(Oct. 2–19, 2025)
Happening now, St. Petersburg’s art and theater scenes converge in a delightfully uncanny way with Weird in St. Pete, an immersive theatrical journey staged inside the Duncan McClellan Gallery under the auspices of American Stage.
What Is Weird in St. Pete?
Weird in St. Pete is not a traditional play performed on a stage. Instead, it is a walk-through, guided experience where attendees (in small groups) travel through the gallery space, encountering figures from St. Petersburg’s local folklore—some familiar, some obscure—brought to life in surprising ways.
Each “show” lasts roughly 40 minutes and is timed such that groups overlap (a new group begins before the prior one fully ends). Audience members are encouraged to explore, interact (to some extent), and absorb the ambiance as much as the performance itself.
Photography is allowed within the gallery environment (the art space), but not of the performers during the show.
Because Weird in St. Pete leans into the uncanny and the regionally peculiar, it’s as much about experiencing the mood and spirit of local lore as it is about story and spectacle.
The Venue: Duncan McClellan Gallery
The Duncan McClellan Gallery, based at 2342 Emerson Avenue S in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, is primarily known for its glass art exhibitions and its working hot-glass studio.
Over the years, the gallery has transformed an industrial shell into a lush, multi-use space featuring interior galleries, outdoor sculpture gardens, and green plantings that soften the surroundings.
In October 2025, the gallery is also hosting a “Galactic Glass” exhibit—an exhibition of otherworldly glass sculpture—making the gallery doubly thematic for Weird in St. Pete.
The juxtaposition of finely crafted glass art, ambient lighting, and theatrical characters wandering through the space promises to heighten the sense of being inside a dream, or a living tableau.
Logistics & Experience
- Dates & Times: October 2–19, 2025
— Thursday through Saturday: shows begin at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00 PM
— Sundays: 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 PM - Group size & reservation: Each performance is limited to 30 participants (25 tickets on sale, 5 held)
- Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 10 and up
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes per group
- Admission & ticketing: Tickets are available in advance through American Stage. Because of the immersive format and small capacity, advance booking is strongly recommended.
- Special rules: Outside food, large bags, selfie sticks, and professional cameras are prohibited during the performance.
- Rain policy: Mild rain won’t cancel the event; severe weather may force postponement, in which case ticket holders may exchange tickets.
- Parking: The gallery recommends nearby parking options including Southcore Garage and Al Lang Lot #1 downtown, or free street parking in the vicinity of the gallery.
Why It Matters (and What to Watch For)
Bridging Art & Storytelling
Weird in St. Pete exemplifies the growing trend of hybrid art experiences—where galleries aren’t just places to view static works, but stages for immersive narratives. It also deepens audience connection to place by highlighting local legends and quirks.
Atmospheric Setting
The gallery’s existing ambiance—glass artworks, shifting light, plants, and shadows—serves as a ready-made theatrical canvas. The “Galactic Glass” show concurrent with the performance reinforces a cosmic, uncanny overlay.
Local Lore Brought to Life
Attendees might meet characters that reflect St. Pete’s lesser-known myths or personalities: a ghost of old Tampa Bay, eccentric local inventors, or urban legends that have shaped the city’s identity. The immersive format lets the audience feel they’re walking through St. Petersburg’s hidden stories.
An Intimate Experience
Because groups are small, the interaction is more immediate and personal than a large theater production. The overlapping scheduling means the gallery never feels empty.
