The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Bay, Florida, is the largest performing arts center in the region and the only center to feature a performing arts conservatory on the property.
The David A. Straz, Jr Center for The Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that began in 1987, formally known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Since the 1990’s, The Straz Center has established a mission to make arts education in the Tampa Bay community a priority through partnerships with public and private school systems, homeschool groups, and outreach programming to seven counties in the area.
In addition to theatrical productions, orchestras, concerts, recitals, comedy, Broadway and Opera, whose ticketing and events schedule can be found on the website, and other performing arts, the Straz Center offers artist residency programs, after school and summer programs for students, a theater day camp with full production for 100 children, and is the home of the Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra.
Exhibits
The Straz Center features indoor and outdoor artistic exhibits that are interactive and hands on. Each exhibit is a community art project that fosters artistic growth in the local community and engages residents in the arts.
Art on the Walk- This series was launched in 2015 and is a permanent exhibit on the Riverwalk. Art on the Walk also features temporary exhibitions from time to time that highlight local artists and are themed.
Dr. Jay and Ann McKeel Ross Fine Art Exhibit- The Dr. and his wife are fine art collectors who rotate pieces of their personal collection at Morsani Hall in temporary one year exhibits that are exchanged every September.
Performance in Sculpture- This exhibit is juried by the National Sculpture Society and the Straz Center. The current exhibit showcases 13 pieces that will remain on display through 2017 when new pieces are chosen. All sculptures are available for purchase through the Straz Center.
String Theory’s Fin Harp- This outdoor exhibit was assembled by String Theory, a LA based performance group who turned the corner on riverside into a working, 200-foot, public harp.
The Cube by The Urban Conga- As part of the 2016 Cube Project, this interactive installation promotes artistic expression in the community. Set up blank, five local artists were invited to use markers and paint pens to do whatever they wanted to the cube for one month. The Cube is in Jaeb Courtyard.
Why Sit When You Can Play?- Also by The Urban Conga, this interactive musical bench can be found on the Straz grounds on the riverfront. Make music on the 18-foot sculpture that is a permanent part of the campus.
The Patel Conservancy is part of the Education Department at Straz Center and makes training in performing arts accessible to the community. There are free and discounted opportunities provided through partnerships with community resources for classes in the arts, lectures, talk-backs, participating in performances, and workshops. There are also educational outreach programs for those unable to attend the Straz Center in person. Some of the instructional classes offered at The Patel Conservancy include Ballet, Jazz, HipHop, and Flamenco, choral, Chamber Music, Broadway, play acting, and musical theater.
Broadway Star of The Future- This program began in 2009 and is an awards ceremony honoring exceptional high school productions and production members. The Broadway League developed the adjudicated model and the program occurs in the spring.
Field Trips- Throughout the school year, The Straz Center hosts productions that are suitable for school aged children. Staff can provide educators with a study guide that explains how the production fits into the FCAT posed by the State of Florida. Field Trip days are always posted on the Straz website.
Conservancy to go- this fee based program utilized talent and educators from the Straz Center in outside organizations to be able to access educational experiences in the performing arts close to home. Teaching artists travel to your location to produce an art education experience for your group or program. Cost is based on each individual case.
Dining
There are 3 restaurant options at Straz Center. As well as a coffee shop located on the south side of the campus by the gift shop.
Maestro’s Restaurant- Found upstairs from the Shimberg Playhouse and Jaeb Theater, reservations are recommended at this restaurant which offer table service and a unique menu inspired by each show. Dinner is a fixed menu with a children’s entrée available.
Maestro’s Café- This buffet is found in the Ruth Silbiger Lobby in Morsani Hall and is open evening prior to performances. Reservations are accepted.
Maestro’s on the River- located outside of the Center with a view of the Hillsborough River, this restaurant serves light options such as hot and cold appetizers, wine and cocktails. Open when weather permits.
1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa, FL 33602, Phone: 800-955-1045
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