A Century of Magic, Memory, and Renewal For a century, Tampa Theatre has stood in the heart of downtown as a treasured cultural landmark. But its story actually begins with a narrow escape. After years of deterioration, the building’s fate hung in the balance until the city stepped in during the 1970s, restoring the venue…
When the Beach Theatre reopened its doors last summer after more than a decade of silence, it wasn’t just a building coming back to life. It was a homecoming. For owner Hannah Hockman, who runs the theatre alongside her parents, Sissy and Ron, the journey began long before the marquee lit up again. “I first…
A Creative Home for Every Generation In the heart of Carrollwood sits a place that has quietly, steadily transformed into one of Tampa Bay’s most busy artistic hubs. Carrollwood Cultural Center began as a repurposed church with a green roof has grown into a multi-arts campus filled with theatre, concerts, galleries, classes, festivals, and a…
Fran Powers to Step Down, Clareann Despain Named Executive Director The Board of Directors at Powerstories Theatre announces a pivotal moment in its evolution as founder Fran Powers prepares to step away from day-to-day leadership after more than 25 years of guiding the organization she created from a single spark of inspiration. The transition will…
The stories of seven extraordinary women who shaped the course of World War II are stepping back into public view this spring, not through textbooks or documentaries, but through a multidisciplinary performance that places their courage at center stage. Women of Resistance, coming to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on March 25 and 26, reframes…
In 2005, the Sunscreen Film Festival was born. Now, celebrating its twenty-first anniversary, it represents a nationally respected celebration of film, drawing acclaimed guests, launching careers, and shaping a legacy no one could have predicted. Armer says, “Several milestones stand out. Year five was a major turning point for us. We had incredible guests, gained…
The 6th Annual Voices of Women Theatre Festival March 5-9, 2026 will see the return of one of Tampa Bay’s most influential women’s storytelling events—Powerstories’ 6th Annual Voices of Women Theatre Festival, now hosted at the HCC Black Box Theatre in Ybor City. What started as a pandemic-era lifeline has evolved into an enduring celebration…
On August 26 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, acclaimed medium Tyler Henry will be bringing together a packed house for his celebrated show, An Evening of Hope and Healing. Known for his empathetic approach and uncanny ability to connect audiences with messages from the other side, Henry’s live event proves to be more than just a series…
After dazzling on Broadway, Quinn VanAntwerp now takes on the challenge of bringing Gordy to life in the touring production of Shucked. The musical, with its sharp humor and heartfelt moments, offers VanAntwerp a chance to embrace the role of the charmingly flawed “corn doctor” from Tampa, weaving a tale that dances between satire and…
With the red-carpet world premiere of his film Brooker on August 16 at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, screenwriter and executive producer Brandon Ransbottom has captured authentic Florida beyond its iconic amusement parks and picturesque beaches. Filmed over 21 days, Brooker showcases both emerging and seasoned talents from the Tampa Bay area, featuring Faniel Pradel, Clay…
Ashlyn Bolton Brings Bold Tap Dance Vision to Straz Ashlyn Bolton, a force in the national tap scene, is redefining rhythm and storytelling—one tap at a time. As a dancer, choreographer, producer, and educator, she is not only shaping the next generation of tappers but also creating platforms that elevate the art form itself. This…
A pivotal moment in Tampa’s Civil Rights history remains largely unknown, even to many locals. This chapter, absent from history books, resurfaced through a 2023 play commissioned by Stageworks Theatre. Directed by Karla Hartley, the production highlights the historic sit-ins at the F.W. Woolworth lunch counter on North Franklin and East Polk Streets and the…
The legendary Todd McFarlane, a trailblazer in comics and toys, graced MEGACON Orlando 2025. Known for his iconic work on The Amazing Spiderman, Venom, among many others, and the creation of Spawn, McFarlane co-founded Image Comics, revolutionizing the industry by giving creators more control over their work. His love for being left of center has consistently pushed boundaries,…
The Evolution of Conventions, Fandom, and Cosplay Do you know conventions (cons), fandom, and cosplay can be traced back to the 19th century? The earliest gatherings featured Janeites, fans of Jane Austen, around 1870. Over 150 years later, modern Janeites, dressed in elaborate period costumes and writing romantic fiction about Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, attend…
AN INTERVIEW WITH A QUINTUPLE THREAT: PLAYWRIGHT, AUTHOR, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, ACTOR Celebration of the power of the arts at Powerstories Theater September 20-21, 2024 Powerstories presents a theatrical fundraising event featuring the celebrity staged reading of Stan Zimmerman’s poignant play, right before i go, narrated by Zimmerman himself. You may recognize the name from television and…
AN INTERVIEW WITH CLAY CHRISTOPHER – THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW AT JOBSITE THEATER Despite groans from family members, Clay Christopher carries himself with an air of assurance in the iconic ensemble. He has been affectionately nicknamed “the brown Tim Curry” throughout his professional career and is fully prepared to embrace this legendary character. Christopher gets…