Inside “The Hat”: How the Historic Asolo Theater Shapes Sarasota’s Art Scene with Elizabeth Doud

What’s “The HAT”? It’s more than just a nickname, it’s a beloved cultural landmark. In this inspiring episode of Behind the Masterpiece, Jeffery Kin sits down with Elizabeth Doud, Currie-Kohlmann Curator of Performance at the Historic Asolo Theater, to uncover the history, heartbeat, and creative soul behind this iconic venue at The Ringling. From the origins of its top-hat moniker to curating global talent for Sarasota audiences, Elizabeth shares how the theater blends historic charm with cutting-edge artistry. Hear how she discovers boundary-pushing performers, why intimacy matters in live arts, and what’s in store for the upcoming season.