The first Verna Safran Prize ($1,000) has been awarded to Jake Pettingell, a Sarasotan who attends Saint Stephen's Episcopal School, for his play THE REAL WORLD, set in a post-nuclear war era about a family of four living together in a military bunker. Directed by Blake Walton, the play was performed at the festival by actors Owen DeMaio, Jude DeMaio, Ann Morrison (who, with a day's notice, replaced an actor who became ill), and Tony Boothby.
Staff Report
2020 s graduation festivities were dramatically scaled back due to the pandemic, with schools hosting drive-thru ceremonies. This year is a step back toward normal, albeit with some concessions. Many Sarasota-Manatee high school graduations were held in large outdoor venues, with the few indoor ceremonies scaled back to protect against COVID-19.
Sarasota-Manatee college graduation ceremonies ran the gamut, with University of South Florida combining its different colleges into one ceremony at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Ringling College going virtual, and both New College and State College of Florida holding in-person ceremonies.
Take a look at photos of the 2021 Sarasota-Manatee high school and college graduation ceremonies below.
chamber festival
For the second year in a row, the La Musica International Chamber Music Festival has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Leaders of the organization said they faced numerous challenges with international travel for some of the musicians and were concerned about the safety of the musicians and patrons for in-person concert gatherings.
The 2020 festival was canceled just weeks before it was scheduled to open in April.
Those who hold ticket credits with La Musica can apply the money toward the 2022 season, request a refund or donate the money to the organization. For more information: 941-366-8450, ext. 7 or lamusicafestival.org.