The David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, like every other theater, museum and art institution in the nation, came to a hard stop about this time last year.
And without vital ticket revenue, Tampa’s premiere live theater venue found itself in a $3 million hole.
“The support from the community and our loyal base has been amazing,” said Julie Britton, Executive Vice President of Development for The Straz. “We are on track to meet that $3 million goal this month.”
The center was the recipient of funds from the SBB’s Paycheck Protection Program, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa. Additionally, it received more than its staff thought possible from individuals, corporations and foundations.
The center’s Raise the Curtain Recovery Fund will pay employees, keep the lights on, continue in-person and online education programs for budding musicians, dancers and artists and will keep the entire facility safe so it can reopen once the COVID-19 pandemic is gone.
According to its new annual report, The Straz “took steps immediately, such as applying for a government grants and assertive fundraising, to ensure we would be ready to reopen our doors when it was safe to do so.”
For the first six months of the pandemic, The Straz was dark or conducting virtual classes. By the fall, it began having small, safe gatherings outdoors on the Riverwalk Stage with the blessing of Tampa General Hospital, which gave the center its Prevention Response Outreach Seal of Approval.
Today, The Straz is halfway through its outdoor opera season and is beginning to have some small-crowd performances indoors. To contribute to the continued operations at The Straz, visit their website.
