THE MISSION.

Founded in 2020, Dingbat Theatre Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in beautiful Sarasota, FL dedicated to:
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• Creating a safe, inclusive, diverse, and accessible space for the community to gather, create, and enjoy local theatre and art.

• The creation and development of dynamic and boldly imaginative theatrical productions.

• Uplifting, supporting, and involving the incredible community of local theatre artists in Sarasota.
• Enriching the lives of the citizens of Sarasota County through quality performances, engagement programs, and more.​

Dingbat’s belief is that great storytelling comes from imagination and a desire to play. Each production Dingbat Theatre Project brings to the stage, from newly imagined classics to original pieces, will reflect this urge to engage in theatre in a creative and surprising way.

We look forward to continuing to serve our community as we move into our permanent venue at 7288 S Tamiami Trail. Follow us on social media to keep up with our journey!

Dingbat's Peter Pan (Sep-Oct 2023)

ARTIST-DRIVEN.

Dingbat Theatre Project is an artist-driven collective of theatre-makers. A key element of the organization is giving opportunities and uplifting the voices of local actors, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, etc. in order to create a truly communal storytelling experience. We value the unique individuality of every artist and tailor each project to match the strengths of the group telling the story. This creates a people-first experience for those involved in telling Dingbat stories. We acknowledge that theatre is a profession that takes lots of work, time, focus, and commitment. 

MEET THE TEAM

It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman (Jan 2024)

ACCESSIBLE.

In an increasingly community experience-starved world, Dingbat Theatre Project is committed to making its stories accessible. Historically, Dingbat offers an inclusive work study program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dingbat is also committed to making its shows economically accessible to its audiences by offering tiered ticket pricing, free schooltime performances to accredited schools, and other audience development programs. 

Dingbat's Peter Pan (Sep-Oct 2023)

ORIGINAL.

Creating and workshopping original works is an extremely important way to keep theatrical storytelling fresh and relevant to modern audiences. Dingbat is committed to workshopping and presenting new works, especially new works geared toward family audiences and/or adapted from literary classics. Dingbat has produced original works such as Brian & Luke's Live Holiday Jamboree and Dingbat's Peter Pan. In the 2024 season Dingbat is workshopping and presenting Lady Bugg's Garden and DIngbat's Hercules​. 

Pippin (June 2025)

IMMERSIVE. 

Dingbat Theatre Project is committed to bringing an uplifting and unique experience to its artists and audiences. Dingbat strives to bring a sense of "play" and joy to its shows, and is inspired by childhood imagination, story theatre, puppetry, Brechtian theatre, and immersive storytelling. Theatre is communication between artists and audiences, Dingbat strengthens this communication by establishing a relationship between the audience and the artists from the moment patrons enter the theatre. Dingbat's productions are immersive and invite the audiences into the storytelling experience from an interactive comic book store for It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman, to a 1920s Speakeasy for Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville, to the disco party for Pippin​.

THE TEAM

Luke Manual ... Producing Artistic Director & Founder
Gretchen Beaumier .. Technical Director & Co-Artistic Director
Ash Schells ... Production Assistant
AJ Trinci ... Associate Artist
Delaney Eischen ... Associate Artist
Zoe White ... Marketing Assistant
Brian F. Finnerty ... Co-Founder

AWARD-WINNING

SRQ MAGAZINE 2025 BEST OF SRQ: ARTS & CULTURE​
BEST LOCAL PLAY/MUSICAL 2024-2025 SEASON BRONZE: CHICAGO

2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards
BEST ENSEMBLE - Chicago

2021 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards
BEST MUSICAL - Hedwig and the Angry Inch
BEST DIRECTION - Shrek the Musical 
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY - Shrek the Musical
BEST COSTUME DESIGN - Hedwig and the Angry Inch