Stageworks Theatre is Tampa’s longest living non-profit performing arts organization, delivering quality productions and theatre education to the Bay area for over 30 years. Formerly somewhat of a moveable feast, the theatre company spent several seasons performing in the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Tampa before moving to their elegant new space. Now this cultural jewel of Tampa is nestled in a beautiful permanent location in the Grand Central at Kennedy, conveniently located between downtown, the Channel District, and Ybor City.
The organization’s main mission is to create theatre that respects, ignites and celebrates the human spirit, and challenges the thresholds of intolerance. Stageworks also has a strong commitment to multicultural programming and to being "the voice of the voiceless", says Producing Artistic Director, Karla Hartley. The intimacy of the performance space creates a bond between actor and audience; each meticulously chosen production provokes deep thoughts and expands minds. Stageworks also recently became the only member theatre in all of Tampa of the National New Play Network; last season’s stunning opener, Chad Beckim's Lights Rise on Grace, was a rolling world premiere production, featuring an original score by amazingly talented local musician, Ezra Haughabrooks.
Stageworks’ exciting 2016-2017 season kicks into gear on October 7 with the opening night of Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch. Tampa residents absolutely love the work of this campy playwright, and October is the perfect month for this hilarious slasher comedy about murderous surfer kids. Seeing Psycho Beach Party would be a totally original idea for a ladies night out - groups of ten or more receive a cool discount, beer & wine are served in the theatre lobby, and there are several bars and restaurants right in the courtyard for your after party and show discussion. Be sure to get your tickets now before you miss out!
Coming up in December, Stageworks Theatre will bring us the breathtaking glamor and decadent excess of the Jazz Age with an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The engrossing story about a group of tragically hip beautiful people and their mysterious, rich, and doomed hero is just the thing to take your mind off of holiday stress. Opening night on Friday, December 2nd would be a perfect start to an epic night on the town - finally not as hot as the surface of the sun outside! Oh, and it’s deliciously frosty in Stageworks’ performance space every day, so be sure to bring a sweater when you attend.
The Tampa community is fortunate to have this level of professional, quality theatre in its midst. Order your season passes today and avoid hearing those dreaded words, "Sorry, we are sold out!"
Single tickets and subscription packages are now available for these and the other awesome shows in the Stageworks 2016-2017 season. You can pick them up online, or by calling 813-374-2416, ext 1. Stageworks Theatre is located at 1120 E Kennedy, West Building, #151.
