SRQ DAILY May 14, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"I believe in the 2018-2019 season, something like 34% of television dramas were directed by women and I think that has a huge impact on the way a story gets told."
As part of Ringling College’s push to “dispel the myth of the starving artist,” as Dr. Larry Thompson puts it, the college has continued to find successful creators from diverse fields to share insights into careers in creative professions. This past Tuesday, television director Bethany Rooney, who’s resume includes over 200 episodes of primetime television shows and numerous made-for-TV movies, spoke with media and students about her career in broadcast television, how it’s changed, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of directors.
“When I first started directing, less than 10% of director’s were women,” says Rooney. Her rise in the world of television directing was in many ways an uphill battle in a world many would call a boy’s club. Her first big break came in 1982 when she directed an episode of St. Elsewhere. From there, her career climbed steadily through the 90s. In that time, she developed something of a niche in police procedurals and dramas like Criminal Minds, NCIS, Desperate Housewives and Touched by an Angel.
Working on these shows, she learned the importance of being able to think quickly and jump into the middle of a storyline already in full swing. “I may not know my part in it until what is essentially the last minute,” she says, “but that’s part of the challenge and the joy of it, because in seven days I’m going to have to cast and select locations and shoot that episode.” She got good enough over time that her work became steady, allowing her some time to think about how to leave her mark in other ways.
“A big passion in my life is helping the next generation of tv directors start their careers,” she says. To that end, she sits on the board of the Director’s Guild of America, working to help increase diversity and inclusion in the field. And her efforts, as well as those of her fellow members like Jon Favreau and Ron Howard, have paid off. “I believe in the 2018-2019 season, something like 34% of television dramas were directed by women,” she says, “and I think that has a huge impact on the way a story gets told.”
And as broadcast television continues to carve out its future in light of ever-growing streaming options, Rooney also offers a lesson in acceptance and optimism. “A lot of the streaming services just won’t hire broadcast television directors because, frankly, some of the services think they’re better than broadcast television,” she says. “I’ve accepted that broadcast television directors probably won’t be winning tons of awards anymore, but it’s hard to be sad when ten million people are still watching something you directed.”
But of all the genres she has worked on, the one she would never direct is horror. “As a director, you have to absorb a story completely,” she says, “and horror is just something I don’t want in my head. If I can make a show in which kindness makes a difference, that’s a good feeling.” 
Pictured: Beth Rooney (center w/ hat) directs on the set of Criminal Minds.
As Asolo Repertory Theatre announces its 2020-2021 season, SRQ shares words of wisdom from its producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards on the #SafeArtsSarasota initiative:
“We’re simply not out of the woods yet, and we’re fighting the perception in the general public that we can relax. Unfortunately, with no mandate anymore from the city and relatively lax protocols from the state, it’s been left up to us to step in. But the safety of our audiences, our staff and the artists is just too important—we don't’ need the government to tell us to implement these safety measures. It’s also very important to mention that the federal government—both administrations—have provided financial support the arts haven’t seen since FDR. So, overall, we’re grateful to be where we are right now and I’m optimistic for the future.”
It's almost that time of the year when Sarasota Bay will experience extreme high and low tides, or king tides. These tides give us a preview of how and where higher seas will affect local landscapes, which is important for anticipating and addressing “hot spots” for flooding. If you will be in Sarasota or Manatee counties on May 27th and 28th, snap some photos for a chance to win prizes and contribute to citizen science. Submit your best high and low tide photos for a chance to win a $50 first place prize or $25 second place prize. All submissions must be received by MAY 31st and include your name, date, time, and location. Vote for your favorite photos June 1st - 6th on Facebook.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has been approved for a $30,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support Metadata: Rethinking Photography from the 21st Century. This project is an exhibition that explores new paradigms for understanding the ecology of the photographic image. The Ringling’s project is among the more than 1,100 projects across America totaling nearly $27 million that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2021 funding.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Grace Pettis will perform at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center on Sunday, May 16 at 8pm. Pettis’ music has been characterized as “a little bit folk, a little bit country/Americana, and a whole lot of soul.” Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for the general public.
After six seasons as the director of artist programs of Artist Series Concerts, Dr. Joseph Holt has announced that he will be resigning his position, effective on June 30. Though departing as a director, Holt, who is also a concert pianist, conductor and arranger and who has frequently also played for Artist Series Concerts, plans to continue his association as a performer for the organization. Artist Series Concerts will be hosting an open-house reception for Dr. Holt on June 30, from 3 to 6 pm, in the conference rooms of its headquarters at 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell has announced the appointment of Stephen Baker as Director of Marketing. Baker was most recently the Director of Marketing and Audience Development for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, a preeminent performance venue presenting Broadway musicals and top national and international performers. Baker has an extensive background promoting classical music and the performing arts, creating and implementing dynamic branding, marketing, and audience development campaigns.
Join Ringling for a screening of the documentary The Blood is at The Doorstep and post-film virtual panel discussion with Maria Hamilton, the mother of Dontre Hamilton, Angela Harrelson, the Aunt of George Floyd, Paris Stevens, Cousin of George Floyd, and Natasha Clemons, Mother of Rodney Mitchell, facilitated by Dr. Queen Meccasia Zabriskie. The panel discussion is available to attend virtually, while the film screening will be held with limited seating in the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling.
This is a special week for the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. Four of our dancers have been invited to compete in The Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) finals in Tampa. YAGP is the world’s largest non-profit ballet competition. You can purchase tickets to see the finals in person at the Straz Center. Go to yagp.org for details. The Finals will be live-streamed as a complimentary feature throughout the entire week.
Experience the best in blues at the monthly Live Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille. Join fellow blues and brunch enthusiasts as Mattison's welcomes the one and only... Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, on Sunday, May 23 from 11am to 3pm. Brunch goes to 3pm, music wraps up at 2pm. Call 941-896-9660 today to make reservations to experience delicious chef-created brunch menu items and authentic blues. Mattison’s features a covered, open air patio perfect for dining safely and comfortably. The monthly blues brunches usually fill up, so reservations are suggested. East side Detroit native Doug Deming, has garnered widespread attention for his deft guitar work and memorable songwriting. Along with toe-tapping, authentic blues, Chef Alex has created a delicious Brunch Menu to complete the Blues Brunch experience. Items include Stuffed French Toast with seasonal berries, Duck Confit Crepes with Blueberry Mascarpone, a Niman Ranch Steak and Egg Bowl, Riverwalk Breakfast, Omelets, Poached Eggs with Avocado Toast and much, much more. Brunch drink options include bottomless Mimosas made with fresh, local orange juice and Mattison's Signature Bloody Mary's.
On Friday, May 14 at 6pm “Artists and Writers, Thinking Out Loud” with Hermitage Fellows Crystal Wilkinson, Hari Kunzru, Lucy Kim. Author Crystal Wilkinson will discuss and read from her latest work, Perfect Black, a book of poems and legends about ancestry, culture, and the terrain of a black girl becoming. Visual and multidisciplinary artist Lucy Kim will discuss her transition from traditional painting and photography to her less vison-centric, more visceral, three-dimensional work. Novelist Hari Kunzru will introduce and read from Blue Ruin, his third novel in a trilogy about music, literature, and visual art. Listen to the thinking that went into their work and join them in a Q&A afterward. Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Registration required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Classic Albums LIVE returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, May 14 at 8pm for a limited-capacity performance on the main stage. The group will bring Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon to life on stage – note for note, cut for cut. Tickets are $32-$72 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10am and 4pm. To view a full listing of upcoming events, visit www.VanWezel.org.
Join us at the Museum where space will take center stage on Astronomy Day on Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm. We're planning a special live star talk in The Planetarium, a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum, a crater-making experiment and fun space-related activities in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. You’ll even be able to talk to an expert from Celestron about your telescope questions. Everything is included with admission, so come get spaced out. The cost is included in admission. After you talk with our telescope expert, why not enjoy spacing out with your own 'scope? We have the Celestron StarSense Explorer available now in the Museum Store. It's perfect for beginners.
Join us on Saturday, May 15 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm at Robinson Preserve, 9 in the Expansion, 10299 9th Avenue NW, Bradenton for our last Seeing Stars program of the astronomy viewing season. You’ll enjoy a beautiful night sky overlooking the bay at Robinson Preserve, thanks to our partners at Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Weather permitting, Mercury, Venus, and the waxing crescent moon are expected to be spectacular sights. We provide the telescopes and the expertise; you enjoy the wonders of our universe. The program is free, but advance tickets are required. We are limiting audience size to allow for social distancing. Masks are required for staff, volunteers, and guests.
Former Sarasota resident, Noelia Voigt wrote an anti-bullying children’s book called “Maddie the BRAVE” while holding the title of Miss Alabama Collegiate America 2020. Maddie, the main character in the book, sadly lost her life to bullying in 2018. This is a happy book that will help children practice self-love and positive self-affirmations, help them to identify what bullying may look like, and how to go about handling those situations. The book readings will take place on the hour from 10am to 2pm at Children’s World, 4525 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, on Saturday, May 15. After each reading Ms. Voigt will speak to each child individually to further inspire them, and autograph individual books. Ms. Voigt is also part of an anti-bullying non-profit called Tiny Be Mighty that has recently released a one-of-a-kind anti-bullying app called, Bullying Buddy. Noelia is now an ambassador for Tiny Be Mighty and Bullying Buddy, and will be working with state representatives, governors, and other local and state government officials to help get this app integrated into school systems. She will have information about this app for parents as well.
The Pops Orchestra is proud to present a “High Five Pop Up Concert Series” featuring the String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, and Brass Quintet from The Pops performing in various outdoor settings around the Suncoast region at 5:30pm. Conductor Robyn Bell will lead you through a 60-minute show full of laughs, stories, and, of course, wonderful light classical, Broadway, film, and other popular music performed by the chamber music groups. It’s just what your soul has been seeking. Due to Covid restrictions, you won’t actually be able to give anybody a “high five” See you at the safe show. You have three opportunities to catch the Pops Orchestra's Chamber Groups in concert: on Saturday, March 20 at 5:30pm at Marie Selby Gardens, on Sunday, April 11 at 5:30pm at Historic Spanish Point (and help Robyn celebrate her birthday on this date), and on Saturday, May 15 at 5:30pm at Nathan Benderson Park.
Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center will host a Job Skills Boot Camp in partnership with Manatee and Sarasota Counties’ Gator Clubs. The Job Skills Boot Camp will be attended by high school students and adults affected by vision loss on Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm, in the parking lot, at the Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center, 7318 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Members of the Sarasota and Manatee Counties Gator Clubs will use their professional knowledge and skills to provide topics and specialized training to Lighthouse clients including: Cover Letters, Resumes, Soft vs Hard Skills, Scholarships, Interview Skills, Job Search & Applications, Career Goals, Appearance & Expectations, Communication & Time Management and Finances & Tax Forms. Individuals participating in the Job Skills Boot Camp are clients in our Transition and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs who are seeking employment. Teens from our Transition Program are preparing for Lighthouse's Work-Based Learning Experience, working at local businesses in an array of job fields during the month of July. To learn more about the Job Skills Boot Camp, please contact Nicole Mobley at Nicole.Mobley@LighthouseEducationCenter.org and to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Lighthouse at NO COST to individuals affected by vision loss, please visit www.LighthouseEducationCenter.org. Social distancing will be maintained with masks and hand sanitizer available throughout the event.
The Limelight Pop Up market happens outside every 3rd Saturday with different guest vendors, live music, and food. Support Locals from 10am to 3pm this Saturday, May 15. Located at the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Avenue, Sarasota. May 15 guests include: Animal Network, Myakka’s Gold Apiary, The Sugar Board, Marla Katz Pottery, Copper & Sage, Siesta Key Sea Bee Dee, Pour It On Creations, and Aquarius Collection. Live music by Sean Adam Walsh. Hamlet's Eatery will be open, as well as the 25+ vendors inside The Bazaar
For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com.
Let's save Siesta Key by becoming our own town. Do you believe Siesta Key has a voice worth hearing? We stood up against the dredging of Big Pass and were not heard. The development of the Promenade will create even worse traffic, we spoke but were not heard. Now four large proposed projects that require special exception for density and height are trying to be built, we are not being heard. We believe our community of residents and businesses deserve to have a voice that is heard. The next public meeting will be held on May 19, 2021 at 7pm at Siesta Chapel, 4615 Gleason Avenue with guest speaker and topic to be determined. Get involved at www.savesiestakey.org to donate, volunteer and learn.
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