Straz Center Credit Rob Harris
Straz Center for Performing Arts
Originally known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, this premier downtown performing arts center is the second-largest center in the southeastern United States. Renamed in 2009 due to the largest philanthropic donation given in this area by David A Straz Jr., this center sits on the east bank of the Hillsborough River, comprised of 335,000 square feet and provides a dynamic environment for a variety of performing arts events and groups. The Straz Center hosts a leading Broadway Series, a Grand Opera, concerts, performances, and events that total to about 4,000 per year.
While touring the institution your group will see 5 different distinct theaters, a rehearsal hall, a retail shop, and a handful of onsite restaurants. During a tour, you will experience the Carol Morsani Hall, the Ferguson Hall, the Jaeb Center, the TECO Energy Foundation Hall, and the Shimberg Playhouse. Your group will also get a taste of the Broadway Genesis Project started in 2009, which features world premieres hopeful to move on to Broadway, a very successful Straz Center program. You will also be able to tour the Patel Conservatory, a 45,000 square foot education program facility that encompasses 20 various studios, from dance to opera, and serves over 60,000 students a year (that’s about 3,000 classes!) Your group will love the opportunity to see a Broadway rehearsal, peek in on a ballet performance, or just take in the majestic and ever-popular complex as you dine in any of the fine on-site eateries!
