Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Travel Guide

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts stands as a beacon of culture and entertainment in the heart of Tampa, Florida. Opened in July 1987, originally named the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, it has since become a cornerstone of the city's vibrant arts scene. Renamed in 2009, the Straz Center is owned by the City of Tampa and operated by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. Located on a sprawling nine-acre site along the east bank of the Hillsborough River, the Straz Center is the second-largest performing arts complex in the Southeastern United States. Its 335,000-square-foot venue encompasses five theaters: Morsani Hall (2,610 seats), Ferguson Hall (1,042 seats), the Jaeb Theater (312 seats), the TECO Theater (250 seats), and the Shimberg Playhouse (130 seats). The campus also features the outdoor Riverwalk Stage, offering a diverse range of performance spaces to suit any event. The Straz Center boasts one of the nation's leading Broadway series, bringing the best of musical theater to Tampa. It is also nationally respected for producing grand opera and presenting a wide variety of concerts, performances, and events. From classical music to contemporary dance, from comedy shows to thought-provoking speakers, the Straz Center offers something for everyone. Beyond its performance offerings, the Straz Center is deeply committed to arts education. The Patel Conservatory, added in 2004, provides extensive arts education programs, serving nearly 65,000 students annually. The conservatory features 20 studios, including dance studios, a sound/lighting laboratory, a technical theater workshop, and a black box theater. The Straz Center's impact extends beyond the stage and the classroom. It is a vital economic engine for the Tampa Bay area, generating millions of dollars in economic activity each year. It also serves as a gathering place for the community, hosting annual events such as the Broadway Ball, Best of Tampa Bay, and a facility-wide Open House. The Straz Center has housed, and continues to house, a number of constituent organizations, including the Opera Tampa, Jobsite Theater and Next Generation Ballet. 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 Straz Center is easily accessible and surrounded by a vibrant downtown scene. Before or after a show, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants, stroll along the Riverwalk, or explore other downtown attractions. Dining options at the Straz include Maestros Restaurant, Maestro's Cafe, Maestro's on the River, SIP and SteamHeat. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is more than just a theater; it is a cultural destination that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Its commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement makes it a true gem of the Tampa Bay area. Whether you're a seasoned arts patron or a first-time visitor, the Straz Center promises an unforgettable experience. In 2018 the Straz Center went under an extensive multi-million dollar renovation that included new wood floors on the stages, new cooler LED lighting, and improved dressing rooms for performers. Judith Lisi was the chief executive officer for 30 years through September 2022. Greg Holland took over as president and CEO in October 2022. The center is named for David A. Straz, Jr. (1942 - 2019), a Tampa banker and philanthropist. He ran a losing campaign for mayor of Tampa in 2019. Annual events include the Broadway Ball, Best of Tampa Bay, Eggstravaganza, and a facility-wide Open House in the fall. The venue also is the annual host of the Broadway Theater Project and International Thespian Society's Florida State Thespian Festival.