July is National Anti-Boredom Month. We don’t know who chose July, but their reasoning seems sound. It’s the middle of summer and going outside means being blinded by the sun and swamped by heat and humidity. Better to stay inside where it’s air-conditioned.
Soon, though, staring at screens (or the walls) loses its luster. You think you want to do something but the obstacles seem insurmountable. Next thing you know you’re binge-watching Who’s the Boss and you’re on a first-name basis with every DoorDash driver in Central Florida.
And you are bored silly.
Straz Center can help. We’ve got plenty of options for beating the summer blahs. And they take place inside. In the air-conditioned inside.
Mmmmmm. Sounds good, huh?
All of the wizards in magic school aren’t destined to save the universe. Puffs, presented by Jobsite, July 9-Aug. 3 in Jaeb Theater, focuses on three students at a famous school of magic – yes, it’s THAT school of magic but no, it isn’t THOSE three wizards-in-training. They may not be subjects of a book series, but they have their own stories, which may be low on world-beating spell-casting but are well stocked with laughs.
If you prefer your laughs and English literature from centuries ago, Jobsite has you covered there, too. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again] is a comedic CliffsNotes of the Bard’s plays and sonnets, in a tight 90 minutes. You won’t have to be a scholar to enjoy Jobsite’s crash course on Shakespeare’s canon, which runs Aug. 13-24 in Shimberg Playhouse.
If you prefer your laughter (and what sparked it) as spontaneous as possible, don’t miss Ben Schwartz & Friends Friday, July 11 in Morsani Hall. Schwartz and his buddies will be performing a totally improvised set, also known as working without a net.
You say you’ve never been “into art”? Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet will change that. Digital projections will immerse visitors in the artists’ most famous works to create a new perspective on these celebrated paintings.
If summer is getting you down, maybe you need a reset. Or The Reset. The Reset is a concert of music designed to take the audience on a trip to deep inner space. It’s preceded by a cleanse and restore yoga class. Two sessions are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23 at noon and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. in Jaeb Theater.
Finally, celebrate the anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act with an evening of music as well as recognition of our invaluable community advocates. It takes place Friday, July 25, in Rehearsal Hall.
Even the most reclusive of sun-and-heat avoiders should be able to find a reason on this list to venture out at Straz. We look forward to seeing you here. Inside. Where it’s air conditioned.