Jitney” centers on the lives of some unofficial, unlicensed taxi drivers operating in Pittsburgh’s Hill District community, where traditional taxi services wouldn’t go. We take a deeper dive in a conversation with director Sonya McCarter and actor Shontae White.

Three shows open, five productions close and 11 others continue their runs this week in Southwest Florida theaters.

“Nude Nocturne” is a celebration of the human body as a living, breathing expression of identity, emotion and spirit. While there is a weeks-long exhibition in the gallery of nude artwork submitted by talented artists from across the country, the main event takes place at the Alliance for the Arts on Saturday night.

This week, theatergoers have 17 productions from which to choose, including one new play and performances of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker by Gulfshore Ballet and Sarasota Ballet.

“Clown Bar 2” is the most immersive theater experience Southwest Florida audiences will ever experience, bar none, and while it's not a musical, the show's songs really advance the action in the clown noir whodunit.

Theatergoers have 19 shows to choose from the week of December 9, including three new shows and five others that are closing

Outgoing Executive Director Molly Rowan-Deckart thinks the Alliance for the Arts has a bright future that centers around the unrealized potential associated with its largely undeveloped 10-acre campus and ongoing role as arts advocate and catalyst for change.

The Alliance The Alliance for the Arts announced Monday that Molly Rowan-Deckart will step down from her role as Executive Director effective December 15, to assume the role of CEO of Marquee Arts in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In addition to shows that afford opportunities for actors of color and discourse on the Black experience in America, under Bill Taylor’s tutelage, Theatre Conspiracy has pioneered efforts to produce plays written by female playwrights and that provide strong female characters. Going forward, it will be embracing programming derived from fringe festivals.

Tampa-based blues, roots rock and sacred steel musician Damon Fowler performs Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Alliance for the Arts’ “Art Is Essential” bash. Ahead of the concert, we’ll talk with Fowler about his musical journey and hear songs from his latest album “Barnyard Smile.”