Covering nine acres along the east bank of the Hillsborough River, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts opened in July of 1987 known then as the “Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.” Following “...the largest philanthropic gift ever made to a cultural institution in Tampa...” in November of 2009 by financier David A. Straz, Jr., it was renamed in his honor.
This is the second largest performing arts complex in the southeastern United States (after the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami). This complex consists of five distinct theaters - (1) the Carol Morsine Hall (2600 seats); (2) Ferguson Hall (1042 seats); (3) Jaeb Theater (292 seats); (4) TECO Energy Foundation Theater (250 seats); and (5) the Shimberg Playhouse (130 seats). In addition, the Center also houses a rehearsal hall, retail shops, restaurant, and banquet facilities. Another portion of the Center is the Patel Conservatory (an educational program) consisting of 20 studios, a sound/lighting laboratory, a technical theater workshop, and a costume shop (among other venues).
On average, just over 600,000 guests per year visit this complex to see Broadway shows, Grand Operas, and/or concerts. We were fortunate to receive a private guided tour of the facilities during our Tampa stay. Our thanks go to the staff of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts for their generous hospitality.
This is the second largest performing arts complex in the southeastern United States (after the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami). This complex consists of five distinct theaters - (1) the Carol Morsine Hall (2600 seats); (2) Ferguson Hall (1042 seats); (3) Jaeb Theater (292 seats); (4) TECO Energy Foundation Theater (250 seats); and (5) the Shimberg Playhouse (130 seats). In addition, the Center also houses a rehearsal hall, retail shops, restaurant, and banquet facilities. Another portion of the Center is the Patel Conservatory (an educational program) consisting of 20 studios, a sound/lighting laboratory, a technical theater workshop, and a costume shop (among other venues).
On average, just over 600,000 guests per year visit this complex to see Broadway shows, Grand Operas, and/or concerts. We were fortunate to receive a private guided tour of the facilities during our Tampa stay. Our thanks go to the staff of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts for their generous hospitality.
This complex of five performance centers, and so much more,offers some of the best entertainment in the city...
...including the most popular shows Broadway has to offer.
Everything about this complex is impressive.
With 2600 seats, the Carol Morsine Hall is the largest theater of this complex.
Two budding performers take to the stage!
At 40 feet wide and 20 feet deep, the Jaeb theater can be configured for stadium or cabaret seating.
Ferguson Hall is the second largest theater in the Straz Center.
A more intimate area is the Shimberg Playhouse.
In addition, there are 20 smaller studios and a bunch of technical workshop areas for every aspect of the performing arts.
A truly amazing backstage area allows for incoming theatrical performances to unload and reload all of the equipment and scenery.
The Straz Center’s Maestro Restaurant (located above the Jaeb Theater) is one of three dining facilities in the complex (along with Maestro’s Cafe and Maestro’s On The River).
Maestro ‘s also offers banquet facilities for up to 200 guests.
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