Introducing Artistic Associate Fellow Nicholas Perez Hoop   

Meet Nicholas: Nicholas Perez-Hoop has been with Urbanite Theatre from CHICKEN SHOP until now, being both an avid supporter of the Sarasota arts community and the theatre at large. His work as an artist and administrator has brought him to American Stage, freefall theatre, Jobsite Theater, Stageworks Theatre, Hippodrome State Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Tampa Repertory Theatre, Philadelphia Artists Collective, Walnut Street Theatre, Media Theatre, amongst others.

He served as the 2022/23 Directing Fellow at Asolo Repertory Theatre and is currently the Marketing Coordinator at Theatre Horizon in Philadelphia. He happily shared his time between two communities, both as a freelance director and artist, as well as an administrator and aspiring producer. He has a cat with one eye.

Nicholas’s fellowship is made possible by a generous gift from George Steitz in memory of Susan Williams and dedicated to the professional development of the next generation of theatremakers.

Just announced: The first Limited Engagement of the 2023/24 season!

My Name is Annabel (2023) is a short independent film that will be screened at Urbanite Theatre at 7:30pm on November 28, 2023.

At 30 years old, Annabel Hernandez is no stranger to the stage. Her passions include music, performing with a local theater troupe that integrates performers with disabilities with their typical peers, and making videos for TikTok.

Interweaving day in the life footage with Annabel's own interviews of her friends and family on the subject of Down syndrome, this short documentary is at once an intimate portrait and a creative collaboration between Annabel and the filmmakers. The film culminates in a finale performance music video of a song co-written with Annabel, synthesizing the experience in a celebratory, and truly Annabel fashion.

“My Name is Annabel is focused on artist-first storytelling, something we at Urbanite care very deeply about,” says Producing Artistic Director Summer Wallace. “The film not only brings awareness to a community that is often overlooked, but celebrates it!”

The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion. Tickets are available for $15, or $5 for students, for this one-night-only event!

Watch the trailer