Jacob Ruscoe
Dr. Jacob Ruscoe has been involved with local theatre in Sarasota for the last several decades. Jacob has spent time serving on the Board of Directors for Virtuoso Inc and Rise Above Performing Arts. As an Artistic Director, he has had the privilege of producing such shows as The Addams Family, Grease, Into the Woods, All My Sons, 13 the Musical, The Love Note and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Jacob is an educator for a local school system and has helped several schools in their development of a performing arts program. He also oversees multiple award-winning show choirs including one that was award Grand National Champions in 2018. In 2004, Jacob had his play, Outside the Box professionally produced before a national youth camp. He has written several scripts and monologues that have been performed nationwide. His love of writing began at an early age and has been awarded such honors as Best Overall Playwright and Best Political Commercial Script at statewide festivals. Jacob obtained his Doctoral degree in Administration and has a deep passion to see the growth and development of the performing arts throughout our community.
BWW Review: CINDERELLA at Manatee Performing Arts Center
BWW Review: AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN at Urbanite Theatre is a dose of love and reality
BWW Review: BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Florida Studio Theatre Brings Smiles Start to Finish
BWW Review: OUR TOWN at Asolo Rep is Simplistic and Powerful
BWW Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Venice Theatre Provides Raw Emotion
BWW Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Florida Studio Theatre is Comedic Perfection
BWW Review: COME FROM AWAY at Van Wezel all that you can want and so much moreBWW Review: A SKEPTIC AND A BRUJA at Urbanite Theatre a Haunting Experience
April 12, 2022
In a deviation from your typical theatrical experience, may I present you Urbanite Theatre’s World Premiere of “A Skeptic and a Bruja.” Much to its title premise, this new work takes you on a paranormal journey.
BWW Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Venice Theatre Provides Raw Emotion
March 29, 2022
Some shows get away from all the glitz and glamour and just tell a story. There are times where musical theatre transcends the fancy costume and strobe lights; a place where the big numbers wait for another time. What we are left during those moments is something raw and powerful. What we have is “The Last Five Years.”
BWW Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Florida Studio Theatre is Comedic Perfection
March 6, 2022
By nature, musicals are vastly more popular than plays. They have a natural ability to engage an audience and if there are any lulls in the action, you have a high-flying musical number to bring the show back to life. A play has no safety nets. The actors must be dynamic and make genuine connections in order for thee beauty of a show to be felt.
BWW Review: OUR TOWN at Asolo Rep is Simplistic and Powerful
February 9, 2022
The Asolo continues its season with the timeless play, Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” directed by Desdemona Chiang. Any time I see this classic piece on stage I am drawn to its simplicity. The show is typically done without a set or props and relies completely on the characters themselves to tell the story of life and mortality.
BWW Review: CINDERELLA at Manatee Performing Arts Center
December 7, 2021
It is time for a little bit of magic as Manatee Performing Arts Center produces their next mainstage production of “Cinderella.” The theatre touts Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella as the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical.
BWW Review: COME FROM AWAY at Van Wezel all that you can want and so much more
November 24, 2021
It is such an exciting time with Broadway reopened. I spent a day recently in New York City and the hustle and bustle of the theatre district reminded me of why I love the city and Broadway in particular. I have seen a measly 73 shows on Broadway or ones that are part of a Broadway tour and I have ranked them all in the order that I love/like them. One of those shows that has remained in the top 10 since I first witnessed its magical artistry is “Come From Away.” So, I jumped at the chance to see it again at the Van Wezel.
BWW Review: BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Florida Studio Theatre Brings Smiles Start to Finish
November 20, 2021
There are shows that make you laugh and others that make you cry. We go to the theatre and are swept away by all kinds of emotions. Some shows make us angry and others inspire hope. Then there are the shows that just make us happy. Above all else, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” at Florida Studio Theatre is just that show.
BWW Review: AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN at Urbanite Theatre is a dose of love and reality
November 5, 2021
Sometimes theatre is different. Sometimes it is unique and thought-provoking with enough emotion to pull your heart strings and punch you in the gut all at the same time. There are times where a play is not conventional; yet allows its audiences to experiences an array of feelings that make us glad we spent an evening at the theatre. All of this and so much more await guests when they see “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen” which is making its regional premiere at Urbanite Theatre.
BWW Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Dingbat Theatre Project is Pure Entertainment
May 11, 2021
In a time where many theatres have struggled to survive, there is a new face in our community that is reimagining theatre during these unusual times. Dingbat Theatre Project is currently in production of “Shrek the Musical,” held at the outdoor theatre at The Bazaar on Apricot. The company has taken and innovative approach to a well-known show to produce what can only be described as pure entertainment.
BWW Review: DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS at Ovation
May 5, 2021
Ovation Theatre took to the stage, or in this case the field to produce an energizing production of Disney’s Descendants. While the school’s spring musical production is typically held indoors, due to the pandemic the show was performed outside in Lakewood Ranch. The change of venue did not stop this spirited cast from entertaining its audiences while performing a high-quality production.
BWW Feature: VINTAGE POP! Comes to Florida Studio Theatre
April 17, 2021
The entertainment world continues to slowly make its way back into the spotlight through innovative ways that create a safe environment for patrons. Florida Studio Theatre is currently presenting its production of “Vintage Pop!” which runs through May 16.
BWW Review: CAMELOT at Asolo Repertory an Artistic Masterpiece
March 28, 2021
Somedays it seems like the world may never return to normal. It has been a challenging year for everyone and one of the hardest hit industries has been those involving live entertainment. Audiences are craving a return to live theatre which made the Asolo’s production of “Camelot” and even more welcome sight
BWW Review: Play Ball with DAMN YANKEES at MPAC
February 21, 2020
Spring is in the air which means the start of baseball season. Baseball is my all-time favorite sport. While many say it is boring, there is such a passion and purity to the American Pastime that its enjoyment and place in our culture cannot be ignored. So, when you take my favorite sport and combine it with my love of theatre, well there is the show I want to see. a?oeDamn Yankeesa?? at Manatee Performing Arts Center opened Thursday night and is sure to have that rare breed who love both sports and theatre in a?oeHeaven.
BWW Review: OUTLAWS & ANGELS at Florida Studio Theatre
February 20, 2020
Entertainment options are endless in our town that is bursting with artistic performances. Florida Studio Theatre's latest Cabaret, a?oeOutlaws & Angels,a?? is billed as a rousing review that highlights and celebrates the a?oeoutlaws of country music and the angels who loved them.a?? However, what you truly experience is an evening full of fun that will immerse you in the timeless country songs you have always loved. This Cabaret will entertain you and revive memories inside you that will put a smile on your face.
BWW Feature: WINTER FEST 2020 at SaraSolo
February 7, 2020
The 2020 SaraSolo Winter Fest is just around the corner, February 10-15. Now in its 6th Season, SaraSolo has evolved and will take place as 3 festivals this year all focusing on the power of the solo performance. The concept is unique as one does not often go to the theatre expecting to see a a?oeone man show.a?? The festival invites actors who perform in a variety of styles, bringing a range of perspectives, and myriad ways of illuminating the human condition.
BWW Review: MATILDA at MPAC a Treat for All Ages
January 23, 2020
The a?oeMatildaa?? hype is flying through our local community. A quick search of Music Theatre International's website will find five different venues within driving distance performing this show within the next year. However, Manatee Performing Arts has set a high bar with the Area Premiere of a show that is sure to be a true favorite for audiences of all ages.
BWW Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS at Sarasota High School Kicks off the Holiday Season
December 16, 2019
Sarasota High School produced a heart-warming rendition of Irving Berlin's a?oeWhite Christmasa?? this past week. The show which is full of laughter, was engaging and entertaining, and another shining example of the incredible theatre productions our local schools produce.
BWW Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Asolo Rep
November 22, 2019
The Asolo Repertory Theatre is starting the 2019-2020 season off with a marvelous rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein's a?oeThe Sound of Music.a?? Any time you go to see a classic piece of musical theatre your past experiences and schema come into play. Expectations are high (or low) based upon what you think you know about the show. It can be difficult to change those perceptions and to not see what you expect to happen. While the songs and storyline are timeless as ever, Asolo's version, which is spectacular on many levels, offers you a new perspective that will make you feel like you are watching the show for the very first time.
BWW Review: ROUGH MAGIC at Booker High VPA
October 16, 2019
One of the joys of reviewing shows is when I am assigned to critique a production at one of our local schools. It is an opportunity for me to watch actors perform simply for the love of theatre. More times than not, the skill of these young actors and quality of the show will rival that of what you would find at one of our local community theatres. a?oeRough Magic,a?? presented by the Booker High School VPA Theatre Department continues the long-standing tradition of excellence in youth theatre here in Sarasota.
BWW Review: GREY GARDENS at Manatee Performing Arts Center
September 19, 2019
In a world of musical theatre shows you probably have never heard of it, Manatee Performing Arts Center presents a?oeGrey Gardens.a?? Based on the 1975 documentary of the same name, the story portrays the life of Edie and her mother Edith Bouvier Beale.
April 12, 2022
In a deviation from your typical theatrical experience, may I present you Urbanite Theatre’s World Premiere of “A Skeptic and a Bruja.” Much to its title premise, this new work takes you on a paranormal journey.
BWW Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Venice Theatre Provides Raw Emotion
March 29, 2022
Some shows get away from all the glitz and glamour and just tell a story. There are times where musical theatre transcends the fancy costume and strobe lights; a place where the big numbers wait for another time. What we are left during those moments is something raw and powerful. What we have is “The Last Five Years.”
BWW Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Florida Studio Theatre is Comedic Perfection
March 6, 2022
By nature, musicals are vastly more popular than plays. They have a natural ability to engage an audience and if there are any lulls in the action, you have a high-flying musical number to bring the show back to life. A play has no safety nets. The actors must be dynamic and make genuine connections in order for thee beauty of a show to be felt.
BWW Review: OUR TOWN at Asolo Rep is Simplistic and Powerful
February 9, 2022
The Asolo continues its season with the timeless play, Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” directed by Desdemona Chiang. Any time I see this classic piece on stage I am drawn to its simplicity. The show is typically done without a set or props and relies completely on the characters themselves to tell the story of life and mortality.
BWW Review: CINDERELLA at Manatee Performing Arts Center
December 7, 2021
It is time for a little bit of magic as Manatee Performing Arts Center produces their next mainstage production of “Cinderella.” The theatre touts Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella as the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical.
BWW Review: COME FROM AWAY at Van Wezel all that you can want and so much more
November 24, 2021
It is such an exciting time with Broadway reopened. I spent a day recently in New York City and the hustle and bustle of the theatre district reminded me of why I love the city and Broadway in particular. I have seen a measly 73 shows on Broadway or ones that are part of a Broadway tour and I have ranked them all in the order that I love/like them. One of those shows that has remained in the top 10 since I first witnessed its magical artistry is “Come From Away.” So, I jumped at the chance to see it again at the Van Wezel.
BWW Review: BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Florida Studio Theatre Brings Smiles Start to Finish
November 20, 2021
There are shows that make you laugh and others that make you cry. We go to the theatre and are swept away by all kinds of emotions. Some shows make us angry and others inspire hope. Then there are the shows that just make us happy. Above all else, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” at Florida Studio Theatre is just that show.
BWW Review: AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN at Urbanite Theatre is a dose of love and reality
November 5, 2021
Sometimes theatre is different. Sometimes it is unique and thought-provoking with enough emotion to pull your heart strings and punch you in the gut all at the same time. There are times where a play is not conventional; yet allows its audiences to experiences an array of feelings that make us glad we spent an evening at the theatre. All of this and so much more await guests when they see “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen” which is making its regional premiere at Urbanite Theatre.
BWW Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Dingbat Theatre Project is Pure Entertainment
May 11, 2021
In a time where many theatres have struggled to survive, there is a new face in our community that is reimagining theatre during these unusual times. Dingbat Theatre Project is currently in production of “Shrek the Musical,” held at the outdoor theatre at The Bazaar on Apricot. The company has taken and innovative approach to a well-known show to produce what can only be described as pure entertainment.
BWW Review: DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS at Ovation
May 5, 2021
Ovation Theatre took to the stage, or in this case the field to produce an energizing production of Disney’s Descendants. While the school’s spring musical production is typically held indoors, due to the pandemic the show was performed outside in Lakewood Ranch. The change of venue did not stop this spirited cast from entertaining its audiences while performing a high-quality production.
BWW Feature: VINTAGE POP! Comes to Florida Studio Theatre
April 17, 2021
The entertainment world continues to slowly make its way back into the spotlight through innovative ways that create a safe environment for patrons. Florida Studio Theatre is currently presenting its production of “Vintage Pop!” which runs through May 16.
BWW Review: CAMELOT at Asolo Repertory an Artistic Masterpiece
March 28, 2021
Somedays it seems like the world may never return to normal. It has been a challenging year for everyone and one of the hardest hit industries has been those involving live entertainment. Audiences are craving a return to live theatre which made the Asolo’s production of “Camelot” and even more welcome sight
BWW Review: Play Ball with DAMN YANKEES at MPAC
February 21, 2020
Spring is in the air which means the start of baseball season. Baseball is my all-time favorite sport. While many say it is boring, there is such a passion and purity to the American Pastime that its enjoyment and place in our culture cannot be ignored. So, when you take my favorite sport and combine it with my love of theatre, well there is the show I want to see. a?oeDamn Yankeesa?? at Manatee Performing Arts Center opened Thursday night and is sure to have that rare breed who love both sports and theatre in a?oeHeaven.
BWW Review: OUTLAWS & ANGELS at Florida Studio Theatre
February 20, 2020
Entertainment options are endless in our town that is bursting with artistic performances. Florida Studio Theatre's latest Cabaret, a?oeOutlaws & Angels,a?? is billed as a rousing review that highlights and celebrates the a?oeoutlaws of country music and the angels who loved them.a?? However, what you truly experience is an evening full of fun that will immerse you in the timeless country songs you have always loved. This Cabaret will entertain you and revive memories inside you that will put a smile on your face.
BWW Feature: WINTER FEST 2020 at SaraSolo
February 7, 2020
The 2020 SaraSolo Winter Fest is just around the corner, February 10-15. Now in its 6th Season, SaraSolo has evolved and will take place as 3 festivals this year all focusing on the power of the solo performance. The concept is unique as one does not often go to the theatre expecting to see a a?oeone man show.a?? The festival invites actors who perform in a variety of styles, bringing a range of perspectives, and myriad ways of illuminating the human condition.
BWW Review: MATILDA at MPAC a Treat for All Ages
January 23, 2020
The a?oeMatildaa?? hype is flying through our local community. A quick search of Music Theatre International's website will find five different venues within driving distance performing this show within the next year. However, Manatee Performing Arts has set a high bar with the Area Premiere of a show that is sure to be a true favorite for audiences of all ages.
BWW Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS at Sarasota High School Kicks off the Holiday Season
December 16, 2019
Sarasota High School produced a heart-warming rendition of Irving Berlin's a?oeWhite Christmasa?? this past week. The show which is full of laughter, was engaging and entertaining, and another shining example of the incredible theatre productions our local schools produce.
BWW Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Asolo Rep
November 22, 2019
The Asolo Repertory Theatre is starting the 2019-2020 season off with a marvelous rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein's a?oeThe Sound of Music.a?? Any time you go to see a classic piece of musical theatre your past experiences and schema come into play. Expectations are high (or low) based upon what you think you know about the show. It can be difficult to change those perceptions and to not see what you expect to happen. While the songs and storyline are timeless as ever, Asolo's version, which is spectacular on many levels, offers you a new perspective that will make you feel like you are watching the show for the very first time.
BWW Review: ROUGH MAGIC at Booker High VPA
October 16, 2019
One of the joys of reviewing shows is when I am assigned to critique a production at one of our local schools. It is an opportunity for me to watch actors perform simply for the love of theatre. More times than not, the skill of these young actors and quality of the show will rival that of what you would find at one of our local community theatres. a?oeRough Magic,a?? presented by the Booker High School VPA Theatre Department continues the long-standing tradition of excellence in youth theatre here in Sarasota.
BWW Review: GREY GARDENS at Manatee Performing Arts Center
September 19, 2019
In a world of musical theatre shows you probably have never heard of it, Manatee Performing Arts Center presents a?oeGrey Gardens.a?? Based on the 1975 documentary of the same name, the story portrays the life of Edie and her mother Edith Bouvier Beale.
