October 13

Looking for a different avenue toward achieving your your aspirations and tapping in to your inner serenity? The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is launching a free series of workshops introducing participants to a variety of arts-based wellness techniques, including sound healing, journaling reflective theater practices, movement and breathing exercises.

Led by teaching artist Maria Schaedler-Luera, this first theater-based workshop offers experiential and self-reflective exercises inspired by the Rainbow of Desire techniques created by Brazilian activist and director Augusto Boal that are meant to help you identify and transform the internal voices that block you from achieving your goals. Or at least that’s what the promise is…. Open to all and no prior theater experience necessary.

ArtsSelf wellness workshop, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Selby Library, 1331 First Street, Sarasota. Pre-register at eventbrite.com/e/artself-free-your-mind-theater-workshop-tickets-1993027621266?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

— Carrie Seidman

October 14-November 22

Sarasota audiences first got to know Jim Weaver as a performer in numerous mainstage and cabaret shows at Florida Studio Theatre. More recently, he has become familiar as a director of numerous productions at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, where he also serves as Assistant Artistic Director and Director of Education. He’s now returning to the stage as both star and director of WBTT’s season-opening production of “Sophisticated Ladies.”

It’s a singing and dancing celebration of the music of Duke Ellington, with such favorites as “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Satin Doll,” “Mood Indigo,” “Love You Madly,” “In a Sentimental Mood” and “It' Don’t Mean a Thing.” Weaver stars with Jazzmin Carson, Jocelyn Darci Trimmer, Leon S. Pitts II, Dawn Derow, Marcel Joshua and Jeff Gallup. Monessa Salley is the choreographer and Carl Haan is the musical director.

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs Oct. 14-Nov. 22 at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $60 and $25 for students and active military. westcoastblacktheatre.org; 941-366-1505

October 14-17

For the opening of a new season of its Great Escapes series, the Sarasota Orchestra will take audiences on a journey aboard “Planes, Trains & Automobiles.” Evan Roider, who recently led the orchestra’s special Sept. 11 anniversary concert, will conduct a program described as a “high-octane sonic journey.” It includes Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “The Little Train of the Caipira,” Alan Silvestri’s “Suite from ‘Back to the Future’,” music by John Williams from both “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” as well as music from the films “Cars” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” The Oct. 14-16 performances are one hour with no intermission. The Oct. 17 program will include more music and an intermission.

“Planes, Trains & Automobiles” will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 16 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and 17 at Holley Hall in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $50-$74. sarasotaorchestra.org; 941-953-3434

— Jay Handelman

October 15-31

Following on the heels of its inventive production of “Romeo and Juliet,” Dingbat Theatre Project is now bringing a new attitude to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” It’s a club reimagining of the great tragedy about the impact of political ambition and power that begins when a Scottish general is told by three witches (or, in this case, Weird Sisters) that he will one day become King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth murders the king and takes the throne, but then becomes highly paranoid about those who might be out to get him. Dingbat describes it as “equal parts Shakespearean tragedy, modern horror and camp queer nightclub realness.”

“Macbeth” runs Oct. 15-31 at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $60 for VIP seating, $35 for general admission and $15 for immersive floor seating. Dingbattheatre.org

— Jay Handelman

October 16

The Ringling Museum kicks off its season with an outdoor celebration featuring the music of Grammy-nominated Cuban vocalist Jose “Pepito” Gomez and his dynamic ensemble, La Royal Orquesta. Known for reviving the golden-era mambo sound of 1950s Cuba, Gomez blends musical tradition with contemporary energy, providing the perfect soundtrack for a grand dance party in the museum’s courtyard.

You’ll also hear about the Ringling’s upcoming lineup of live performances, as well as its scheduled exhibitions and educational programs. Spring for a VIP pass and you’ll be entitled to loggia seating, an open bar, a buffet and early entry. Or go general admission and just dance the night away.

“Night of Wonder,” at the Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. VIP entry at 7 p.m.; general admission entry 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45-$200. 941-360-7399. ringling.org/event/ringling-revealed/

— Carrie Seidman

October 17-18

Created by Sharon Preston-Folta, author of a book and documentary about Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, this inaugural History in Motion event, “Flash Acts in Black Vaudeville” – directed by Sarasota Contemporary Dance director Leymis Bolanos Wilmott and choreographed by dancer Monessa Salley – explores the rich legacy of Black vaudeville through the story of her mother, Lucille “Sweets” Preston.

Preston was one of the many talented performers who helped shape the Chitlin’ Circuit and Black Vaudeville during the ‘30s and ‘40s. Known for their “flash acts,” these variety performances entertained audiences before the headline act. Through storytelling, dance and historical context, this performance honors Preston and the performers who were her friends, collaborators and sources of inspiration.

“Flash Acts in Black Vaudeville,” part of the In-Studio series at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 3 and 7 p.m. October 17; 7 p.m. October 18. Tickets $15-$25. sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-studio/

— Carrie Seidman