Florida Cultural Group Inc (DBA Manatee Performing Arts Center)

A Legacy of Community, Creativity, and Commitment

In late 1947, a small group of passionate actors from the Bradenton Junior Women’s Club came together with a bold idea—to bring live theater to their growing community. They called themselves the Manatee Players, and on January 25, 1948, the troupe received its official charter as a nonprofit organization.

Without a permanent home, the Manatee Players rehearsed wherever space allowed: in living rooms, community clubhouses, the City Pier, and even the old Water Works Building. But their dedication was unwavering, and their performances quickly became a beloved staple in the area.

By 1953, the vision for a permanent home became a reality thanks to the leadership of Dr. W.D. Sugg and the generosity of Edward and Lillian Bishop. A 50-year land lease from the City of Bradenton—just $1 per year—paved the way for the construction of the Riverfront Theatre on the banks of the Manatee River. That December, the curtain rose for the first time on I Remember Mama, and a new era of local arts was born. Just a year later, the Manatee Players proudly staged the first non-professional production of Oklahoma!

For decades, the Riverfront Theatre served as the heartbeat of Bradenton’s performing arts scene. But as the community grew, so did the vision. The aging facility limited what could be offered—larger productions, youth programming, inclusive access, and new community initiatives all needed space to flourish.

In 2001, the Board of Directors undertook a comprehensive facility study and launched the most ambitious capital campaign in the community’s history. With lead gifts from the estate of Cora May Stone, Sara and Steve Bayard, and the Bradenton Kiwanis, the community rallied. After years of fundraising, planning, and collective determination, the Manatee Performing Arts Center opened its doors in March 2013.

Since then, the organization has grown far beyond its roots. In 2020, reflecting its expanded mission and regional impact, the nonprofit officially adopted the name Florida Cultural Group, Inc. to better represent the broad scope of its programming and reach.

Today, Florida Cultural Group serves as a cultural leader and creative hub, proudly operating:

• Manatee Performing Arts Center – our flagship venue for live performance, special events, and community gatherings.
• Sara’s Studios – our newest facility currently under construction, which will expand our commitment to arts education through state-of-the-art, inclusive training spaces for learners of all ages.

Throughout our history, we’ve remained focused on what matters most: bringing people together through the arts. Programs like For Kids By Kids, Action Through Acting, DraMature, and Technical Interning demonstrate our belief that the performing arts can empower people of every age and background.

We are proud to be an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming organization. From wheelchair-accessible stage lifts and dressing rooms to large-print playbills and sensory-friendly equipment, we strive to meet the needs of every guest and performer.

Today, Florida Cultural Group welcomes more than 35,000 patrons, students, volunteers, and guests annually, generating over $2.8 million in economic impact each year through more than 350 performances, workshops, training programs, and special events.