Straz Center for the Performing Arts - A white car parked in front of a building
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Straz Center for the Performing Arts

4.7
·7k reviews·Tampa, United States

Premier performing arts venue in Tampa, hosting Broadway, opera, dance, and immersive art experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Most shows and performances are scheduled.

CrowdHigh
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Straz Center for the Performing Arts - A white car parked in front of a building

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Best Time

Evenings

Most shows and performances are scheduled.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Premier performing arts venue in Tampa, hosting Broadway, opera, dance, and immersive art experiences.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"A beautiful place with an unforgettable energy, perfect for a night of world-class entertainment. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Dress Comfortably

Tampa's attire is relaxed. Smart casual is usually fine, but check specific show recommendations.

Download Parking App

Parking payment is often app-based and can be tricky. Download and set up beforehand.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadway Productions

Broadway Productions

Carol Morsani Hall

Experience world-class Broadway tours like Hamilton and Wicked. A must-see for theater enthusiasts!

Dance Performances

Dance Performances

Carol Morsani Hall

From ballet to contemporary, witness breathtaking dance artistry. YAGP Finals Gala is a highlight.

Instagram
Opera and Musical Theater

Opera and Musical Theater

Carol Morsani Hall

Enjoy captivating opera and beloved musicals, from classics to new productions.

TikTok
Jaeb Theater Productions

Jaeb Theater Productions

Jaeb Theater

Intimate performances offering a more personal theater experience. Discover new plays and musicals.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts sell out quickly. Booking ahead ensures you get the best seats and avoid disappointment, especially for Broadway tours. Check the official website for the Straz Center schedule and ticket availability.

Parking & Arrival

Parking can be a challenge and costly, especially for popular events. Consider ride-sharing or public transport. If driving, factor in time to find parking and navigate the app-based payment system, which some visitors find difficult. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Most shows and performances are scheduled.
Crowd
High
When
Matinee performances
Why
Great for daytime shows.
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-peak weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, potentially better prices.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Straz Staff favorite musicals - pt 1 What’s YOUR favorite musical? #straz #strazcenter #patelconservatory #musical #musicaltheatre #theatre #theatrekid #waitress #bookofmormon #hadestown #chicago #fiddlerontheroof #disney #beautyandthebeast #lesmis #lesmiserables
@strazcenter
35.9K likes • 253.1K views

Dress Comfortably

Tampa's attire is relaxed. Smart casual is usually fine, but check specific show recommendations. Reddit

Download Parking App

Parking payment is often app-based and can be tricky. Download and set up beforehand. Reddit

Announcing the 23-24 Broadway Season at The Straz! #straz #strazcenter #broadway #angelabassettdidthething #arianadebose #beetlejuice #choirofman #clue #company #funnygirl #leamichele #girlfromthenorthcountry #jesuschristsuperstar #lesmis #lesmiserables #moulinrouge #Mrsdoubtfire #peterpan #bookofmormon
@strazcenter
12.3K likes • 102.5K views
Proximity to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is just one of the many perks of living in a vibrant urban oasis. Students benefit from student pricing or special partnerships through @utampasp. Another option for theatre is to check out UT's Falk Theatre, located across from the main campus entrance. The shows, which are free to students, are run by UT’s Department of Theatre and Dance. ...
utampaadmissions
120 likes • 4.4K views

Check for Student Discounts

UT students can get discounts or free shows at nearby Falk Theatre. Instagram

Arrive Early

Allow ample time for parking, security, and finding your seats, especially for popular shows.

Join us for an unforgettable night of dance at the YAGP 2025 SEASON FINALS GALA in Tampa – April 26 at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts🌟 Secure your seats now and take advantage of our special DISCOUNT CODE for teachers & parents!✨🎟 🌟25% OFF full-price tickets with code: YAGP25 Don’t miss this spectacular evening of world-class dance! Get your tickets today! Link in bio! . . . #yagp #Y...
yagp
11.7K likes • 314.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dress Comfortably

Tampa's attire is relaxed. Smart casual is usually fine, but check specific show recommendations. Reddit

Download Parking App

Parking payment is often app-based and can be tricky. Download and set up beforehand. Reddit

Check for Student Discounts

UT students can get discounts or free shows at nearby Falk Theatre. Instagram

Arrive Early

Allow ample time for parking, security, and finding your seats, especially for popular shows.

Explore the Venues

The Straz Center has multiple theaters, each offering a unique atmosphere for different performances.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Straz Center for its diverse and high-quality performances, from Broadway hits to captivating dance and immersive art exhibits. The venue itself is often described as beautiful, with a great atmosphere. However, parking can be a significant drawback, with high costs and app-based payment systems causing frustration for some. Reddit

"Went for the Van Gogh/Monet experience. It was a nice experience but not something I'd rush out to see. The set up is nice, it's a little slow, as there is a lot of reading involved for their presentation. The room they have you sit in was okay. A bit drawn out. The 3D experience at the end is about 5 minutes or so and that was the best part of it. If you're a big fan, go. If not so much, it's something you could skip."

Sonia Cook

"This was such an amazing experience! My husband and I went to see the One Piece symphony. The energy was unmatched. Not only is it a beautiful place, but the staff was just as excited as the fans were. Everyone was kind and loved all the cosplay. People were hyped, cheering, and the symphony itself was unforgettable. I hope they do it again!"

Rowan

"Beyond VanGogh and Monet exhibit was very nice and made me want to go to one of those painting/wine places. The stools aren't the greatest and your neck will be sore from turning it so much to take everything in. I took away a star for parking. We hadn't been to the Straz in years and found they put an apartment building and street in the old parking lot. The tiny parking lot in front of the river is thru an app that was a PITA to get to take my payment and it cost $26 for TWO HOURS!! Are you kidding me? So with parking and the military discount tickets for the show, you're looking at over $100 for less than a two art exhibit. Civilian tickets were even more expensive. Military tickets were $33 and then $16 service fee, for what?? For us to show tickets on an app? I just subtracted another star. So the show gets like 4 stars because the stools were horrible but overall 3 because of the crappy parking and then the additional fees. Overall, it was a nice experience, was it worth the money, meh??"

Kilo Foxtrot

What People Like

Spectacular performances
Beautiful venue
Diverse programming

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
App-based payment issues
Uncomfortable seating (exhibits)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Straz Center is located in downtown Tampa. You can reach it by car, ride-sharing services, or public transportation. Parking is available nearby, though it can be expensive and sometimes requires an app for payment. Reddit

Parking is available in a lot in front of the river, but it's managed via an app and can be costly ($26 for two hours was reported). Some visitors find the app difficult to use. Reddit Consider alternative parking garages in the downtown area or ride-sharing. Reddit

Yes, the Straz Center is accessible via various public bus routes in Tampa. Check the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) website for routes and schedules that serve the downtown area.

Yes, ride-sharing services and taxis can drop off passengers at the main entrance of the Straz Center for convenient access to performances.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N Macinnes Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased directly from the official Straz Center for the Performing Arts website, at the box office, or through authorized ticket vendors. It's recommended to buy in advance for popular shows. TikTok

The Straz Center box office hours typically vary, but they are generally open during business hours on weekdays and often have extended hours on performance days. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours. Reddit

Yes, discounts may be available for students, seniors, military personnel, and groups. Some university students, like those at UTampa, may have special partnerships for discounted or free tickets to certain events. Instagram

The Straz Center's refund and exchange policies can vary depending on the event and the type of ticket purchased. It's advisable to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the box office directly for clarification.

Hamilton has been a popular show at the Straz Center. Check the Straz Center schedule for upcoming performances or tours of Hamilton. Tickets for such high-demand shows often sell out quickly. TikTok

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

There isn't a strict dress code for most performances at the Straz Center. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate. Some attendees may dress up for opening nights or special events, while others opt for comfort. Reddit

The Straz Center houses several venues, including the large Carol Morsani Hall for Broadway, opera, and major productions, and the more intimate Jaeb Theater for smaller plays and musicals. TikTok

Yes, the Straz Center typically offers concessions and sometimes has bars or lounges where you can purchase drinks and snacks before or during intermissions. For full meals, consider nearby downtown Tampa restaurants.

The Straz Center is committed to accessibility and offers accommodations for patrons with disabilities, including accessible seating, restrooms, and assistive listening devices. Contact the box office in advance to arrange specific needs.

The Straz Center hosts a wide variety of performances, including Broadway tours, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, musicals, plays, and special events like symphonies and immersive art exhibits. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies vary by performance. Generally, non-flash photography may be permitted in public areas, but recording or taking photos during a show is strictly prohibited to respect performers and copyright. Always check signage or ask staff.

The Straz Center itself is a visually appealing venue, especially the exterior and lobby areas. For specific exhibits like 'Beyond Van Gogh,' photo opportunities are abundant, though the experience is more about immersion than traditional photography. Reddit

The riverfront views near the Straz Center can offer nice backdrops. Inside, the grand lobbies and architectural details can make for good photos before or after a performance. During immersive exhibits, the art itself is the focus. Reddit

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos during the 'Beyond Van Gogh' and 'Beyond Monet' exhibits, as the immersive nature of the art is meant to be shared. However, flash photography is usually discouraged. Reddit

For specific events like dance competitions (e.g., YAGP), professional photographers might be present. However, for most regular performances, attendees are expected to capture their own memories, within the venue's photo policy. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Straz Center offers a variety of family-friendly performances, from beloved musicals to engaging children's theater. While specific shows vary, keep an eye on the Straz Center schedule for productions like 'The Nutcracker' or family-oriented Broadway tours. TikTok The venue is generally accommodating, but it's always wise to check age recommendations for specific shows. Consider the Jaeb Theater for more intimate, potentially less overwhelming experiences for younger children. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

While some performances can be pricey, budget-conscious visitors can find ways to enjoy the Straz Center. Look for student discounts if applicable, or check for special offers and promotional codes for certain events. Instagram Attending shows during off-peak weekdays or opting for performances in the Jaeb Theater might offer more affordable ticket options. Reddit Also, consider the cost of parking and factor that into your budget, or opt for ride-sharing to save on parking fees. Reddit

🎭 Theater Aficionados

For serious theater lovers, the Straz Center is a must-visit. Explore the diverse programming, from Broadway blockbusters in Carol Morsani Hall to cutting-edge productions in the Jaeb Theater. TikTok Keep an eye on the Straz Center calendar for opera, ballet, and new play premieres. Many patrons appreciate the relaxed dress code, allowing them to focus on the performance rather than attire. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Straz Center's Venues

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is a sprawling complex housing multiple performance spaces, each designed for a distinct experience. The largest is the Carol Morsani Hall, a grand theater with a capacity of over 2,600, primarily hosting Broadway tours, opera, and large-scale musical productions. Its impressive acoustics and sightlines make it ideal for blockbuster shows like 'Hamilton' or 'Wicked'. TikTok

For more intimate productions, the Jaeb Theater offers a smaller, more personal setting, perfect for contemporary plays, musicals, and experimental theater. This venue allows for a closer connection between performers and the audience. The Ferguson Hall is often used for concerts and other special events, while the TECO Energy Education Center provides space for workshops and community programs. Understanding which venue your event is in is key to planning your visit. TikTok

Beyond these main stages, the Straz Center also features outdoor spaces and lobbies that can be used for events or simply as gathering points. The variety of venues ensures that the Straz Center can cater to a diverse range of artistic expressions and audience preferences, making it a dynamic hub for performing arts in Tampa. Reddit

Experiencing Immersive Art at the Straz

The Straz Center has become a popular venue for immersive art experiences, most notably the 'Beyond Van Gogh' and 'Beyond Monet' exhibits. These shows transform large spaces within the center into dynamic galleries where the artists' works are projected onto walls, floors, and ceilings, accompanied by music and narration. Visitors often describe the experience as captivating and moving, encouraging them to engage with the art in a new way. Reddit

While these exhibits are visually stunning and offer ample photo opportunities, some reviews suggest they can feel a bit slow or drawn-out, with a significant amount of reading involved. The seating, often in the form of stools, might not be the most comfortable for extended periods. However, the 3D experience at the end of some exhibits is frequently cited as a highlight, providing a brief but impactful conclusion. Reddit

For fans of these artists, these immersive shows are a must-visit. They offer a unique perspective on classic art and can inspire a desire to explore more traditional museum settings. It's an experience that blends technology with artistic appreciation, making art accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Reddit

Broadway at the Straz: A Tampa Staple

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is renowned for bringing top-tier Broadway shows to Tampa. Its schedule consistently features acclaimed productions, from long-running hits to new touring spectacles. Shows like 'Hamilton,' 'The Lion King,' and 'Wicked' have graced the Carol Morsani Hall stage, drawing enthusiastic crowds from across the region. TikTok

Attending a Broadway performance at the Straz is often described as an unforgettable experience. The venue's grandeur, combined with the high production quality of touring shows, creates a magical atmosphere. Visitors frequently praise the stunning visuals, top-tier performances, and the overall great atmosphere of the theater. Reddit

Securing tickets for these popular shows is highly recommended well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. The Straz Center's commitment to showcasing diverse and high-quality Broadway productions solidifies its position as a premier destination for live theater in Florida. TikTok

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