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Playhouse Construction To Begin In 2 Months

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: April 1, 2009

CHANNEL DISTRICT - Now it's dirt, concrete columns and walls.

In a year it will be home to Stageworks Theatre. The 8,000-square-foot space will have a stage, 99 stadium seats with potential to expand to 130, a lobby, gallery space, an office, a control room and a rehearsal hall.

"I'll tell you the good news: We are enclosed, and I don't have to build a roof," said Andrea Graham, chairwoman of Stageworks' capital campaign and president of the theater's board.

The city's oldest professional theater company, founded in 1983 by Anna Brennen, finally will have a home at the Grand Central at Kennedy condominium complex, 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd.

Through the years, the theater company has lived a gypsy life, performing plays throughout the city at venues such as the Gorilla Theatre in Drew Park and Shimberg Playhouse at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in June, and a grand opening is planned for March 2010. The theater has raised about $450,000 of the estimated $800,000 to $1 million needed to create the theater.

"We know that this is the place for us," Graham said. "The Channel District is perfect. They need a nightlife in addition to bars. And that is what we are going to provide."

Graham said the new theater will give the company an identity and independence and an opportunity to expand its repertoire, such as possibly creating acting troupes for children and seniors.

"There is no place like home," Graham said.

Ken Stoltenberg, developer of the Grand Central at Kennedy, offered the first-floor space for free.

"He understands the role that the arts can play in economic development," Graham said.

The Grand Central, built two years ago, is two condominium buildings with a total of 392 residences along with space for shops and offices.

Stoltenberg said the project could serve as a model for other development projects.

"We thought it was the right thing to do," he said. "At the end of the day, it makes it a more attractive neighborhood."

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?

Contact Andrea Graham at (813) 784-6832

Web site: www.stageworkstheatre.org

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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