When you live at The Glenridge, you don’t have to go far to find world-class art and culture. In fact, you’ll find a first-class cultural experience right here on our 150-acre campus – starting at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center (GPAC).
Elegant, intimate, and state-of-the-art, the 260-seat GPAC is a jewel of a theatre that gets rave reviews in Sarasota – a town that knows and appreciates culture. It hosts a scintillating array of both professional and member-produced performances year-round, including music, comedy, educational talks and more.
Designed both for and by art lovers, GPAC features a proscenium stage, ceiling and wall acoustic panels, and sophisticated lighting and sound systems – and lately, it’s only getting better. In the newly renovated lobby, guests are greeted by a textural teak entryway and electronic marquee. Meanwhile, a brand-new adjacent Art Gallery showcases the works of Glenridge members and visiting artists in an airy, light-filled space.
“GPAC is a fully professional performing arts center,” says Ben Turoff, Director of Member Life. “We can bring in ballet, musical acts, theatrical performances, all kinds of different things – and do them all well.”
Turoff, who hails from a family of actors and directors, knows good entertainment. “My dad directed a couple of Broadway shows, and my mom was in the original cast of South Pacific,” he says. “When I was six, we moved out of New York to open a theatre here in Sarasota. From an early age I was in shows, designing, painting, building sets – learning, literally, from the ground up.”
When Turoff heard that The Glenridge needed a new theatre manager, he was an ideal candidate for the role. Now the Director of Member Life, he stays busy creating an engaging ecosystem where there’s always something going on – from Shakespeare seminars, model yacht races and holiday parties to the latest season of performances at GPAC.
“A number of our members were first introduced to The Glenridge simply because they came to see a show at our theatre – and they liked it so much they came back year after year,” he says. “It’s not just great entertainment; it’s something that brings people to our community.”
This winter’s season is packed with action, kicking off with a night of jazzy holiday tunes from Nate Najar and going on to feature acts ranging from musical theatre (Sincerely, Sondheim) to chamber-sized string orchestra (Strings Con Brio). Performances are open to visitors and Glenridge members alike: To buy tickets or learn about upcoming shows, call 941-552-5325 or visit www.gpactix.com.
From outstanding entertainment at GPAC to sophisticated new options for cuisine and holistic wellness, life at The Glenridge just keeps getting better. When you’re ready to explore all the possibilities our community has to offer, give us call at 941-552-5338 or send us a message to plan your personal tour.
For more information about what life is like at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch in beautiful Sarasota – named the best place in the U.S. to retire – visit our other blog posts or find us on Facebook.