“We’re a community service, performing arts organization, and as such, every time we present a Broadway production, we know that serves our mission in the community,” said Greg Holland, President and CEO of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
(Photo courtesy Straz Center/Photography by Rob Harris Productions)
Opened 37 years ago as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the Straz originated through the advocacy of citizens who saw a need for a cultural institution in Downtown Tampa. Today, the Straz is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the U.S. In a typical season, it welcomes more than 600,000 attendees at more than 1,500 events. Events at the Straz are both spectacular and varied, ranging from performances of Broadway hits, grand opera and homegrown independent theater, as well as a wide selection of music, comedy, speakers and more.
The Straz will grow its offerings even further after the completion of a planned remodel and expansion. The extensive project will break ground later this year and is expected to be completed in late 2027. The project will transform both the interior and exterior of the Straz, including the creation of a new outdoor space integrated with the Tampa Riverwalk where free performances will be staged, and guests can enjoy food and drinks. The project will also remodel the lobbies of both the 2,610 seat Morsani Hall and the 1,042 seat Ferguson Hall, and create a new space for Opera Tampa, its professional opera company.
In addition, the remodel will also expand the spaces used by the Straz for educational programming such as the Patel Conservatory, which attracts aspiring dancers, musicians and actors to learn from professionals from all disciplines in a nurturing and inspirational setting.
“We have one of the largest accredited performing arts education schools and programs that exists in the country as a component of a performing arts center,” Holland said. “The Master Plan expansion will provide approximately 30% additional space for our education programs, so we will have new studios and classroom space for dance, music and theater.”
The remodel will also create greater space for its growing community initiatives, including its programs with military veterans, arts and health, and Art Education Partnerships.
Members of the Tampa Chamber since 1982, the Straz has been deeply invested in the community as a 501C3 non-profit organization since its inception. Over the years, Straz employees have been active in participating in Chamber programs such as Emerging Leaders for young professionals ages 21 - 35, Leadership Tampa, as well as serving on various committees.
“We know when we want quality, expert business information, we go to the Chamber,” Holland said. “It’s a place for the Straz Center and our team to go learn about new business initiatives.”
(Photo courtesy Straz Center)
DID YOU KNOW: Upcoming Broadway shows at the Straz include the world premiere of inspirational comedy The Boy Who Loved Batman, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Some Like It Hot, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations, The Cher Show, Mamma Mia!, A Beautiful Noise, MJ The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, Mystic Pizza, and Shucked.