Stageworks Theatre

==Stageworks Theatre== '''Stageworks Theatre''', based in Tampa, Florida, is the city's longest-running professional theatre company, with its inception dating back to 1983. The theatre has established itself as a significant cultural venue, frequently receiving accolades for its contributions to the performing arts. The theatre's dedicated team, including directors, playwrights, actors, designers, and staff, has been honored with numerous awards over the years. ===Mission and Vision=== Stageworks Theatre's mission is to "Ignite the Human Spirit," and it strives to be a "Community Catalyst Eradicating Intolerance Through Performing Arts and Education." These guiding principles shape the theatre's diverse and impactful programming. ===Leadership=== The theatre is currently under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director, Karla Hartley. It serves an audience of approximately 20,000 members annually, showcasing the theatre's significant role in the local arts community. ===National and International Presence=== Stageworks has extended its reach beyond Tampa, with productions such as "A Conversation with Georgia O’Keefe" touring the Edinburgh Theatre Festival Fringe in 1991, the Hong Kong Theatre Festival in 1992, and several U.S. states. Other notable tours include "The Shaman’s Dream" at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival in 1992, "Zora Neale Hurston" in Florida from 1995-1996, and ongoing tours of "African American Greats" and "Hispanic American Greats." The theatre is also the producer of Broadway Composer David Friedman’s "Listen To My Heart," which enjoys national and international tours. ===Historical Timeline=== * 1983: Stageworks was founded by Producing Artistic Director Anna Brennen. The first production, "A Couple of White Chicks Standing Around Talking," was staged in a historic Ybor City storefront. * 1984: The theatre's first Mainstage Season was presented at Ybor City’s Italian Club. * Subsequent years saw Stageworks perform at various prestigious venues, including the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center’s Jaeb Theatre, The Historic Falk Theatre as the University of Tampa’s professional Theatre-In-Residence, and Hillsborough Community College Ybor as the Professional Theatre-In-Residence. * 2012: Stageworks opened its new home in the Channel District, thanks to a favorable lease agreement with Grand Central. ===Facilities=== Stageworks Theatre is located at 1120 East Kennedy Blvd, Suite 151, Tampa, Florida 33602. The theatre also offers rental opportunities for its space. ===Community Engagement=== The theatre is deeply engaged with the community, offering a range of educational and outreach programs, including classes, workshops, and private coaching. It also provides opportunities for sponsorships, program advertising, and naming rights as part of its support structure. ===Contact Information=== For more information, tickets, or to support Stageworks Theatre, individuals can contact the box office at (813) 374-2416 extension 1 or via email at infostageworkstheatre.org. The theatre maintains an active online presence with social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. [[Category:Theatres in Tampa, Florida]] [[Category:1983 establishments in Florida]] [[Category:Performing arts education]]