The Players Centre Hires New Artistic Director

December 7, 2022 – Sarasota

In what is shaping up to be a big year for The Players as it crests the midway point of its 93^rd Season, the nonprofit community theatre has announced the hiring of Steven H. Butler as its new Artistic Director. 

Butler has roots in the area, growing up in Sarasota and graduating from Sarasota High. Butler joins The Players from Gainesville, Florida, where he most notably served as Executive Director of Florida Theatre Conference, Inc. (FTC), and as Executive/Artistic Director and co-founder of The Actor’s Warehouse, Inc. (AW). His work with FTC saw him refine and develop the organization’s mission and objectives while interfacing with state, regional and national organizations to ensure FTC adopted best practices in community engagement, access and inclusion. At AW, Butler guided the nonprofit’s creation and relocation from an unassuming storefront to a historic church built in 1928 and then through the pandemic. 

“Steven’s experience and skills checked off every important box for The Players,” says The Players CEO William Skaggs.” His experience goes beyond the artistic and operational competencies and into our community engagement mission, a key reason he is such a great fit for us.” 

On the artistic side of Butler’s résumé, he brings a wealth of directorial and acting credits around the state, including The Players where he assumed roles in various productions such as Irma la Douce, Carousel, Cabaret, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. As a director, Butler helped produce renowned productions for AW, including Steel Magnolias, Black Nativity, and Satchmo at the Waldorf.  

“When you’re involved with community theatre, you have to be able to wear many hats,” says Butler. “It’s about balancing artistic excellence with operational considerations and always asking yourself if the work is serving the community.” 

Butler begins his role as Artistic Director on February 27, 2023 and will work on carrying out the rest of the critically acclaimed 93^rd Season for The Players while planning for the 94^th Season. In addition, Butler’s experience with relocating AW to a new location will serve The Players well as it explores new spaces for a more permanent home.  

“I’m beyond grateful to The Players for trusting me to help lead them through a very exciting time,” says Butler, “and I’m looking forward to connecting with all the dedicated and enthusiastic arts lovers that Sarasota is known for.”