Theater posts big year

SARASOTA — The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a theater run by the city of Sarasota, had one of its best seasons in its 2011-2012 campaign.

The hall reported sales of $6.21 million during the past season, up 11.7% from $5.56 million in the 2010-2011 season, according to a news release. Ticket sales, meanwhile, increased 8.8%, from 99,946 in 2010-2011 to 108,737 this past season.

Van Wezel officials say the ticket sales and revenue figures are only from main stage performances. The data doesn't include event rentals and school performances at the 1,736-seat hall.

The Van Wezel Foundation, a nonprofit group that supports the hall, discussed an expanded role in managing the theater with Sarasota city officials late last year. But no action has been taken on any proposals.