This Good News Story written by Jamey Hitchcock is a Realize Bradenton production funded by the Knight Donor Advised Fund at the Manatee Community Foundation.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton

Just a short stroll from the Riverwalk, you will find the stunning uniqueness of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. One portion of this Arts Center is the genuine love of the arts. More specifically, performance art by the founders — The Manatee Players Inc. It’s a group of talented women performers, who created a vision and established a theater like no other. A decor that is unparalleled coupled with a breathtaking auditorium will leave any attendee wanting to come back performance after performance.

Not only a performing arts center, but also a local educational program that provides musical camps for youth, programs for the 55 and over crowd, a student ambassador program, and a technical and theatre management internship.

“My favorite aspect of the center is we are a place where the community can gather safely and bring people together from all walks of life who can engage, grow, and be inspired while being entertained,” said Janene Amick, chief executive officer.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center displays the work of local artists as well as a beautiful display of the original chandelier from Gone with the Wind!

“We are unique in having a space that can offer multiple performances in our two theater spaces and special events in our ballroom upstairs and supporting other events remotely all at the same time!” says Amick. “This make Bradenton the place to be.”

This post is part of the Top 12 Reasons We Love This City series. Read more here.